Colleen Delaney Phd, RN, AHN-BC Research Coordinator Colleen Delaney PhD, RN, AHN-BC is the Research Coordinator of the American Holistic Nurses Association. She is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Connecticut. Her clinical specialty area is community/public health nursing, and she is board certified in advanced holistic nursing. Dr. Delaney conducts clinical and health outcomes research with the major goal of improving health status and health care delivery systems for older adults and their families. Her major areas of investigation are: spirituality and spirituality-based interventions for community dwelling older adults with cardiovascular disease, nurse-led multicomponent interventions for older adults with heart failure, evidence-based interventions to enhance care of older adults with depression, and holistic nursing education. During her 12 years as a member of AHNA, she has been a member of the research committee from 2009- present, 2012 Research conference coordinator, and has presented her research at the annual conference for the past 8 years. She believes that supporting and increasing the research endeavors of AHNA members and providing evidence of the efficacy of holistic care and interventions is essential in advancing the voice and influence of holistic nursing.

1. Holistic Nurses Create Change through Translational Research -Colleen Delaney, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, Debra Lee James, BSN, RN, BA, HNB-BC, Ruth McCaffrey ND, ARNP, Sue Robertson, RN, PhD, Anne Vitale, PhD APN AHN-BC & Rorry Zahourek, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, AHN-BC - This workshop will provide holistic nurses with the knowledge and skills to participate in translational research and research teams. b. Research Needs Assessment of Members of the American Holistic Nurses Association -Colleen Delaney PhD, RN, AHN-BC, Debra Lee James BSN, RN, BA, HNB-BC, Ruth McCaffrey ND, ARNP, Sue Robertson, RN, PhD, & Rorry Zahourek, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, AHN-BC

Colleen Delaney

Other authors were Cynthia Barrere, Ph.D., R.N., AHN-BC, Quinnipiac University; and Colleen Delaney, Ph.D., R.N., AHN-BC, University of Connecticut.

Colleen Delaney, Ph.D., RN, AHN-BC, associate professor at the University of Connecticut School of Nursing, firmly believes there is a correlation between spirituality and gratitude. She conducted a qualitative, eco-spiritual study in which subjects meditated outside or near a window and recorded their thoughts in a journal. "Focusing on nature is another way of expressing gratitude," she says, explaining that this practice roots us in the present. "We operate too much in the past and future." Subjects with cardiovascular disease participated in another, qualitative study and listened to a CD titled "Blessings," a multi-sensory experience that enhances appreciation and connection to self, others, the environment and a higher power. According to Delaney, in addition to awareness and gratitude, subjects reported reduced anxiety and lower blood pressure.