Tina Sadarangani

Faculty

Tina Sadarangani headshot

Tina Sadarangani

PhD RN ANP-C GNP-BC

Assistant Professor

1 212 992 7183

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

Accepting PhD students

Prof. Tina Sadarangani, PhD, RN, FAAN is an Assistant Professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing and a board-certified adult and geriatric nurse practitioner. Sadarangani is an NIH-funded clinician scientist over-seeing a research portfolio focused on improving care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. She has built a growing movement to help families, especially immigrant families, caring for a chronically ill person navigate a complex and fragmented healthcare system. Her work has impacted families and eldercare organizations nationwide. Sadarangani’s expertise includes family caregivers, adult day care services, older adult nutrition, age-tech, and addressing the long-term care needs of ethnically diverse older adults.

With support from the National Institutes of Health, Sadarangani created an award-winning mobile app– CareMobiTM - out of her NYU lab that helps family members caring for a chronically ill loved one, particularly those with dementia, communicate around the day-to-day care of their loved ones. She is also the creator of The Enlightened Caregiver – a social media movement -  that empowers families with practical guidance on how to get optimal, not usual, healthcare for the people they love. 

Her research also innovatively positions adult day centers, which represent a growing but understudied sector of long-term care, as platforms for chronic disease management in underserved communities. A leader in using community-partnered research in adult day centers, her on-going collaborations with the National Adult Day Services Association and the California Association of Adult Day Services, have demonstrated that integrating adult day centers into the healthcare continuum contributes to reductions in avoidable healthcare utilization and person-centered care. She is also the nation's leading researcher focused on evaluating and improving nutrition programs in adult day centers.

Sadarangani has published extensively in peer-reviewed academic journals, including in the American Journal of Public Health and the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. She has been featured in the New York Times, Associated Press, US News and World Report, among several other major media outlets. She has been recognized as a Woman of Distinction/Rising Star in Long-Term Care and recently recognized by Crain’s New York Business as a Notable Leader in Healthcare. 

 

PhD, New York University
MS, University of Pennsylvania
BSN, New York University
BA, Georgetown University

Chronic disease
Gerontology
Health Policy
Health Services Research
Immigrants
Underserved populations
Vulnerable & marginalized populations

American Gerontological Society
American Heart Association
National Gerontological Nurses Association
Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society

Top 10% of Most-Viewed Papers Published in 2023, Journal of Clinical Nursing, The relationship between nurse burnout, missed nursing care, and care quality following COVID‐19 pandemic (2025)
Alumni Nursing Exemplar, Georgetown University School of Nursing, New York, NY. (2025)
NYU Meyers Dean's Excellence in Research Award for Senior Faculty - recognizes full-time faculty who have engaged in research that contributes to the development of new scientific knowledge, or advances in nursing practice or education (2025)
Rising Star Award, National Institute on Aging (NIA), American Geriatrics Society (AGS), Advancing Geriatrics Infrastructure and Network Growth (AGING) Initiative and Alzheimer's Diagnosis in older Adults with Chronic Conditions (ADACC) Network, &quot (2025)
Gold Medal Winner, CareMobi: Connecting Families and Day Centers. McKnight’s Long-term Care Technology Awards, Keep It Super Simple Category. New York, NY. (2024)
UBS x Luminary Fellow, Supporting Women of Color Founders, New York, NY (2024)
Fellowship, New York Academy of Medicine, New York, NY (2024)
Fellowship (FAAN), American Academy of Nursing, Washington, DC (2024)
Fellow Status (FGSA), Gerontological Society of America, Seattle, WA. (2024)
Luminary Award, National Indian Nurse Practitioners Association of America 7 th Nursing Conference. Suffern, NY. (2024)
Judge’s Award for Best Fast Pitch, 2023 National Institute on Aging Start-up Challenge “Shark Tank” Competition, Las Vegas, NV (2023)
Finalist, National Institute on Aging 2023 Start-up Challenge, Bethesda, MD (2023)
Top 10 Reviewer Award - Research in Gerontological Nursing (2023)
Faculty Scholar, National Institute on Aging IMPACT Collaboratory, Bethesda, MD (2023)
Faculty Scholar, National Institute on Aging IMPACT Collaboratory, Bethesda, MD (2022)
Faculty Scholar, National Institute on Aging IMPACT Collaboratory, Bethesda, MD (2021)
Woman of Distinction (Rising Star), McKnight’s Long-Term Care, New York, NY (2021)
Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, New York University (2019)
Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, New York University (2018)
Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, New York University (2017)
Valedictorian, New York University (2017)
Hermann Biggs Health Policy Scholar, Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation (2017)
Hillman Alumni Network Innovation Fellowship, Hillman Alumni Network (2016)
Doctoral Audience Choice Winner, New York University (2016)
Research Podium Presentation Award, Gerontology Advanced Practice Nurses Association (2016)
Hermann Biggs Health Policy Scholar, Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation (2016)
Patricia G. Archbold Award, National Hartford Centers for Gerontological Nursing Excellence (2016)
Patricia G. Archbold Award, National Hartford Centers for Gerontological Nursing Excellence (2015)
Patricia G. Archbold Award, National Hartford Centers for Gerontological Nursing Excellence (2014)
Spirit of Hillman Award, Hillman Alumni Network (2014)
Summa Cum Laude, Georgetown University
Phi Beta Kappa, Georgetown University

The nurse's role in promoting health equity and improving racial justice in older adults through elimination of unconscious bias

Sadarangani, T. (2020). In Geriatric Nursing (Vols. 41, Issues 6, pp. 1025-1027). 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2020.10.011
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Redefining the Care Continuum to Create a Pipeline to Dementia Care for Minority Populations

Sadarangani, T., Salcedo, V., Chodosh, J., Kwon, S., Trinh-Shevrin, C., & Yi, S. (2020). In Journal of Primary Care and Community Health (Vols. 11). 10.1177/2150132720921680
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Multiple studies show that racial and ethnic minorities with low socioeconomic status are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease–related dementias (AD/ADRD) in more advanced disease stages, receive fewer formal services, and have worse health outcomes. For primary care providers confronting this challenge, community-based organizations can be key partners in supporting earlier identification of AD/ADRD and earlier entry into treatment, especially for minority groups. The New York University Center for the Study of Asian American Health, set out to culturally adapt and translate The Kickstart-Assess-Evaluate-Refer (KAER) framework created by the Gerontological Society of America to support earlier detection of dementia in Asian American communities and assist in this community-clinical coordinated care. We found that CBOs play a vital role in dementia care, and are often the first point of contact for concerns around cognitive impairment in ethnically diverse communities. A major strength of these centers is that they provide culturally appropriate group education that focuses on whole group quality of life, rather than singling out any individual. They also offer holistic family-centered care and staff have a deep understanding of cultural and social issues that affect care, including family dynamics. For primary care providers confronting the challenge of delivering evidence-based dementia care in the context of the busy primary care settings, community-based organizations can be key partners in supporting earlier identification of AD/ADRD and earlier entry into treatment, especially for minority groups.

Using the social ecological model to identify drivers of nutrition risk in adult day settings serving east Asian older adults

Sadarangani, T., Johnson, J. J., Chong, S. K., Brody, A. A., & Trinh-Shevrin, C. (2020). In Research in Gerontological Nursing (Vols. 13, Issues 3, pp. 146-157). 10.3928/19404921-20191210-02
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Adult day care (ADC) centers provide community-based care (including meals) to frail, ethnically diverse older adults, many of whom are at risk for malnutrition. To support the development of interventions to benefit ADC users, the authors aimed to identify barriers and facilitators of healthy nutrition among ADC users born in Vietnam and China. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted among ADC stakeholders to identify barriers and facilitators. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step method and organized within the framework of the Social Ecological Model. Facilitators of good nutrition included adherence to traditional diet at the ADC center, peer networks, and access to ethnic grocers. Poor health, family dynamics, and loneliness all contributed to poor nutrition, as did the restrictive nature of nutrition programs serving ADC users in the United States. Individual, relationship, organizational, community, and policy level factors play a role in ADC users’ nutritional status. Targeted nutrition interventions should leverage culturally congruent relationships between ADC users and staff and include advocacy for enhancement of federal programs to support this population. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 13(3), 146-157.].

Cardiovascular Risk in Middle-Aged and Older Immigrants : Exploring Residency Period and Health Insurance Coverage

Sadarangani, T., Trinh-Shevrin, C., Chyun, D., Yu, G., & Kovner, C. T. (2019). In Journal of Nursing Scholarship (Vols. 51, Issues 3, pp. 326-336). 10.1111/jnu.12465
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Purpose: It is reported that while immigrants are, initially, healthier than the native-born upon resettlement, this advantage erodes over time. In the United States, uninsured aging immigrants are increasingly experiencing severe complications of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The purpose of this study was to compare overall CVD risk and explore the importance of health insurance coverage on CVD risk relative to other health access barriers, from 2007 to 2012, in recent and long-term immigrants >50 years of age. Methods: This study was based on secondary cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (N = 1,920). The primary outcome, CVD risk category (high or low), was determined using the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association Pooled Cohort equation. Differences between immigrant groups were examined using independent-samples t tests and chi-square analysis. The association between insurance and CVD risk was explored using a hierarchical block logistic regression model, in which variables were entered in a predetermined order. Changes in pseudo R 2 measured whether health insurance explained variance in cardiac risk beyond other variables. Results: Recent immigrants had lower overall CVD risk than long-term immigrants but were twice as likely to be uninsured and had higher serum glucose and lipid levels. Based on regression models, being uninsured contributed to CVD risk beyond other health access determinants, and CVD risk was pronounced among recent immigrants who were uninsured. Conclusions: Health insurance coverage plays an essential part in a comprehensive approach to mitigating CVD risk for aging immigrants, particularly recent immigrants whose cardiovascular health is susceptible to deterioration. Clinical Relevance: Nurses are tasked with recognizing the unique social and physical vulnerabilities of aging immigrants and accounting for these in care plans. In addition to helping them access healthcare coverage and affordable medication, nurses and clinicians should prioritize low-cost lifestyle interventions that reduce CVD risk, especially diet and exercise programs.

A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a Nurse-Led Community-Based Health Home for Ethnically Diverse Older Adults With Multimorbidity in the Adult Day Health Setting

Sadarangani, T., Missaelides, L., Eilertsen, E., Jaganathan, H., & Wu, B. (2019). In Policy, Politics, and Nursing Practice (Vols. 20, Issues 3, pp. 131-144). 10.1177/1527154419864301
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Multimorbidity affects 75% of older adults (aged 65 years and older) in the United States and increases risk of poor medical outcomes, especially among the poor and underserved. The creation of a Medicaid option allowing states to establish health homes under the Affordable Care Act was intended to enhance coordinated care for Medicaid beneficiaries with multimorbidity. The Community-Based Health Home (CBHH) model uses the infrastructure of the Adult Day Health Center (ADHC) to serve as a health home to improve outcomes for medically complex vulnerable adults. Between 2017 and 2018, we used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach to (a) quantitatively examine changes in depression, fall risk, loneliness, cognitive function, nutritional risk, pain classification, and health care utilization over the course of 12 months in the program and (b) qualitatively explore the perspectives of key stakeholders (registered nurse navigators, participants, ADHC administrators, and caregivers) to identify the most effective components of CBHH. Using data integration techniques, we identified components of CBHH that were most likely driving outcomes. After 12 months in CBHH, our racially diverse sample (N = 126), experienced statistically significant (p < .05) reductions in loneliness, depression, nutritional risk, poorly controlled pain, and emergency department utilization. Stakeholders who were interviewed (n = 40) attributed positive changes to early clinical intervention by the registered nurse navigators, communication with providers across settings, and a focus on social determinants of health, in conjunction with social stimulation and engagement provided by the ADHC. CBHH positions the ADHC as the locus of an effective health home site and is associated with favorable results. CBHH also demonstrates the unique capacity and skill of registered nurses in integrating health and social services across community settings. Continued exploration of CBHH among diverse populations with multimorbidity is warranted.

Racial Disparities in Nutritional Risk among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Adult Day Health Care

Sadarangani, T., Missaelides, L., Yu, G., Trinh, C., & Brody, A. (2019). In Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics (Vols. 38, Issues 4, pp. 345-360).
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Information regarding nutritional risk among users of American adult day health centers (ADHCs), 60% of whom are racial minorities, is scant. This study examined nutritional risk and associated factors in a diverse sample ADHC users aged 50+ using secondary cross-sectional analysis of data collected between 2013 and 2017. Risk was assessed using the DETERMINE checklist, and results were stratified by race. The majority of the sample (N = 188) was at moderate (45.2%) or high (38.5%) nutritional risk, with statistically significant racial differences. Blacks were at greater risk than any other group: 65% had high nutritional risk; 76.5% ate

Strategies for overcoming language barriers in research

Squires, A. P., Sadarangani, T., & Jones, S. (2019). In Journal of Advanced Nursing (Vols. 76, Issues 2, pp. 706-714). 10.1111/jan.14007
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Aim: This paper seeks to describe best practices for conducting cross-language research with individuals who have a language barrier. Design: Discussion paper. Data Sources: Research methods papers addressing cross-language research issues published between 2000–2017. Implications for Nursing: Rigorous cross-language research involves the appropriate use of interpreters during the research process, systematic planning for how to address the language barrier between participant and researcher and the use of reliably and validly translated survey instruments (when applicable). Biases rooted in those who enter data into “big data” systems may influence data quality and analytic approaches in large observational studies focused on linking patient language preference to health outcomes. Conclusion: Cross-language research methods can help ensure that those individuals with language barriers have their voices contributing to the evidence informing healthcare practice and policies that shape health services implementation and financing. Understanding the inherent conscious and unconscious biases of those conducting research with this population and how this may emerge in research studies is also an important part of producing rigorous, reliable, and valid cross-language research. Impact: This study synthesized methodological recommendations for cross-language research studies with the goal to improve the quality of future research and expand the evidence-base for clinical practice. Clear methodological recommendations were generated that can improve research rigor and quality of cross-language qualitative and quantitative studies. The recommendations generated here have the potential to have an impact on the health and well-being of migrants around the world.

Cardiovascular disease risk among older immigrants in the United States

Sadarangani, T., Chyun, D., Trinh-Shevrin, C., Yu, G., & Kovner, C. T. (2018). In Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing (Vols. 33, Issues 6, pp. 544-550). 10.1097/JCN.0000000000000498
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Abstract
Background: In the United States, 16 million immigrants are 50 years and older, but little is known about their cardiometabolic health and how to best assess their cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Aging immigrants may therefore not be benefitting from advances in CVD prevention. Objective: In this study, we estimate and compare CVD risk in a nationally representative sample of aging immigrants using 3 different measures. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Immigrants 50 years and older with no history of CVD were eligible. The Framingham Risk Score (FRS), the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Pooled Cohort Risk Equation, and presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) were used to estimate risk. Bivariate statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 Complex Survey module to account for National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey unique weighting scheme. Results: The mean age of the sample was 61.3 years; 40% had hypertension, 17% had diabetes, 10% were smokers, and 95% did not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines. Proportions at an elevated CVD risk were as follows: American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association, 42% female and 76% male; FRS, 17.4% female and 76% male; and MetS, 22% female and 24% male. Conclusions: Immigrants had a lower overall risk using MetS and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association equation than has been found using these tools in similarly aged samples. The opposite was true for the FRS. The discrepancy between the proportion at risk and those being treated may reflect healthcare access gaps that warrant further investigation. A more holistic approach to risk measurement is needed that accounts for determinants of health that disproportionately affect immigrants, including language and socioeconomic status.

Service use, participation, experiences, and outcomes among older adult immigrants in american adult day service centers : An integrative review of the literature

Sadarangani, T., & Murali, K. P. (2018). In Research in Gerontological Nursing (Vols. 11, Issues 6, pp. 317-328). 10.3928/19404921-20180629-01
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Older adult immigrants are often socially isolated and vulnerable to poor health. Adult day service (ADS) centers could potentially facilitate social integration and address their long-term health care needs. The current review (a) identifies barriers to and facilitators of ADS use among immigrants, (b) explores how ADS programs impact older adult immigrants’ health and well-being, and (c) isolates the most effective culturally based components of ADS programs. An integrative review was conducted using Whittemore and Knafl’s methodology. Four databases were searched. Articles were critically appraised and data were organized within an ADS-specific framework. Functional impairment, race, gender, and degree of loneliness were all predictors of ADS use. ADS enhanced immigrants’ quality of life and provided fulfillment. Transportation, bilingual nurses, peer support, and cultural activities were deemed essential by participants. ADS can provide support to older adult immigrants by adding cultural elements to existing services and using nurses as cultural liaisons. More research is needed to assess the impact of ADS on disease outcomes, including dementia, and on immigrants in multi-ethnic settings.

Medicaid for Newly Resettled Legal Immigrants

Sadarangani, T., & Kovner, C. T. (2017). In Policy, Politics, and Nursing Practice (Vols. 18, Issue 1, pp. 3-5). 10.1177/1527154417704850
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