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Member Spotlight: Fayron Epps

By Kelsey Glatfelter posted 01-07-2016 10:55 AM

  

Meet Fayron

Q&A with Fayron Epps from Iberia Rehabilitation Hospital in Laplace, Louisiana

 

Q: Tell us a little about what you are doing right now?

A: I recently completed my postdoctoral fellowship with the National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence (NHCGNE Claire M. Fagin Fellow 2013-15). I am currently serving in the role as the Chief Clinical Officer for Iberia Rehabilitation Hospital. I also serve as adjunct faculty with the Louisiana State University Life Course and Aging Center.

My career goal as a nurse scholar is to promote health across the life span by increasing the quality of life for family caregivers and recognizing the multidimensional complexities of supporting older adults through nursing research, education and service.  My developing area of research involves promoting quality of life for persons with dementia and their family caregivers. My latest research project explored family involvement in health promotion activities for African American older adults with dementia.

Q: Tell us about your most recent activities and accomplishments?

A: I have presented several presentations at the local, state, regional and national level. I have recent publications in Geriatric Nursing, Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging, and Journal of Gerontological Nursing.

Q: Have you had an important mentor(s) in your career? If so, how did it make a difference? 

A: Good mentors are very influential in an emerging scholars professional growth. I am fortunate and thankful to my many mentors that have assisted me in my transition from completing my doctoral studies to adjusting to academia and clinical practice. More specifically, I am grateful to my two mentors, Drs. Skemp and Specht (both FGSA), for truly being there for me as I progressed with my postdoctoral fellowship. My fellowship was a great experience because of the mentoring skill set of my mentors as it relates to helping me develop my professional goals along with making sure I routinely visit my goals and expected outcomes. I was fortunate to have honest mentors that knew how to deliver the truth and identify growth opportunities without making me feel like a looser. As a result, I have grown professionally and personally. I will be forever indebted to their time and commitment over these years in assisting me in developing my program of research and the skill set required to succeed as a gerontological nurse scholar and scientist.

Q: What are your motivations (inspirations) for studying aging?

A: I have been interested in older adults since high school when I was taking health career classes to become a certified nursing assistant.  It was during my clinical rotation at an inner city nursing home, after hearing stories from residents that I realized I wanted to make their lives better.  During my time there, I also volunteered at the local nursing home and received a certificate in gerontology.  Both of my grandmothers’ health started failing.  I frequently relieved my uncle who took care of my paternal grandmother who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  He often exhibited the classic signs of being stressed and burdened.  On the other hand, my aunt who cared for my other grandmother took on her role as the caregiver differently.  While both caregivers were involved in activities to promote their mother’s health, I wonder, how, if at all, these activities influenced the elder and family member’s health and their feelings about caregiving. These early experiences sparked my interest in gerontology and motivated me to work in long term care settings. These experiences helped me to see that I could make a difference in the lives of elders and their caregivers and led me to focus on learning how to promote healthy family caregiving for frail elders in my graduate studies.

 Q: What has been your most memorable experience in gerontology and aging research? 

A: The most rewarding experience in my postdoctoral fellowship was when members of my community started recognizing me as a dementia expert. This was a humbling experience for me, but it also gave witness to the fact that my works were not going unnoticed.  At this time, I realized I was truly emerging into the “gerontological nurse scholar” that I always dreamed about becoming.

Q: Tell us about your involvement in GSA.

A: I have been a member of GSA since 2012. I am a member of the Health Sciences Section. I am also an active member with ESPO. My involvement in ESPO has provided me with valuable networking and leadership skills. I currently serve as the ESPO Senior Representative for the Minority Issues in Gerontology Committee.  Being an active member of GSA has promoted my professional growth as a gerontological nurse scientist and expert. I have been able to network and connect with an outstanding number of professionals and experts in the field of gerontology and aging research. My involvement has also expanded my knowledge base in the field and gerontology.                   

Q: How do you feel GSA serves the field of gerontology and aging research?

A: GSA is the platform and voice for the field of gerontology and aging research. The executive administration and members of GSA have set the groundwork and continues to contribute to aging research on all levels.

Q: Is there anything unique about yourself and experiences that you would like to share?

A: As a long-term resident of Louisiana, I am deeply committed to strengthening the area of gerontology in our state, one of the Union states with a severe shortage of gerontological nurses.  My overarching goal is to help others to view family caregiving and aging in a positive light producing positive outcomes.

I am grateful for my current role as the Chief Clinical Officer. While this role does not follow the traditional research career trajectory, this role provides opportunities for me to deliver education to licensed clinical staff and directly work with families and older adults.  I feel that my current role allows me a quicker avenue to translate my research findings into practice.

Q: Do you have any tips for emerging gerontologists?

A: JOIN AND BE ACTIVE MEMBERS OF GSA AND ESPO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

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