Rebecca Lorenz, PhD, RN
Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; Assistant Dean, PhD Program; Associate Professor
ADDRESS:
School of Nursing
University at Buffalo
303 Wende Hall
Buffalo, NY 14214-3079
PHONE: 716-829-2204
EMAIL: rlorenz@buffalo.edu
Lorenz’s research focuses on non-pharmacological person-centered interventions (e.g. mindfulness, exercise) to improve sleep/wake patterns and provide methods for symptom self-management among adults with neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, she is adapting a multicomponent videoconference intervention to overcome barriers to reach and sustainability. In addition, she conducting research to identify pathways to disparities in sleep health in older adults, a known cause of chronic health conditions such as impairments in memory and concentration, using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), the largest and the most comprehensive multidisciplinary panel study in the US.
- Postdoc, New Courtland Center for Transitions and Health, 2010
- PhD, Saint Louis University School of Nursing, 2007
- MHS, Washington University, 1996
- BSN, Central Methodist College School of Nursing, 1979
- RN, Missouri Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, 1979
- Sleep among adults and older adults
- Symptom self-management for individuals with neurologic diseases
Journal Articles
Liu, Y.-J., Fauth, E. B., Fleming, D. J. M., & Lorenz, R. (2022). Daily sleep and anxious and depressive symptoms among dementia caregivers – the mediation of cortisol total output on high- and low-stress days. The Journals of Gerontology. Advance online publication. doi:10.1093/geronb/gbac074
Chen, C., Sullivan, S. S., Lorenz, R. A., Wittenberg, E., Li, C.-S., & Chang, Y.-P. (2021). COMFORT communication in the ICU: Pilot test of a nurse-led communication intervention for surrogates. Journal of Clinical Nursing. Advance online publication. doi:10.1111/jocn.16132
Auerbach, S., Ely, G., Agbemenu, K. & Lorenz, R. A. (in press). A Review of Unintended Pregnancy in Opioid-Using Women: Implications for Nursing. Journal of Addictions Nursing.
Chang, Y-P. & Lorenz, R. A. (in press). The association between fatigue, sleep, depression, social support, and care-recipients’ functionality in family caregivers of individuals with dementia. Journal of Gerontological Nursing.
Lorenz, R. A., Auerbach, S., Nisbet, P., Sessanna, L., Alanazi, N., Lach, H., Newland, P., Fisher, N., Pandey, K., Thomas, F. P., & Chang, Y-P. (in press). Mindfulness plus sleep educations among adults with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study. Western Journal of Nursing Research.
Newland, P. Oliver, B. J. & Lorenz, R. A. (in press). Patient Activation in Adults with Chronic Conditions: A systematic review. Journal of Health Psychology.
Sessanna, L., Nisbet, P., Alanazi, N., Auerbach, S., Chang, Y-P. & Lorenz, R. A. (in press). Perceptions of participating in an eight-week mindfulness based stress reduction course among women living with multiple sclerosis. Clinical Nursing Research.
Brodersen, L. & Lorenz, R. A. (2020). The relationship of perceived stress, physiological stress reactivity, and exit exam score in a prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship, 17(1). doi: 10.1515/ijnes-2019-0121
Lach, H. W., Lorenz, R. A., Palmer, J. L., Koedbangkham, J., & Noimontree, W. (2019). Home monitoring to track activity and sleep patterns among older adults: A feasibility study. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 37(12), 628-637.
https://doi.org/10.1097/cin.0000000000000569
SmithBattle, L., Lorenz, R. A., Palmer, J., & Pitroff, G. (2018). A methodological review of qualitative longitudinal research in nursing. Nursing Inquiry, 25(4), e12248. https://doi.org/10.1111/nin.12248
McGuire, K., & Lorenz, R. (2018). Effect of simulation on learner stress as measured by cortisol: An integrative review. Nurse Educator, 43(1), 45-49. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNE.0000000000000393
Oerther, S., & Lorenz, R. A. (2018). State of the science: Using telomeres as biomarkers during the first 1000-days. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 4(2), 305-325. https://doi.org/10.1177/0193945918762806
Newland, P., Lorenz, R. A., Smith, J., Dean, E., & Newland, J. (2018) The relationship among MS related symptoms, sleep quality, and sleep hygiene behaviors. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 51(1), 37-42. https://doi.org/10.1097/JNN.0000000000000409
Peng, H., Lorenz, R. A., & Chang, Y. P. (2018). Factors associated with sleep in family caregivers of individuals with dementia. Perspective in Psychiatric Care, 55(1), 95-102. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppc.12307
Rainer, J., Schnieder, J. K., & Lorenz, R. A. (2018). Ethical dilemmas in nursing: An integrative review. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 27(19-20), 3446-3461. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.14542
SmithBattle, L., Lorenz, R. A., Palmer, J., & Pitroff, G. (2018). Conceptualizing longitudinal qualitative research: A methodological review of nursing research. Nursing Inquiry. Advance online publication. doi:10.1111/nin.12248
Winegar, R., Lach, H., Lorenz, R. A., & Henderson, D. (2017). Hemiparetic positioning of hemiplegic patients. Journal of Doctoral Nursing Practice, 10(2), 129-134. doi:10.1891/2380-9418.10.2.129
Newland, P., Riley, M., & Lorenz, R. A. (2017). Evaluation of an electronic sleep/symptom diary for adults with MS. MedSurg Nursing.
Schmidt, A. L., Lorenz, R. A., Buchanan, P. M., & McLaughlin, L. (2016). Evaluating the needs of patients living with solid tumor caner: A survey design. Journal of Holistic Nursing. doi:10.1177/0898010116677146
Keser, K. & Lorenz, R. A. (2016). The effect of a comprehensive provider and patient intervention to improve blood pressure control. Journal of Doctoral Nursing Practice, 9(1), 4-12. doi:10.1891/2380-9418.9.1.4
Papachrisanthou, M. M., Lorenz, R. A., & Loman, D. G. (2016). Increasing immunization adherence among infants of low-income parents: The effects of visually enhanced education. Journal of Nurse Practitioners, 12(5), 304-310.
Severine, J. E., Thanavaro, J., Lorenz, R., & Taylor, J. (2016). Screening for obstructive sleep apnea in hospitalized transient ischemic attack stroke patients using the STOP-bang questionnaire. Journal of Nurse Practitioners, 12(1), 19-26. doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2015.09.006
SmithBattle, L., Pohlman, S., Palmer, J. L., Lorenz, R. A., & Cibulka, N. J. (2016). Placebo and the healing process: Guest editorial. Clinical Nursing Research, 25(6), 587-589. doi:10.1177/1054773816675562
Newland, P., Jensen, M. P., Budhathoki, C., & Lorenz, R. (2015). Secondary health conditions in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS): A cross-sectional web-based survey analysis. Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 47(3), 124-130.
Newland, P. K., Lorenz, R., Budhathoki, C., & Jensen, M. P. (2015). The presence of symptoms with comorbid conditions in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Clinical Nursing Research, 1-7. doi: 10.1177/1054773815592817
Peng, H., Lorenz, R. A. & Chang,Y.-P. (2015). Sleep quality in family caregivers: A concept analysis. Clinical Nursing Research, 25(4). Advance online publication.
Krampe, J., Wagner, J. M., Hawthorne, K. D., Sanazaro, D. L., Wong-Anuchit, Budhathoki, C., Lorenz, R. A., & Raaf, S. (2014). Does dance-based therapy increase gait speed in older adults with chronic lower extremity pain: A feasibility study. Geriatric Nursing, 35(5), 339-344.
Lach, H. W., Lorenz, R. A., & L’Ecuyer, K. M. (2014). Aging muscles and joints: Mobilization. Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America. doi.10.1016/j.ccell.2013.10.005
Lorenz, R. A., Budhathoki, C. B., Kalra, G. K., & Richards, K. C. (2014). The relationship between sleep and physical function in community-dwelling older adults: A pilot study. Family and Community Nursing, 37(4), 298-306.
Palmer, J. L., Lach, H., Langan, J., Lorenz, R., Krampe, J., Krieger, M., Schneider, J., & Smith, J. (2014). A model of risk reduction for older adults vulnerable to nursing home placement. Research and Theory for Nursing Practice, 28(2), 162-192.
Petersen, V., Ellis, P., Lorenz, R. A., & Armbrecht, E. (2014) An interventional study of guiding
homeless persons to self-reliance using the outcomes star. Clinical Scholars Review.
East, S. A., Lorenz, R. A., & Armbrecht, E. S. (2013). A retrospective review of leg wound complications after coronary artery bypass surgery. AORN J, 98, 401-412. doi:10.1016/j.aorn.2013.07.016
Fitzgibbon M., Lorenz R. A., Lach H., & Budhathoki, C. (2013). Medication reconciliation: Reducing risk for medication misadventure during transition from hospital to assisted living. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 12, 22-29. doi:10.3928/00989134-20130930-02
Gerdes, P., & Lorenz, R. A. (2013). The effect of an outpatient interdisciplinary education program. Journal of Nurse Practitioners, 9(7), 422-427.
Lorenz, R. A. (2013). Commentary on physical capability scale: Psychometric testing. Clinical Nursing Research, 30-5.
Smithbattle, L., Lorenz, R., & Leander, S. (2013). Listening with care: Using narrative methods to cultivate nurses’ responsive relationships in a home visiting intervention with teen mothers. Nursing Inquiry, 20(3), 188-198. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1800.2012.00606.x
Van Cleave, J. H., Trotta, R. L., Lysaght, S., Steis, M. R., Lorenz, R. A., & Naylor, M. D. (2013). Comorbidities in the context of care transitions. Advances in Nursing Science, 36(2), E1-E13. doi:10.1097/ANS.0b013e318290207d
Cunningham, M. A., Thanavaro, J. L., Lorenz, R., Delicath, T. A., & Budhathoki, C. B. (2012).
Effect of bronchodilator treatment on the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. Heart and Lung, 41, 463-468. doi:10.1016/j.hrtlng.2012.03.005
Lorenz, R. A., Gooneratne, N., Cole, C. S., Kleban, M. H., Kalra, G. K., & Richards, K. C. (2012).
Exercise and social activity improve everyday function in long-term care residents. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 20(6), 468-476. doi:10.1097/JGP.0b013e318246b807
Pohlman, S., Cibulka, N., Palmer, J., Lorenz, R. A., & Smith, L. (2012). The placebo puzzle: Examining the discordant space between biomedical science and illness/healing. Nursing Inquiry, 20(1), 71-81. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1800.2012.00592.x
Richards, K. C., Lambert C., Beck, C. K., Bliwise, D. L., Evans, W. J., Kalra, G. K., Kleban, M. H., Lorenz, R., Rose, K., Gooneratne, N., & Sullivan, D. (2011). Strength training and walking exercise and social activity improve sleep. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 59, 214-223. doi:10.1111/j.1532-5415.2010.03246.x
Lorenz, R. A. (2010). Coping with preclinical disability: Older women’s experiences of everyday activities. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 42(4), 439-447. doi:10.1111/j.1547-5069.2010.01339.x
Rose, K. M., & Lorenz, R. A. (2010). Sleep disturbances in dementia: What they are and what to do.Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 26(5), 9-14. doi:10.3928/00989134-20100330-05
Lorenz, R. A. (2009). Commentary by Lorenz. Clinical Nursing Research, 18, 218-220. doi:10.1177/1054773809341941
Lorenz, R. A. (2009). Indicators of preclinical disability: Women’s experiences of an aging body.
Journal of Women and Aging, 21(2), 139-151. doi:10.1080/80952840902837152.
Lorenz, R. A., Lorenz, R. M., & Codd, J. E. (2005). Perioperative blood glucose control during adult coronary artery bypass surgery. AORN Journal, 81(1), 125-150.
Schneider, J. K., Schneider, J. F., & Lorenz, R. A. (2005). Creating user-friendly databases with Microsoft (MS) Access. Nurse Researcher, 12(1), 57-75.
Books and Chapters
Lorenz, R. A. (2007). Reflections on providing dental health services for underserved older adults. In A. Linton and H. Lath (Eds.), Matteson & McConnell’s gerontological nursing, (pp. 787-788). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
Lorenz, R. A., Harris, M., & Richards, K. C. (2011). Sleep in adult long-term care. In N. Redeker & G. Phillips McEnany (Eds.), Sleep disorders and sleep promotion in nursing practice (pp. 339-354). New York, NY: Springer.
- NGC 701 State of Nursing Science
- NCG 702 Dissertation Seminar
- Excellence in Nursing Award Research finalist, March of Dimes, 2016
- Robert Wood Johnson Nurse Faculty Scholars Program finalist, 2012
- Graduating Student of the Year, Saint Louis University, Doisy College of Health Sciences, 2007
- Emerging Nurse Researcher Award, Sigma Theta Tau International, 2007
- Joan Hrubetz Doctoral Student Award, Sigma Theta Tau International, Delta Lambda Chapter, 2005
- Champion of Older American Award, Sisters of St. Mary Health Care, 2004
- Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, Saint Louis University, 2003
- Advocacy Award, Sisters of St. Mary Healthcare Quality Initiative, 2001
- Continuing Quality Initiative Recognition Award, Sisters of St. Mary Healthcare Quality Initiative, 2000
- Member, International Dementia Scholars Collaborative
- Member, Merleau-Ponty Circle
- Member, Sleep Medicine Journal Club/Case Conferences
- Member, Communication Committee: Sleep Research Society
- Member, Sigma Theta Tau International, the Honor Society of Nursing
- Member, Sigma Theta Tau International, Delta Lambda
- Member, Midwest Nursing Research Society
- Member, Gerontological Research Interest Group, Midwest Nursing Research Society
- Member, Sleep Research Society
- Member, Missouri Sleep Research Society
Current
Comparing two ways to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among adults from underserved and racial minority communities
Term: 2020-2021
Role: Co-Investigator
Funding Source: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)
Award Amount: $2,500,000
Attitudinal Determinants of Contraceptive nonuse in Appalachia
Term: 2020-
Role: Principle Investigator
Funding Source: Society of Family Planning Research Fund
Award Amount: $50,000
Sleep and Circadian Rhythms Intervention in Adults with Neurodegenerative Disorders (SleepWell!)
Term: 2019-2021
Role: Principle Investigator
Funding Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) K12 HL138052
Award Amount: $265,264
The Pathway to Sleep Health Disparities in Older Adults: The Role of Social Determinants
Term: 2019-2021
Role: Principle Investigator
Funding Source: UB Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Award Amount: $35,993
Past
Buffalo Research Innovation in Genomic and Healthcare Technology Education: Alzheimer's and related dementias Care Improvement Through Data Science Education (ACT-DSE): Custom Training for Research Scientists
Term: 2018-2019
Role: Co-Investigator
Funding Source: National Institutes of Health/National Library of Medicine
Award Amount: $270,000
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Plus Sleep Retraining to Improve Depressive Symptoms Among Adults with Multiple Sclerosis
Term: 2018
Role: Principal Investigator
Funding Source: Patricia H. Garmin Behavioral Health Nursing Endowment Fund
Award Amount: $10,000
Speaking Up or Remaining Silent: Understanding the Influences on Nurses when Patients are at Risk
Term: 2018
Role: Co-Investigator
Funding Source: The AONE Foundation for Nursing Leadership Research and Education
Award Amount: $20,000