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As our population ages, more and more hospital patients will need specialized geriatric care. In order to help improve elder care, Hendricks Regional Health medical unit director, Jennifer DeClercq, MSN, RN, BC-Gerontology, GNLA-Fellow, is participating in an esteemed Geriatric Nursing Leadership Academy (GNLA) through the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International. |
Founded in 1922, and funded by Hill-Rom and Hearst Foundations, the GNLA is an 18-month program with the mission of advancing world health and celebrating nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership and service. There are currently 135,000 active members in the academy, in more that 85 countries. After a rigorous application process, DeClercq was selected to the leadership academy and is currently the only nurse chosen from the state of Indiana and one of only five members from the United States.
DeClercq sought the opportunity to enter the GNLA program while working on her master’s degree. Her hope is to make a positive impact on elder care at Hendricks Regional Health, as well as throughout Hendricks County. Part of the Academy curriculum requires an organizational project and De Clercq is currently involved with Hendricks County’s Prime Time Expo to explore ways to get more patients, and other senior citizens in the community, to utilize the services of the Hendricks County Senior Center. She will also be working to increase education about elder care among her co-workers.
DeClercq is developing her leadership skills and her program mentor, Lisa Imlay, MSN, RN, has seen a blossoming of those talents. Imlay’s advisory role is to provide feedback and resources on key aspects of DeClercq’s leadership plan, as well as helping her expand her professional development and leadership. The two work under the tutelage of Nelma Shearer, PhD, RN, FAAN, faculty advisor at Arizona State University College of Nursing and Health Innovation to facilitate the processes of the GNLA program.
Hendricks Regional Health is proud to serve the senior community and, because of that, the hospital has supported DeClercq and Imlay throughout this journey to gain knowledge and expertise to better serve elderly patients.
Since 1962, Hendricks Regional Health has served as the area's leading healthcare provider by delivering innovative care with a personal touch. The hospital strives to be the indispensable healthcare partner to patients, payers, physicians, associates and employers. Licensed by the Indiana State Department of Health and accredited by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program, Hendricks Regional Health staffs a full complement of physicians in a variety of specialties at locations in Danville, Avon, Plainfield, Brownsburg, Lizton and Bainbridge. To learn more call (317) 745-3627 or visit www.hendricks.org.