Hadidi named Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing

Associate Professor Niloufar Hadidi, PhD, APRN, CNS-BC, FANA, was selected as a Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing from the National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence (NHCGNE) Recognition Program. The program recognizes the leadership of nurse educators working with students, faculty, providers and older people in diverse settings.

Improving the mental health, specifically depressive symptoms and cognitive outcomes, in people who have had strokes is the focus of Hadidi’s research, scholarship, advocacy and leadership. She has been extensively engaged in leading grassroots activities for early recognition of stroke symptoms and increasing awareness for the profound physical, psychological and emotional challenges that stroke survivors face and is essential to recovery.

Hadidi has served in leadership roles in the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) as a member of the task force for NACNS competencies for practice and education and as president of Minnesota affiliate of NACNS. She is currently serving in a leadership role in the American Heart Association.

In the classroom, Hadidi developed a collaborative model for PhD, Doctor of Nursing Practice and Bachelor of Science in Nursing students to improve care of older adults.

Her current research focus is on addressing racial disparities in stroke prevention and care in African American communities.