Topeka, KS -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/25/2014 -- The American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) in conjunction with the Journal of Holistic Nursing (JHN) Editor Richard Cowling III RN, PhD, APRN-BC, AHN-BC is pleased to announce the appointment of new JHN Associate Editors. The eight new Associate Editors are Cynthia C. Barrere PhD, RN, CNS, AHN-BC, of Prospect, Connecticut; Evelyn Clingerman PhD, CNE, RN, FNAP, of Paw Paw, Michigan; Margaret O’Brien King PhD, RN-BC, AHN-BC, CNL, of Loveland, Ohio; Bernadette Lange PhD, RN, ANH-BC, of Hobe Sound, Florida; Nancy LaPlante PhD, RN, AHN-BC, of West Chester, Pennsylvania; Ruth McCaffrey DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC, GNP-BC FAAN, of Lake Worth, Florida; Jo Lynne Robins PhD, RN, ANP-BC, AHN-C, FAANP, of Richmond, Virginia; and Leighsa Sharoff EdD, RN, NPP, AHN-BC, of New York, New York. These new editors join the current Associate Editors serving: Howard K. Butcher PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC; Mary Enzman Hines PhD, RN, CNS, CPNP, AHN-BC; Donna H. Taliaferro PhD, RN; Diane Wind Wardell PhD, RNC, HNC, PhD; Susan Letvak PhD, RN, FAAN and Victoria E Slater PhD, RN, AHN-BC, CHTP/I.

Each of these Associate Editors brings a strong connection to current holistic nursing at leading programs across the country and are recognized leaders in the specialty of holistic nursing. Serving as JHN Associate Editors, they will continue to shape the core values of holistic nursing through the dissemination of new knowledge and research in the field.

Dr. Cynthia Barrere PhD, RN, CNS, AHN-BC, is the acting Chair of Faculty Development at the Quinnipiac University School of Nursing in Hamden, Connecticut. Cynthia is a 2014 inductee as a Fellow into the American Academy of Nursing for her contributions and is the acting founder and director of the AHNA’s Research Committee Consultation program. She was responsible for developing the AHNA Research and Quality Improvement Consultation Program which offers consultation to graduate students and clinical nurses pursuing research activities.

Dr. Evelyn Clingerman PhD, CNE, RN, FNAP, is the Executive Director of the Bonnie Wesorick Center for Health Care Transformation at Grand Valley State University in Rapids, Michigan. In this role she has been able to create healing environments that support patients and providers in our world. She is leading students, faculty and community partners in conferences and in the dissemination of research. Evelyn is committed to this work in transforming healthcare and has supported the work of AHNA on the Research Committee’s efforts throughout the past ten years.

Dr. Margaret King PhD, RN-BC, AHN-BC, CNL, is the Associate Director of the undergraduate nursing program at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her role in holistic nursing has been one of sharing her expertise with the community and several schools of nursing. She is responsible for the continued integration of holistic nursing throughout the undergraduate and graduate programs at Xavier University. She has given oral and poster presentations at AHNA conferences and has had several publications focused on holistic nursing and directed the Sharing Circles activity during the annual conference in June 2014. She also serves AHNA on the Education Provider Committee writing continuing education post-test questions as part of the Beginnings Team. She also directed the Sharing Circles activity during the annual conference in June.

Dr. Bernadette Lange PhD, RN, ANH-BC, is an Associate Professor of nursing and co-developer of the Masters Advanced Holistic Nursing concentration at the C.E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. Her practice expertise in mindfulness meditation and yoga affords her entrance into various community settings for research, teaching and service. She envisions holistic nursing as an inter-professional approach of excellence in scholarship to support the human spirit of well-being.

Dr. Nancy Laplante PhD, RN, AHN-BC, is currently an Associate Professor of Nursing at Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania. She intentionally infuses core values of holistic nursing and role model holistic principles in all interactions. She engages students in dialogue for the practice of self-care, providing creative tools and opportunities for self-realization. She is committed to model holism as a leader and educator for students, and as a scholar of holistic nursing research to advance the science and practice of holistic nursing.

Ruth McCaffrey DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC, GNP-BC FAAN, is the Sharon Raddock Distinguished Professor of Holistic Nursing in the Christine E Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. She has been a practicing nurse practitioner using a holistic framework within practice since 1996. Her research interest is in the creation of healing environments. She has completed many studies in the area of Yoga, Reflective Garden Walking and Music. These studies have been funded by NIH, the Institute for Museum and Library Services and the Astellas Corporation.

Dr. Jo Robins PhD, RN, ANP-BC, AHN-C, FAANP, is an Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. She is currently a certified advanced practice holistic nurse and has practiced as a holistic nurse for 20 years. Her practice is focused on holistic women’s health and healing touch. Her area of research is bio-behavioral and community engagement focused on reducing cardiovascular disease risk in underserved low income families.

Dr. Leighsa Sharoff EdD, RN, NPP, AHN-BC, is an Associate Professor/Simulation Coordinator/Genetics Educator at Hunter College in New York City. Her expertise in holistic nursing revolves around the holistic nurse and the essence of what holistic nursing is. Her research and publications have addressed the various dimensions of what being a holistic nurse means in the delivery of care and what holistic nursing means to the nurse.

About AHNA
At its founding in 1981, the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) adopted as its primary mission the advancement of holistic healthcare by increasing awareness and promoting education as well as personal community-building among nurses, other healthcare professionals and the public. This non-profit professional membership organization is becoming the definitive voice for holistic nursing for registered nurses and other holistic healthcare professionals around the world. Holistic nursing focuses on integrating traditional, complementary and alternative treatment opportunities to improve the physical, mental, emotional and relational health of the whole person.

AHNA delivers valuable resources, improves educational tools, and offers superior networking opportunities to a vibrant and expanding universe of healthcare professionals. AHNA currently services almost 4,500 members through 143 local chapters/networks in the U.S. and abroad.

Holistic nursing is recognized by the American Nurses Association as an official nursing specialty with both a defined scope and standards of practice.

The American Holistic Nurses Association’s Education Provider Committee is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Commission (ANCC) on Accreditation.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider # 10442.

For Additional information or to arrange an interview with the new associate editors, contact:
KAYLEE FERGUSON
Communications@ahna.org
800-278-2462