Nancy E. Edwards, PhD, APN, RN Director of Graduate Programs Associate Professor of Nursing Coordinator ANP Track Phone: (765) 494-4015 Fax: (765) 494-6339 E-mail: edwardsn@purdue.edu Full directory listing

Specialization: Adult Nursing/ Gerontology/ Adult Nurse Prractitioner

Education

Research: Adult Nursing/ Gerontology/ Adult Nurse Prractitioner

Dr. Edwards research interests include quality of life in individuals with progressive neurological diseases. Her present research focuses on nutritional status in individuals with dementia, utilization of robotic animals with socially isolated older adults, exercise promotion with frail dementia individuals, and the influence of staff education on disruptive behaviors in individuals with dementia residing in a long-term care setting.

Interests

• Adult Nursing
• Dementia
• Neuroprogressive diseases
• Animal assisted therapy

Service and Engagement

• Dr. Edwards coordinates the Lafayette Area Parkinson's Disease Support and Exercise Group.
• She also is the leader of the Senior exercise group "Young at Heart".
• Dr. Edwards serves on the Advisory Board of the North Central Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and is a professional speaker for the Alzheimer's Association providing professionals and family members with information about care for individuals with dementia and current research in dementia care.
• Participation in Professional Organizations
• Peer Review Panel, Health Resources and Service Administration. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Basic Nursing Education and Practice Program.
• January 2004 Peer Review Panel, Health Resources and Service Administration. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Basic Nursing Education and Practice Program.
• 2003-Present Article Reviewer, Journal of Advanced Nursing
• February 2003 Peer Review Panel, Health Resources and Service Administration. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Workforce Diversity.
• August 2003 Peer Review Panel, Health Resources and Service Administration. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Geriatric Knowledge Program.
• January 2003 Peer Review Panel, Health Resources and Service Administration. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Basic Nursing Education and Practice Program.
• January 2002 Peer Review Panel, Health Resources and Service Administration. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Basic Nursing Education and Practice Program.
• 2001-Present West Central Indiana Alzheimer's Association Board
• Lafayette Parkinson's Support Group-Group Leader
• 2003-Present Nurse Research Consultant, Harmony Institute Community Advisory Board, Harmony, FL
• Purdue University Committee Participation
• 2007-2009 Faculty Senate Representative
• 2006-2007 School of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Sciences Junior Chair, United Way
• 2003-present United Way, School of Nursing Representative
• 2002-Present Living Well after 50 Coalition (Evaluation Chair)
• 1999-Present Purdue Press Board
• 1999-2002 Interdisciplinary Gerontology Board
• Professional Consultation
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners
• Midwest Nursing Research Society
• Sigma Theta Tau, Delta Omicron Chapter, Vice President
• Geriatric Society of America
• Purdue Nursing Alumni Association, Board Member
• Community Service
• 2001-Present West Central Indiana Alzheimer's Association Board
• Lafayette Parkinson's Support Group, Group Leader
• Monthly Blood Pressure Screenings, Tippecanoe Mall Walkers
• Young-at-Heart Senior Aerobics, Group Leader
• Parish Health Cabinet, Saint Lawrence Catholic Church

Teaching

Dr. Edwards teaches courses on Adult Health, Gerontology, Pharmacology, and Adult Nurse Practitioner. She is the Coordinator for the Adult Nurse Practitioner Program, Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program and Director of the Graduate Nursing Program. She is also a faculty member for the Center on Aging and the Life Course and the Center for the Human-Animal Bond.

Honors and Credentials

• Professional Registrations/Organizations
• Midwest Nursing Research Society
• Sigma Theta Tau, Delta Omicron Chapter,
• Geriatric Society of America
• Purdue Nursing Alumni Association,
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners
• Awards and Honors
• Competency in Aging Writers Award, Academy of Medical/Surgical Nursing
• May 2004 Outstanding Nursing Alumni, Purdue University
• May 2003 Teaching for Tomorrow Award, Purdue University
• June 10-14, 2002 Gerontological Nursing Interventions Research Center Summer Scholar,University of Iowa, College of Nursing, Iowa City, IA
• May 2000 Outstanding Teacher for Junior Year, Purdue University
• January 2000 Nurse of the Year Top 10 Finalist
• August 1999 WRTV Channel 6 Leadership Award, Indianapolis, IN
• June 27-July 2, 1999 Hartford Institute Geriatric Nursing Research Scholar, Hartford Institute of Geriatric Research, New York, NY
• May 1992 Greater Lafayette Nurse of the Year

Grants

• B. Wall, PI, N. Edwards, Co-PI, J. Novak, S. Wilkerson, J. Kirkpatrick, and L. Sands. (2005). Rural based advanced practice nursing education: BS to DNP. Department of Health and Human Services. Bureau of Health Professions, Division of Nursing.
• N. Edwards. (2004). Optimizing function in nursing home residents with moderate to severe dementia: Influence of exercise and staff education. Bureau of Aging and In-Home Services: Division of Disability, Aging, and Restorative Services.
• N. Edwards. (2003). Improving weight, nutritional status and health with environmental enrichment. Center for Aging and the Life Course. Purdue University.
• N. Edwards, Co-PI. (2003). You've come a long way baby. Sigma Theta Tau International.
• N. Edwards. (2002). The influence of Alzheimer's Disease staff education in Dementia specific units. Sigma Theta Tau International.
• N. Edwards, Co-PI. (2001). Personal embodied agents as companions for the elderly? The therapeutic study. National Science Foundation.
• N. Edwards. (2001). Using aquariums in managing Alzheimer's disease: Increasing resident nutrition and improving staff morale. Pet Care Trust.
• N. Edwards. (2000). Advanced clinical and leadership skills: Elderly care. Department of Health and Human Services.
• N. Edwards. (2000). Clinical leadership role modeling: Nursing students and faculty. Helene Fuld Leadership Award.
• N. Edwards. (1998). Utilization of animal-assisted therapy in the management of Alzheimer's Disease. Indiana Family and Social Service Administrations, Division of Disability, Aging and Rehabilitative Services, Bureau of Aging and In-Home Services.
• N. Edwards. (1998). The management of Multiple Sclerosis as it relates to marital quality perceived burden, locus of control, and perceived burden. Purdue University Foundation Summer Faculty Grant.
• N. Edwards. (1998). Utilization of animal-assisted therapy in the management of Alzheimer's Disease. Sigma Theta Tau, Delta Omicron Chapter.
• N. Edwards, Co-PI. (1995). Establishing a nurse managed health center in Carroll County. Indiana State Department of Health.

Clinical Practice

Dr. Edwards practices as an Adult Nurse Practitioner at Riggs Community Health Center. She has also taught clinicals for Adult Health and Fundamentals.

Administration and Committee Work

Dr. Edwards is the Coordinator for the Adult Nurse Practitioner Program, Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program and Director of the Graduate Nursing Program. She participates in student recruitment, clinical coordination, student progression and promotion.

Presentations

Edwards, N. (April 9, 2005). Differentiating dementia, depression, and delirium. American Association of Ambulatory Care Nurses. San Diego, CA.

Edwards, N. and Yehle, K. (July 2004). Promoting baccalaureate nursing student's leadership competence through exploration of the nurse educator role. Sigma Theta Tau International Research Conference. Dublin, Ireland.

Edwards, N. and Beck, A. (October 2004). Using aquariums in managing Alzheimer's disease: Increasing resident nutrition. International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organization. Glasgow, Scotland.

Beck, A., Edwards, N., Kahn, P., and Freidman, B. (Oct. 2004). Robotic pets as perceived companions for older adults. International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organization. Glasgow, Scotland.

Edwards, N. (Oct. 2004). Assessing and treating UTI's in older adults. Society of Urological Nursing. Orlando, FL.

Yehle, K., Edwards, N., and Wukasch, R. (Nov. 7, 2004). Increasing knowledge of BSN students' leadership knowledge. Continuing Competency: Where Education and Practice Meet-A National Conference on Professional Nursing Education and Development. Kansas City, MO.

Yehle, K., Edwards, N., and Wukasch, R. (Oct. 24, 2004). Promoting baccalaureate nursing student's leadership competence through exploration of the nurse educator role. The Academic Performance of Students: Legal and Ethical Issues. University of Southern Indiana. Evansville, IN.

Edwards, N. (June 4, 2003). Communicating skills and managing difficult behaviors: Nurse aide training. West Central Alzheimer's Association, Tippecanoe County Extension. Lafayette, IN.

Edwards, N. (April 21, 2003). Overview of Alzheimer's disease. West Central Alzheimer's Association, Unity Health Care. Lafayette, IN.

Edwards, N. (April 7, 2003). Using technology to foster quality communication, satisfaction and emotional wellness. American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. Washington, DC.

Edwards, N. (March 28, 2003). Mental competency and understanding Parkinson's disease. Geriatric Update 2003: New York West Central Educational Consortium. Ogdensburg, NY.

Edwards, N. (Feb. 26-27, 2003). Pieces of the puzzle: Dementia training for the professional caregivers. Laurel Healthcare. Ft Wayne, IN.

Edwards, N. and Beck, A. (Oct. 11, 2002). Animals and the older adult: Real and technology. Indiana Governor's Conference on Aging. Indianapolis, IN.

Edwards, N. and Kim, J. (July 25, 2002). A global perspective on Alzheimer's disease: Examining the relationship between AD stage and behaviors in individuals from Korea and the United States. Sigma Theta Tau International Research Conference. Brisbane, Australia.

Beck, A., Edwards, N., and McCabe, G. (July 26, 2002). The Lunar influence on behaviors in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Sigma Theta Tau International Research Conference. Brisbane, Australia.

Edwards, N. (June 6, 2002). Advanced clinical leadership skills: Elderly care. Division of Nursing Education and Practice, Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, MD.

Edwards, N. (April 12, 2002). Geriatric Update 2002. New York West Central Educational Consortium, Ogdensburg, NY.

Edwards, N. (Jan. 9, 2002). Increased quality of life for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients. Family Impact Seminar, Indiana Government Center. Indianapolis, IN.

Edwards, N. and Beck, A. (Sept. 13, 2001). The role of animals on nutritional intake in older adults. People and Animals: A Global Perspective for the 21st Century. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Edwards, N. and Beck, A. (June 14, 2001). The influence of aquariums on nutritional management in Alzheimer's disease individuals. 22nd International Congress of Nursing. Copenhagen, Denmark.

Edwards, N. and Kim, J. (June 9, 2001). A global perspective on behaviors exhibited by individuals with Alzheimer's disease: Korea and the United States. Sigma Theta Tau International Research Conference. Copenhagen, Denmark.

Beck, A. and Edwards, N. (April 21, 2001). The role of animals in the lives of older adults. 5th International Conference: Companion Animals a s a Source of Health. Madrid, Spain.

Edwards, N. (Aug. 7-9, 2001). Pieces of the puzzle: Dementia training for caregivers. Laurel Healthcare of Ashville. Ashville, NC.

Edwards, N. (Sept. 26-28, 2000). Pieces of the puzzle: Dementia training for caregivers. Laurel Healthcare of Dekalb. Butler, IN.

Edwards, N. and Brooks, J. (Sept. 14-15, 2000). Faculty and students providing health care in a rural community. National League of Nursing Education Summit 2000. Nashville, TN.

Edwards, N. and Scheetz, P. (July 28 and Aug. 2, 2000). Geriatric assessment in a long term care setting. Life Care Centers of America, Central Region. Plymouth, IN.

Edwards, N. and Scheetz, P. (July 21 and 26, 2000). Geriatric assessment for long term care nurses. Life Care Centers of American, Inc. Eastern Region. Indianapolis, IN.

Edwards, N. and Scheetz, P. (June 19-21, 2000). Geriatric assessment for long term care nurses. Life Care Centers of America, Eastern Region. Kansas City, KS.

Edwards, N. and Beck, A. (May 12, 2000). The influence of animal-assisted therapy on the nutritional intake in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Poster Presentation: Weight-y issues: Nutrition and body image. Purdue University.

Edwards, N. (April 2, 2000). The influence of animal-assisted therapy on the nutritional intake of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Paper presentation: Midwest Nursing Research Society, Dearborn, MI.

Edwards, N. (Sept. 1999). Differentiating the three D's: Depression, delirium, and dementia. Academy of Medical Surgical Nursing, Phoenix, AZ.

Edwards, N. and Wukasch, R. (July 17, 1999). Leadership in a clinical setting: The utilization of student clinical assistants. Research presentation. The New Nursing: Converging Conversations of Education, Research, and Practice. Madison, WI.

Edwards, N. (July 31, 1999). Factors influencing the management of Parkinson's disease. Poster presentation. International Council of Nurses Centennial Conference: Celebrating the Past, Claiming the Future. London, England.

Edwards, N. (Nov. 1998). Physical assessment of the older adult. Eight Hour Conference Presentation, Western Baptist Hospital. Paducah, KY.

Edwards, N. (Oct. 1998). Physical assessment of the older adult. Seminar Presentation. Academy of Medical Surgical Nursing, Philadelphia, PA.

Edwards, N. (Oct. 1998). Handling geriatric emergencies. Seminar Presentation. Academy of Medical Surgical Nursing Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA.

Edwards, N. (Oct. 1998). Utilization of physical restraints in the older adult. Academy of Medical Surgical Nursing Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA.

Edwards, N. (Sept. 1998). The management of Parkinson's disease as it relates to marital quality, perceived support, locus of control and perceived burden. Paper presentation. Midwest Alliance in Nursing, Indianapolis, IN.

Edwards, N. and Scheetz, P. (Sept. 1998). Predictors of burden in Parkinson's disease caregivers. Midwest Alliance in Nursing, Indianapolis, IN.

Edwards, N. The management of Parkinson's disease as it relates to marital quality, perceived support, locus of control, and perceived burden. Paper presentation. Midwest Nursing Research Society, Columbus, OH.

Edwards, N. (March 1998). Predictors of burden in Parkinson's disease couples. Poster presentation, Midwest Nursing Research Society, Columbus, OH.

Edwards, N. (April 1998). Influences in caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Presentation, Physician/Clergy/Nurse Annual Conference, Lafayette, IN.

Edwards, N. (May 1998). Aging and exercise, aging well: A multidisciplinary perspective. Presentation. Purdue University.

Edwards, N. Specialized needs of the geriatric client and promoting wellness to the older individual. F.O. Butler Invitational Speaker. South Dakota State University. Brookings, SD.

Edwards, N. and Russell, S. (Aug. and Oct. 1994). Geriatric assessment and handling geriatric emergencies. Indiana Veterans Home, West Lafayette, IN.

Edwards, N. and Oscarson, R. (March 1994). Developing educational materials to facilitate compliance. Family in Family Medicine Conference.

Edwards, N. (May 1993). Geriatric assessment of the cardiovascular and pulmonary system. Purdue University.

Hart, L. and Edwards, N. (April 1993). Health care reform workshop. Purdue University.

Edwards, N. and Oscarson, R. (April 1993). Fetal tissue transplantation: Triumph or tragedy? Sigma Theta Tau Research Conference. Purdue University.

Edwards, N. and Kinyon, J. (Sept. 1992). Psychotropic drug use and remedies. Indiana Health Care Association.

Edwards, N. and Oscarson, R. (Oct. 1992). Nursing and family enrichment programs. Indiana State Nurses Association, Indianapolis, IN.

Representative Publications

Edwards, N. and Baird, C. (2005). Interpreting geriatric lab values. MEDSURG Nursing, The Journal of Adult Health, 14(4), 220-230.

Beck, A. and Edwards, N. (2003). El papel de los animals en la vida de los ancianos. Animals de compania, fuente de salud. 53-69.

Edwards, N. (2003). Differentiating the 3 D's: Depression, delirium and dementia. MEDSURG Nursing, The Journal of Adult Health, 12(6), 347-358.

Edwards, N. and Valley, J. (2003). The research process: Using a "recipe" to increase successful outcomes. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 29(9), 49-54.

Edwards, N. and Beck, A. (2002). The influence of animal-assisted therapy on nutritional intake in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 24(5), 697-712.

Edwards, N. and Ruettiger, K. (2002). The influence of perceived spousal burden on the management of Parkinson's disease: Implications for rehabilitation nursing. Rehabilitation Nursing, 27(5), 182-186.

Edwards, N. and Scheetz, P. (2002). Predictors of burden in Parkinson's disease caregivers. Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 34(4), 184-190.