Biography

Joelle D. Hargraves is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing. She earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA. Her doctoral work focused on improving glycemic control in patients immediately following cardiac surgery. The critical care insulin infusion protocol (IIP) was revised based upon best evidence and approved by an interprofessional team. Increasing nurses' knowledge of glycemic control and implementing an insulin infusion protocol targeting moderate glycemic control were effective for treating acute hyperglycemia following cardiac surgery with decreased incidence of hypoglycemia. Dr. Hargraves received Honorary Mention (1 of 2 nationally) for the 2014 Excellence in Advancing Nursing Practice award presented by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. She also earned a Master of Science (MSN) in the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) tract from Widener University with a focus in critical care nursing. Areas of special interest include cardiovascular program development; and improving outcomes of cardiovascular patients through research and practice.

Education

• DNP, Chatham University
• MSN, Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, Widener University
• BSN, Widener University
• AAS, Nursing, Luzerne County Community College