Lyda C. Arévalo-Flechas PhD, RN.

Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Dr. Arévalo-Flechas‘ research interests include Latino/Hispanic caregiving,the concepts of caregiver satisfaction and caregiver duty fulfillment, and a culturally informed theory of caregiving.

Dr. Arévalo-Flechas is a bilingual and bicultural investigator with special interest in the cultural competency and linguistic congruency of instruments and intervention programs for Latinos/Hispanics.

Dr. Arévalo-Flechas is very active in community outreach programs that involve nursing students in the planning and implementation phases. She works closely with UNIVISION in San Antonio, Texas, to bring cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure screenings to the Latino community.

Her teaching areas of interest are focused on gerontology and cultural diversity. Her dissertation entitled “ Factors influencing Latino/Hispanic caregiver’s perception of the experience of caring for a relative with Alzheimer’s disease” was funded by the prestigious Hartford Foundation Geriatric Nursing Initiative (HGNI).

In August, 2008, Dr Arévalo-Flechas received the Armand Guarino Award for Academic Excellence in doctoral studies from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Arévalo-Flechas is a John A. Hartford Foundation Scholar (2006-2008), and a Hartford Claire M. Fagin Fellow (2008-2010).

What is your current specialty?
I am a Perioperative Nurse, my area of research and teaching is geriatrics.

What do you enjoy most about your field of study?
The opportunity to impact the lives of Alzheimer’s caregivers through my research.

Can you share some of your latest findings in your current research?
I am in the process of further exploring the concepts of burden/ Carga in Latino/Hispanic Alzheimer’s caregivers. These concepts lack cultural and linguistic meaning for an ethnic group that places family at the top of their priorities and values. Regardless of the degree of acculturation of caregivers, family remains a priority, therefore it is more important to measure the degree of satisfaction, and duty fulfillment experienced by the caregiver, than continuing to measure “burden” and “carga”.

What advice do you have for anyone interested in nursing higher education?
I believe that volunteering in health care settings where nurses work is a great experience for anyone interested in this career. Having a clear idea of what nursing is about and the many routes/subspecialties that our profession offers is just as important. Once the person has decided that nursing is on his/her path, concentrating on skills such as basic math, reading comprehension, and test taking skills will facilitate completion of pre-requisite courses and lay a strong foundation for nursing school.

Who has been the greatest influence in supporting you in your career growth?
Undoubtedly my mentors, especially Dr. Sharon L. Lewis RN, PhD, FAAN

What mentors have you had and how have they impacted you throughout your career?
Dr. Nancy Girard, my first department chair supported my efforts to pursue doctoral education while guiding me to become a better teacher. Dr. Sharon Lewis has been a role model in many aspects, as a teacher, a researcher, a mentor and a human being. She welcomed me as part of her research team and taught me what I know about caregivers and caregiving. Dr. Lewis has a gift to bring out the best in people. Dr. Carrie Braden has been a sounding board for ideas, and someone pointing out at opportunities I should consider. Dr. Martha Medrano opened the doors of the Medical Hispanic Center of Excellence for me to teach medical Spanish in 2002. In the following years she was very supportive of my doctoral education, guided the cultural aspects of my dissertation, and has always been willing to share her knowledge, let me know about opportunities, and include me in cultural competency projects in our campus.

What is your current view of the job market in your field?
The nursing shortage is not going away anytime soon. Registered nurses are needed at the bedside in hospitals and nursing homes, in community clinics and home health, in research institutions and health care products companies, and last but not least, and less known to the public, nurses with advanced degrees are needed to teach the future generation of nurses. The nursing faculty shortage in the nation is just as serious as the shortage of nurses who provide bedside nursing care. In our current econ0my conditions, there are according to a recent report in NPR only three fields that will continue to experience certain growth, these are education, health care, and food services. Teaching in the nursing field offers in a sense “double” security.

Out of all of the publications or articles you have written or collaborated on, which was your most interesting/favorite and why?
The article on AORN about re-use and recycling practices of medical and surgical supplies. This article became a major project when Dr. Girard asked me to write it. I traveled to Colombia and visited the hospital where I had obtained my degree as a Surgical Technologist. The cooperation I obtained from the staff, old friends, and my family in Colombia made this article unforgettable. I hope to write about geriatric nursing care in Colombia soon.

What best practices can you share about your field of study?
It depends on who is asking J. My first semester nursing students ask the same question often. My answer has always been to go back to basics (in our case vital signs), and take time to listen to your patients.

What is your favorite book, novel or publication?
Until very recently my immediate answer would have been “Jonathan Livingston Seagull”. “The Last Lecture” is also now up there at the top on my list of favorites.

What would you like Latina Style subscribers to know about you?
That I am a firm believer in education, giving back, and supporting my children’s dreams.