I am a registered nurse currently working in a rural area with geriatric populations. My research interests include health education, positive psychology and chronic disease management. I am looking to pursue graduate work focusing on integrating these 3 areas. By changing the language we use to educate others about their health, there is potential to improve patient outcomes and create lasting community change. Focusing on wellbeing, optimism, and accomplishment (all aspects of positive psychology) when sharing health information taps into our inherent positivity. We all have the tools within us to build a healthy, positive life filled with meaning.

As healthcare moves forward and society continues to live longer, the idea of health prevention/promotion becomes more pertinent. Changing how we teach others about their health, whether it be in the hospital or the community, is an upstream approach and key to health prevention.