Nancy C Tkacs, PhD, RN
Associate Professor of Nursing
Contact Information
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Room 142 Fagin Hall
418 Curie Blvd.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-4217
UNITED STATES
tel: (215) 573-3045
email: tkacs@nursing.upenn.edu
The biological aspects of nursing science are increasingly appreciated as recent dramatic advances in biology are translated into new approaches to health promotion and disease management. Dr. Tkacs draws on her nursing background, as well as her doctoral and postdoctoral training in physiology and neuroscience, in carrying out research on hypoglycemia unawareness - a major complication limiting the use of intensive treatment in patients with diabetes.
Teaching
In NURS 609 "Advanced Pathophysiology," Dr. Tkacs draws on her knowledge of organ systems physiology and pathophysiology to provide a strong basic science foundation for advanced nursing practice. As a master's-prepared nurse with a doctorate in physiology, she is able to build a bridge between physiology concepts and the pathophysiology of disease. Students learn how findings from the history and physical, and diagnostic test results, relate to the underlying disease process at the cell and organ level. Problem-solving exercises provide a unique opportunity for students to integrate key concepts and their application to clinical practice.
Research
The common thread running through Dr. Tkacs' research is the study of pathophysiological adaptation to a variety of disease-induced stressors. Her present focus is characterizing neurobiological changes in a rodent model of hypoglycemia unawareness. This disabling condition limits the use of intensive management in patients with type 1 diabetes, resulting in psychological as well as physical morbidity. Having successfully characterized suppressed hormone responses to recurrent hypoglycemia in rats, Dr. Tkacs is studying brain alterations associated with this model as one way to develop targeted interventions to treat this condition. In addition, Dr. Tkacs provides mentoring to doctoral students who are using biologically-based research approaches.
• Currently Funded Grants
• Center for Biobehavioral Research
Clinical Practice
Diabetes and its complications.
| Publications (select year) 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 and Prior | In Press | More Publications |
Recent dramatic advances in biological science have deep significance for present and future research, education, and practice in nursing. Clinical experience with management barriers such as hypoglycemia unawareness in patients with type 1 diabetes urge us to investigate basic mechanisms underlying maladaptive responses to disease and treatments. I believe that nurse researchers can and should be the leaders in applying translational research approaches to answering clinical questions. 