Speaker Spotlight: Dr. Elizabeth Galik
Elizabeth Galik, Ph.D., CRNP, FAAN, FAANP is a nurse practitioner and research professor with deep expertise in developing and testing interventions to improve functional performance, physical activity, and quality of life among older adults with dementia. She is the Chair of the Department of Organizational Systems & Adult Health at the University of Maryland’s Nursing School. She also has expertise in and has done research on teaching CNAs working in long-term care facilities. Dr. Galik first learned about CNA Simulations from founder Dr. Charlene Brown around a year ago.
This week our CNA Sims was lucky enough to be able to interview Dr. Galik ahead of our webinar: Preparing CNA students for the behavioral complexity and unpredictability of dementia, on December 14 at 4 pm EST, at which she will be the featured speaker.
Below are the highlights from the interview:
On her most significant professional achievement:
“Completing my Ph.D. in Nursing.”
“I had been inspired to apply when I wanted to initiate a program that focused on optimizing function and physical activity among nursing home residents with dementia. My supervisor at the nursing home where I worked told me that I needed to obtain grant funding to support this work. I explored this and as a nurse with a master's degree, I wasn't eligible to lead a grant. I completed my Ph.D. classes and dissertation in 4 years and conducted the small research study that inspired my journey to Ph.D. studies.”
On what inspired her to acquire her expertise in dementia:
“I had rewarding experiences working with older adults with dementia and their families early in my career. I found that using medications to treat behavioral symptoms was not always effective and had significant side effects. Effective communication techniques, care approaches that maximize patient strengths, and engaging patients in their own care can be very effective in managing the behavioral symptoms that we see among individuals with dementia. Nursing assistants and nurses are well suited to implementing these non-pharmacological care approaches.”
On some of her biggest remaining goals:
“I enjoy working with nursing assistants, nurses, and other professional caregivers to improve their knowledge, skills, and confidence in caring for individuals living with dementia.”
On the most rewarding part of her job:
“Mentoring others to have rewarding careers in aging.”
On her biggest piece of advice for fellow instructors:
“Be patient, supportive, and let students perform the skills that you have taught them.”
On her biggest challenges:
“My advice for both instructors and students: interact with your patients and colleagues in a professional manner. Be accountable for your actions and don't be afraid to ask for help.”
On the most underrated soft skill in nursing instruction:
“Listen before you speak.”
On simulations’ role in instruction:
“Simulation allows students to make mistakes in a safe environment and helps to develop your skills.”
A fun fact:
“I love animals, especially dogs. At the end of the day, they are the best at giving unconditional love.”
On her favorite book:
“A Dog Walked into a Nursing Home. I read it about 2 years ago. It gives an accurate portrayal of long-term care.”
On who of everyone in the world, past or present, she would have a meal with given the opportunity:
“Eleanor Roosevelt. She was a superb advocate who truly cared for people.”
As a part of our new interactive blog, we are offering those who are registered and intend on attending the event the opportunity to leave questions for Dr. Galik on this post that we will have answered during or after the webinar.
To stay up to date on all things CNA Simulations, don’t forget to sign up for our mailing list, which has information about webinars like this one. Or schedule a demo for a personalized tour of CNA Simulations.
