A Florida State University researcher has been recognized for her early career contributions as a nurse scientist by the Southern Nursing Research Society (SNRS).
Lucinda Graven, assistant professor in the FSU College of Nursing, received the SNRS Early Science Investigator Award for her research examining factors associated with adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure, particularly depression and poor self-care.
“Dr. Graven is an exemplary early investigator who is conducting innovative research that is important to reducing health disparities related to cardiovascular disease,” said College of Nursing Dean Judith McFetridge-Durdle. “She has a proven track record of productivity and early success in internal and external competitive research funding. It is clear to me that Dr. Graven has the passion and commitment to continue along her trajectory of success and that her program of research will contribute significantly to nursing science and practice.”
The SNRS Early Investigator Award seeks to recognize the contributions of a nurse scientist early in her or his research career — less than 5 years from completion of doctoral degree — who shows potential to develop a sustained program of research to enhance nursing science and practice.
“I am honored to receive such a prestigious award at this stage in my career,” Graven said. “The 2017 Early Science Investigator Award by the Southern Nursing Research Society signifies that my contribution to nursing research, specifically heart failure research, is important and can potentially change the lives of heart failure patients and their caregivers in a positive way. This award has inspired me and reinforces my plan to continue on my current research trajectory aimed at improving the health and well-being of heart failure patients and their caregivers.”
Currently, Graven is conducting a study exploring psychosocial factors related to adverse outcomes in caregivers of heart failure patients in conjunction with the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The study is funded by the Heart Failure Society of American (HFSA) and the Florida State University College of Nursing.
Graven has previously conducted research examining the relationships among heart failure symptoms, social support, social problem solving, depressive symptoms and self-care behaviors in patients with heart failure and tested the effectiveness of a problem-solving intervention on self-care and depression in heart failure patients. Her previous research was funded by the American Nurse Practitioner Foundation (ANPF) and a Florida State University First Year Assistant Professor Grant.
Eileen Cormier, associate dean for Research at the FSU College of Nursing, and Sandra B. Dunbar, associate dean for Academic Advancement at the Emory University School of Nursing, nominated Graven for the SRNS Early Investigator Award.
“Dr. Graven is conducting important and innovative research of heart failure patients that is important to reducing health disparities in cardiovascular disease and will contribute significantly to nursing science and practice,” Cormier said. “Her individual accomplishments to date have been exemplary for an early stage investigator and are predictive of a strong research career and leadership in strengthening the profile of nursing research.”
Founded in 1986, the mission of the Southern Nursing Research Society is to advance nursing research through disseminating and utilizing research findings, facilitating the career development of nurses and nursing students as researchers, promoting the image of nursing as a scientific discipline and enhancing communication among members.