By Caitlin Hanbury 

The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing has earned designation from the National Hartford Center for Gerontological Nursing Excellence (NHCGNE), a distinction awarded to nursing schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing the field of gerontological nursing. This marks the school’s eighth year of membership with the national organization, joining 55 other institutions dedicated to promoting excellence in care for aging populations. 

The designation underscores the school’s leadership in developing solutions for aging-related care while connecting faculty and students to a national network of experts dedicated to research, policy and innovative care models. 

With the United States population aged 65 and older growing by 38.6% from 2010 to 2020 — its fastest increase in more than a century — the demand for research, education, and innovative care models to support healthy aging is urgent. 

"Joining NHCGNE reaffirms our school’s commitment to shaping the future of gerontological nursing," said Patricia Kinser, Ph.D., interim dean and professor. "This association empowers our faculty and students to drive groundbreaking research, influence policy, and lead innovations that improve the lives of older adults.” 

The school is a leader in nursing practices that address the diverse needs of aging individuals. Faculty research in this area spans a wide range of work and includes developing innovative care models; examining the complex relationship between aging, chronic diseases, and strategies to promote health and well-being, brain health, cognitive frailty, mobility, preventing cognitive decline, managing Parkinson’s and neurodegenerative disorders, and kidney health. 

Through initiatives like the Mobile Health and Wellness Program, the School of Nursing is also engaging new communities — particularly those not traditionally involved in shaping research — to bring these findings to diverse socioeconomic groups and champion equitable care for all older adults. 

As part of NHCGNE membership, faculty and students at the school can access resources that support research, abstract submissions, poster presentations, and professional development. Started in 2000 as the Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Initiative, the NHCGNE is now an independent organization with a mission to advance excellence in gerontological nursing research, education, and practice. 

The School of Nursing’s partnership with NHCGNE fosters collaboration and strengthens VCU’s role in driving the evolution of gerontological nursing, ensuring that the latest evidence-based practices are seamlessly integrated into both education and care. 

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A version of this story was originally published by VCU School of Nursing