Faculty Bibliography

OBJECTIVES: The global challenge of accessible, affordable cancer care for all older adults requires a new research agenda for gero-oncology nursing to guide investigator skill development, identify priority areas for investigation, and direct resource distribution. DATA SOURCES: Published peer-reviewed literature and web-based resources. CONCLUSION: A cross-cutting theme of the research agenda is the need to determine the gero-oncology nursing care that will preserve economic resources, promote function, provide symptom management, and incorporate patient preferences. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: In partnership with interprofessional colleagues, gero-oncology nurse scientists are poised to conduct global research that improves access to quality cancer care.

In 2000, the John A. Hartford Foundation established the Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Program initiative, acknowledging nursing's key role in the care of the growing population of older adults. This program has supported 249 nurse scientists with pre- and postdoctoral awards. As a result of the program's success, several Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Program awardees formed an alumni organization to continue to advance the quality care of older adults. This group of Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Program awardees joined others receiving support from the John A. Hartford Foundation nursing initiatives to grow a formal organization, the Hartford Gerontological Nursing Leaders (HGNL). The purpose of this article is to present the development, accomplishments, and challenges of the HGNL, informing other professional nursing organizations that are experiencing similar accomplishments and challenges. This article also demonstrates the power of a funding initiative to grow an organization dedicated to impact gerontological health and health care through research, practice, education, and policy.