Herr named Robert Wood Johnson fellow - The University of Iowa College of Nursing

Herr named Robert Wood Johnson fellow

A national fellowship program focused on leading the country's health care system into the 21st century has recognized Keela Herr, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Adult and Gerontology Area of Study in the University of Iowa College of Nursing. She is one of 20 nurses in executive leadership roles nationwide selected as a 2007 Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellow.

Now in its 10th year, the three-year fellowship program is designed to strategically position the voice of nursing across many sectors of the economy in a health care system undergoing unprecedented change and challenges.

"Nurses should have a pivotal role in leading the redesign of health care to meet the demands of a rapidly aging society," Herr said. "The Executive Nurse Fellowship is an intensive opportunity to enhance leadership skills, build critical relationships and networks, and access amazing resources both in and outside the health care industry. The collaborative possibilities in the fellowship for improving health care in our country are very exciting. I am honored to be selected as a participant."

As part of the fellowship, Herr will undertake a leadership project -- focusing on a national initiative to improve pain assessment and management in nursing homes - with funding support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and matching funds from the University.

Widely known for her publication and research on the problem of pain in older adults, Herr has received recognition from the American Society for Pain Management Nursing and the American Pain Society for her efforts in improving pain management in older adults.

Herr is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and the American Geriatrics Society, and she provides leadership to several professional organizations related to geriatric pain. She has also served on expert panels to develop clinical practice guidelines for chronic pain assessment and management in older adults.

July 10, 2007