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Faculty and staff

Jacqueline McGrath

Jacqueline M. McGrath, PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN

Associate Professor
P.O. Box 980567
Richmond, VA 23298-0567
Phone: (804) 828-1930
E-mail: jmmcgrath@vcu.edu

“My teaching and research is fueled by a passion for little people and their families. Every day in every way we are the image of nursing and we have the opportunity to share the most private and privileged of moments with patient s and families. These precious moments provides me the direction I need to facilitate the future through mentorship of nursing students at all levels. I am truly honored to do this work.”


Education

  • Ph.D. - University of Pennsylvania
  • NNP - University of Pennsylvania
  • M.S.N. - Kent State University
  • B.S.N - University of Akron

Overview

Dr. Jacqueline McGrath is faculty in the Family and Community Health Nursing department. She teaches research, evidence-based practice, and Nursing concepts. She is a federally funded researcher and a neonatal nurse practitioner. Her research is focused on interventions to support developing preterm infants including oral feeding readiness and parent delivered preterm infant massage. She is considered a national expert on integration of developmental interventions with infants and families, she is the co-author of “Developmental Care of Newborns and Infants: A Guide for Health Professional, 2nd edition (2010) published by the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN). The text is used for care provision in many NICU's across the country as well as a textbook in several NNP programs.

Dr. McGrath is a very active member of NANN where she has been the project Director for the implementation of the Infant Developmental Specialist Designation for staff nurses working in the NICU. This Credential is available to neonatal care providers who meet the criteria. Implementation of developmental care with preterm infants and their families has been and continues to be the driving force of her nursing research and practice. She is in taking on a new challenge as the Chair of the Neonatal Research Institute Council. This group of NANN leaders and members will set the agenda for the future of neonatal nursing research. She is the Neonatal Expert, column editor, for the Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing and the Family Issues, column editor for Newborns and Infants Nursing Reviews.

Teaching Areas

Dr. McGrath is an enthusiastic teacher, who believes learning should be fun. Dr. McGrath's teaching is focused primarily in research integration across the curriculum. She has a passion for neonatal care giving and provides guest lectures in several classes. Previously, she has initiated and coordinated a neonatal nursing specialty area in graduate education. She has a passion for mentoring students at all levels and has published several articles with students.

Memberships in Professional Organizations

  • National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN), 1987 - Present
  • Sigma Theta Tau: International Honor Society for Nursing, Delta Xi Chapter, Beta Upsilon Chapter, 1988 - Present
  • American Nurses Association (ANA), 1988 - 1994, 2003 - present
  • Association for Women's Health, Obstetrical Gynecological and Neonatal Nursing (AWHONN), 2001 - present
  • Southern Nursing Research Society, 2006 - present
  • American Academy of Nursing, 2007 - present
  • National Academics of Practice, 2005 - present

Research Funding/External Funding

  • Patterned Experiences for Preterm Infants, R01 NR012307-01, NIH/National Institute of Nursing Research, Subcontract PI/Co- Investigator, PI- Rita Picker
  • Feasibility Study of NICU-PLAY for Very Preterm Infants, Virginia Commonwealth University, President’s Research Incentive Program (PRIP) - Principal Investigator
  • Understanding NICU Implementation of Massage: A Survey, Children’s Medical Ventures  - Principal Investigator
  • Safety & Efficacy of a Touch and Massage Intervention; NICU-PLAY (pilot study) - P20 NR008988 (N. McCain, PI),  National Institute of Nursing Research, NIH;  ROLE: Pilot Study PI, 2007-2008
  • Feeding Readiness and Progression in Preterms Scale - R15 NR09235-02 NIH/National Institute of Nursing Research -  2006 – 2009 - Principal Investigator
  • Arizona State University, College of Nursing, Research and Grant Writing Award, 2003- Principal Investigator
  • Pilot-testing of the Preterm Infant Nipple Feeding Readiness Scale (PINERS) with care providers in the NICI to further provide content and validity. 2002 - 2004, St. Joseph Medical Center, NICU - Principle Investigator
  • Pilot-testing of the Preterm Infant Nipple Feeding Readiness Scale (PINERS) with care providers in the NICI to further provide content and validity. 2002 - 2004, St. Joseph Medical Center, NICU - Principle Investigator
  • How do Professionals in the NICU Define Bottle-feeding Success - 2000 - 2001, Arizona State University, Faculty Grant-In-Aid - Principal Investigator
  • Distance Education for NNP/PNP's in Underserved Rural AZ, 2003 - 2006 DHHS/HRSA - Principle Investigator
    Meeting Arizona's Needs for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners
  • DHHS/HRSA - Principle Investigator
    Dissertation: Maturation of Alertness in Extremely Early Born Preterm Infants: Prior to Caregiving and During a Feeding Protocol in the NICU - 1997 - 1999
    Further Development of an Assessment Tool in the Newborn Infant - Project Director (Medoff-Cooper, Principal Investigator) SBIR Grant NIH-Heart & Lung University of Pennsylvania 1996 - 1998
  • Nutritive Sucking as a Clinical Assessment Tool - Project Director
    (Medoff-Cooper, Principal Investigator). 1994 - 1999 NIH-NINR 5 year project, University of Pennsylvania

Research Activities

Dr. McGrath's doctoral education is in nursing with an emphasis on neonatal behavioral physiology. Her program of research is focused on infants and newborns who are at-risk. Her major research efforts address the needs of preterm infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) where she is a proponent of Developmentally Supportive Care giving. Her current research is related to feeding readiness in the preterm infant, where she is testing a tool that she developed that will objectively examine this process. Her newest project addresses intentional touch and parent delivered infant massage with this vulnerable population.

Awards, Fellowships & Honors

  • Fellow in American Academy of Nursing 2007
  • Publication Award (2006): The article:"State of the Science: Feeding Readiness in the Preterm Infant" published in Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing (JPNN) in 2004 chosen by peer review as one of the top ten articles for JPNN in the past decade (1995-2005).
  • Fellow of the National Academies of Practice (FNAP) (2005)
    The National Academy of Practice in Nursing is one of ten health professions whose distinguished members comprise the National Academies of Practice; and membership is limited to 150 nurses in the United States. (2005)
  • Joyce Finch Faculty Achievement Award In recognition of valuable contributions to the College of Nursing through education, research and scholarship. ASU College of Nursing, Tempe, AZ (2004).
    Excellence in Leadership Sigma Theta Tau International, Beta Upsilon Chapter, ASU College of Nursing, Tempe, AZ (2004)
  • Outstanding Alumni College of Nursing, University of Akron, Akron, OH (2001). \
    Marian R. Gregory Dissertation Award Given for the dissertation that demonstrates the greatest ability to impact future nursing knowledge. University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Henry O. Thompson Prize in Ethics For distinction as evidenced by their love of learning, scholarship, integrity, honesty, and the interdisciplinary nature of their studies. University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA.

Selected Publications

  • Samra, H. A., & McGrath, J. M. (2011, in press). Developmental Outcomes and Late Preterm Birth: An Integrated Review. JOGNN: Journal of Obstetrical, Gynecological and Neonatal Nursing
  • Baker, B. J, & McGrath, J. M. (2011, in press). Maternal infant synchrony: An integrated review of the literature. Neonatal, and Paediatric Nursing Journal
  • Gephart, S., McGrath, J. M., & Effken, J. (2011, in press). Failure to Rescue in Neonatal Care Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing.
  • McGrath, J. M., Cone, S., & Samra, H. A. (2011, in press) Neuroprotection in the preterm infant: Further understanding of the short and long term implications for brain development. Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews, 11(3),
  • *Ho, Y. J., & McGrath, J. M. (2011, in press). Predicting breastfeeding duration related to maternal attitudes in a Taiwanese sample of postpartum mothers. Journal of Perinatal Education.
  • McGrath, J. M., Samra, H. A., & Kenner, C. (2011). Family centered developmental care practices and research: What will the next century bring? Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing, 25(2), 165-170. doi: 10.1097/JPN.0b013e31821a6706 PMID: 21540694.
  • Samra, H. A., McGrath, J. M., & Rollins, W. (2011). Patient safety in the NICU: A comprehensive review. Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing, 25(2), 123-132. doi: 10.1097/JPN.0b013e31821693b2 PMID: 21540686.
  • *Ho, Y. J., & McGrath, J. M. (2011). A Chinese version of the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale: Reliability and validity assessment. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 48(4), 475-478. doi: 10.1016/j.inurstu.2010.09.001 PMID: 20961544.
  • Newnam, K,. M., & McGrath J. M. (2010). Understanding the inflammatory response of the neonate: Clinical implications for caregivers in the NICU. Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews, 10(4), 165-176. doi: 10.1053/j.nainr2010.09.004.
  • Pickler, R. H., McGrath, J. M., Reyna, B. A., McCain, N., Lewis, M., Cone, S., Best, A., Wetzel, P. (2010) A Model of neurodevelopmental risk and protection for preterm infants. Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing, 24(4), 356-365. doi: 0.1097/JPN.0b013e3181fb1e70 PMID: 21045616.
  • *Samra, H. A., McGrath, J. M., Wey, H., & Roe, T. (2010). Are former late preterm children at risk for perceived vulnerability and overprotection? Early Human Development, 86, 557-562.doi:10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2010.07.005 PMID: 20696540.
  • *Baba, L., McGrath, J. M., & Liu, J. (2010).The efficacy of mechanical vibration analgesia for relief of heel stick pain in neonates: A novel approach. Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing, 24(3), 274-283. doi: 10.1097/JPN.0b013e3181ea7350 PMID: 20697246.
  • Ho, Y. J., & McGrath, J. M. (2010). A review of the psychometric properties of breastfeeding assessment tools. JOGNN: Journal of Obstetrical, Gynecological and Neonatal Nursing, 39(4), 386-400. doi:10.1111/j.1552-6909.2010.01153.x PMID: 20629926.
  • McGrath, J. M., Samra, H. A., Zukowsky, K., & Baker, B. (2010). Parenting after infertility: Issues for families and infants. MCN: The American  Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, 35(3), 157-164. doi: 10.1097/NMC.0b013e3181d7657d PMID: 20453593.
  • *Melnyk, B., Bulluck, T., McGrath, J., Kelly, S. Jacobsen, D., & Baba, L. (2010). Translating the Evidence-based NICU COPE Program for Parents of Premature Infants into Clinical Practice: Impact on Nurses’ EBP and Lessons Learned. Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing, 24(1), 74-80. doi: 10.1097/JPN.0b013e3181ce314b PMID: 20147834.
  • Lyon, D. E.,  Cheng, C.Y., Howell, L., Rattican, D., Jallo, N., Pickler, R. H., Brown, L. McGrath, J., (2010). Integrated review of cytokines in maternal, cord, and newborn blood: Part I -- Associations with preterm birth. Biological Research for Nursing, 11(4), 371-376. doi: 10.1177/1099800409344620. PMID: 20034950.
  • Pickler, R. H., Brown, L. McGrath, J., Lyons, D. E.,  Rattican, D., Cheng, C.Y., Howell, L., Jallo, N., (2010). Integrated review of cytokines in maternal, cord and newborn blood:  Part II -- associations with early infection and increased risk of neurologic damage in preterm infants. Biological Research for Nursing. 11(4), 377-386. doi: 10.1177/1099800409344619 PMID: 20028689.
  • Baez, L., Hughes, B., & McGrath, J. M. (2009). Necrotizing enterocolitis in the preterm infant. Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews, 9(3), 156-162. doi:10.1053/j.nainr.2009.07.003.
  • *Baker, B., McGrath, J., Lawson, R., Liverman, T., & Cohen, S. (2009). Staff nurses working together to improve care for late preterm infants. Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews, 9(3), 139-142. doi:10.1053/j.nainr.2009.06.002.
  • Samra, H. A., & McGrath, J. M.  (2009). Pain Management during retinopathy of prematurity eye exams: A Systematic Review. Advances in Neonatal Care, 9(3), 99-110. PMID: 19542771.
  • Baba, L., & McGrath, J. M. (2008). Oxygen free radicals: Effects in the newborn period. Advances in Neonatal Care, 8(5), 256-264. doi: 10.1097/01.ANC.0000338015.25911.8a PMID: 18827514.
  • *McGrath, J. M., Records, K. & Rice, M. (2008). Maternal depression and infant temperament characteristics. Infant Behavior and Development, 31(1), 71-80. doi:10.1016/j.infbeh.2007.07.00 PMCID: PMC2268864.
  • McGrath, J. M., Thillet, M., Van Cleave, L. (2007).Parent delivered infant massage: Are we truly ready for implementation? Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews, 7(1), 39-46. doi:10.1053/j.nainr.2006.12.012
  • *Bromiker, R., Arad, I., McGrath, J., & Medoff-Cooper, B. (2005). Comparison of feeding behaviors in Israeli and American preterm infants. Acta Paediatrica, 94, 1-4.
  • McGrath, J. M.,  & Braescu, A. V. B. (2004). State of the science: Feeding readiness in the preterm infant. Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing, 18(4), 353-370. PMID: 15646306.
  • Granelli, S. L. P., & McGrath, J. M. (2004). Neonatal Seizures: Diagnosis, Pharmacological Interventions & Outcomes. Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing, 18(3), 275-287.PMID: 15478477
  • Zunkel, G. M., Cesarotti, E. L., Rosdahl,D., & McGrath, J. M. (2004). Enhancing diagnostic reasoning skills in nurse practitioner students: A teaching tool. Nurse Educator, 29(4), 161-165. PMID: 15273596
  • *Hughes, M. B., Shults, J., McGrath, J. M., & Medoff-Cooper, B. (2002). Temperament characteristics of premature infants in the first year of life. Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 23(6), 430-435.  PMID: 12476073
  • *McGrath, J. M., & Medoff-Cooper, B. (2002). Alertness and feeding competence in extremely early born preterm infants. Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews, 2(3), 174-186.
  • *Medoff-Cooper, B., McGrath, J. M., & Shults, J. (2002). Feeding patterns of full-term and preterm infants at forty weeks postconceptional age. Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics,23(4), 231-236. PMID:  12177569
  • McGrath, J. M. (2002). Integration of developmental and family-centered issues into neonatal nurse practitioner education. Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews, 2(1), 35-38.
  • McGrath, J. M., & Brock, N. (2002). Efficacy and utilization of skin-to-skin care in the NICU. Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews, 2(1), 17-26.
  • *McGrath, J.M. & Medoff-Cooper, B. (2001). Apnea and periodic breathing during bottle feeding of premature infants. Communicating Nursing Research, 34(9), 220.
  • Long, C. O., Greenburg, E. A., Ismert, R. L., & McGrath, J. M. (2001). Essential Links: Pediatric and Family Web Sites. Home Healthcare Nurse,19(9), 533-34.
  • McGrath, J. M. (2001) Building relationships with families in the NICU: Exploring the guarded alliance. Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing,15(3), 74-83. PMID: 11785579.
  • Long, C. O., Greenburg, E. A., Ismert, R. L., & McGrath, J. M. (2000). Staying Connected: Web-Based Bulletin Boards. Home Healthcare Nurse,19(3), 177-178.
  • McGrath, J. M. (2000, October/November). Developmental physiology of the neurological system. Central Lines: The Official Publication of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses. Glenview, IL: NANN. (pp. 1-2,4,6,16).
  • *Medoff-Cooper, B., McGrath, J. M., & Bilker, W. (2000). Nutritive sucking and neurobehavioral development in preterm infants from 34 weeks PCA to term. MCN: The American  Journal of Maternal Child Nursing,25(2), 64-70. PMID: 10748582.
  • Bartlett, L., & McGrath, J. M. (1999). Children’s responses to the birth of a sibling: Interventions to assist the family in transition. Mother Baby Journal, 4(4), 1-5.
  • McGrath, J. M., & Conliffe-Torres, S. (1996). Integrating family-centered developmental assessment and intervention into routine care in the NICU. Nursing Clinics of North America, 31(2), 367-386. PMID: 8637813.
  • *Bell, R. P., & McGrath, J. M. (1996). Implementing a research-based kangaroo care program in the
    NICU. Nursing Clinics of North America, 31(2), 387-403. PMID: 8637814.
  • McGrath, J. M., & Valenzuela, G. (1994). Integrating developmentally supportive caregiving into practice through education..  Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing, 8(3), 46-57. PMID: 7807392

Books

Kenner, C., & McGrath, J. M. (Eds). (2010). Developmental Care Of Newborns and Infants: A Guide for Health Professionals (2nd ed.). Chicago.IL: National Association of Neonatal Nurses.

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