Jessica Varghese, Ph.D., has been a registered nurse for more than 17 years in a variety of healthcare settings including acute, long term, community and managed care with the majority of her focus on population health. She leverages strong organizational and problem-solving skills to improve workflow processes, train and transform workforces, and deliver high-quality solutions. She is a detail-oriented and innovative leader who empowers an organization to surpass goals and expectations. She is an active member of:
- American Academy of Ambulatory Care, Legislative Committee
- Eastern Nursing Research Society, Abstract Reviewer and ENRS Organizational Development Committee Member
- American Nursing Informatics Association, Policy Response Committee
- The Nurses Association of the Counties of Long Island, Policy Committee
- Association for Nursing Professional Development
Dr. Varghese received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, N.Y. She continued her education to receive a Master of Arts in Urban Affairs and a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Systems. She completed her graduate work in May 2017 at University at Buffalo – The State University of New York where she received her Ph.D. in Nursing.
She is the first in her family to attend college and understands the struggles of first-generation college students. She was the first recipient of the Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship established to support first-generation students at the University at Buffalo.
Nursing workforce issues and nursing practice improvements are very important to Varghese. Her area of interest is community health and health services. While attending the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., she was able to have an insider's look at the legislative process and nursing's role in healthcare policy. This sparked her strong interest in health policy and delivery system transformation. Her dissertation topic was on the factors that contribute to work engagement among managed care nurses. Understanding these factors can help organizations develop policies that promote nurse engagement and prevent burnout.
She presented her research at various regional and national conferences including:
- The American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing 44th Annual Conference, in Palm Springs, Calif.
- The New York Academy of Medicine Section on Nursing, Forum on Inter-Collegiate Regional Events (FIRE) Showcase of Research and Leadership: "Focus on Evidence and Policy for a Healthier Environment," in New York, N.Y.
- Molloy College Center for Nursing Research and Scholarly Practice and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing: Epsilon Kappa Chapter: Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice Conference, in Rockville Center, N.Y.
- University at Buffalo School of Nursing, Research Day in Buffalo N.Y.
- Maimonides Medical Center's Third Annual Nursing Research Conference. The Art of Nursing, Creating a Culture of Health, in Brooklyn, N.Y.
- Castleton State College and Southern Vermont College-Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, sponsored by Vermont's Future of Nursing Initiative, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and AARP, Inc.
- Eastern Nursing Research Society Conference in Philadelphia, Pa.
Recent Projects/Research
- In July 2019, Dr. Varghese had the opportunity to take a group of 12 NYIT School of Health Professions students to participate in a global health medical outreach program working with refugee families in Athens, Greece. This included visiting refugee camps, maternity centers, and making home visits. They distributed first aid kits, diapers, and food and supplies. They also conducted art therapy sessions, first aid and breastfeeding clinics, and provided English lessons.
Publications
- Varghese, J. (2017). Understanding the Role of Telecommuter Status, Manager Leadership Style, Structural Empowerment, and Job Satisfaction on Managed Care Nurses' Level of Work Engagement (Doctoral dissertation, University at Buffalo, NY).
Professional Honors and Awards
- Anne W. Sengbusch Award Recipient for Leadership in School and Community Activities
- Shirley D. DeVoe Nursing Doctoral Dissertation Research Award
- The Jonas Doctoral Nurse Leader Scholar
- First Recipient of the Maureen R.L. Mussenden Scholarship
- Nova and Gustave Petsan Scholarship Award
Courses Taught at New York Tech
- NURS 351 Nursing Therapeutics II: Adult Health Clinical