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Jacqueline McGrath - UT Health San Antonio

Contact

210-567-5883

mcgrathj@uthscsa.edu

Jacqueline McGrath, PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN

Vice Dean for Faculty Excellence

Thelma and Joe Crow Endowed Professor

Currently seeking M.S. & Ph.D. students

Dr. Jacqueline McGrath is the Thelma and Joe Crowe Endowed Professor, and Vice Dean for Faculty Excellence in the School of Nursing. Research foci include integration of family-centered and developmentally supportive caregiving with high-risk and premature infants and their families in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). More specifically, her work has focused on the biobehavioral outcomes related to increasing parent engagement for both parents and the infant. Increasing parent engagement for high-risk infants in the NICU is believed to be a mechanism for influencing the development of parent self-management skills after infant discharge and ultimately enhancing infant long-term cognitive and developmental outcomes. Currently, she is actively collaborating with Dr. Lisa Cleveland to advance the science around the care of mothers and infants prenatally opioid exposed. She has also conducted studies related to preterm infants’ oral feeding readiness and preterm infant touch and massage (parent provided). Based on her research, she developed the NICU-PLAY program for parents and their hospitalized preterm infants. Her work has been funded by NIH/NINR and NIH/NIMH, the American Nurses Foundation, as well as other foundations. She is well-known in the field for her scholarly publications, with more than 140 peer-reviewed articles, 125+ editorials, and short manuscripts as well more than 35+ book chapters. Since 2014, Dr. McGrath has been the Co-Editor for Advances in Neonatal Care the journal of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses. She is also the Co-Editor for Developmental Care for Newborns and Infants: A Guide for Health Professions, 2nd edition. The third edition of this book is in development and should be published early in 2022. Dr. McGrath is an excellent scholar and teacher. She has mentored more than 20 PhD students among more than 50 mentees across her career trajectory.

In 2007, Dr. McGrath became a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing. She also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Neonatal Nurses in 2017. She received her BSN from the University of Akron; MSN from Kent State University in parent-child nursing; both a post-master’s certificate as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. As a truly excellent mentor and teacher, Dr. McGrath believes leadership is seeing the brilliance in other people, and creating joy at work is central to success.

Dr. McGrath joined UTH in the fall of 2018, most recently from the University of Connecticut, School of Nursing where she was a Professor from 2012-2018. She also served as the Associate Dean for Research and Scholarship, the Director of the Center for Nursing Scholarship as well as the Director of the PhD Program. Through a partnership with Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (Hartford, CT), she concurrently served as the Director for Nursing Research, and she established the Connecticut Children’s Institute for Research and Evidence-Based Practice within the nurse self-governance structure. Based on this foundational work Connecticut Children’s received MAGNET status in 2020.

  • Professional Background

    Education

    • 2017 - Leadership Training - Nursing - University of Pennsylvania Wharton, School of Business
    • 1999 - PhD - Nursing - University of Pennsylvania
    • 1998 - MSN - Nursing - Kent State University, School of Nursing, Special Education
    • 1984 - BSN - Nursing - University of Akron, College of Nursing

    Highlights

    Licensure

    • Registered Nurse (Texas)      

    Honors Received

    • 2019   Nursing Excellence in Policy Award 2019 - American Academy of Nursing
    • 2019   NANN 2019 Research Abstract Award – National Association of Neonatal Nurses
    • 2017   Lifetime Achievement Award, National Association of Neonatal Nurses
    • 2017   Difference Maker - 75th Anniversary Celebration; UConn School of Nursing, Storrs, CT

    Appointments

    • Present - Vice Dean for Faculty Excellence - University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

  • Instruction & Training

    • 2021, N 7381 Nursing Synthesis & Application of Clinical Research , UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
    • 2019, N 7381 Nursing Synthesis & Application of Clinical Research , UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing

  • Research & Grants

    Grants

    Grants and Contracts: Federal, Regional, State

    • R01HD103040-01A Mechanisms of Neurodevelopment in Prenatally Opioid Exposed Infants (Nov 2019 initial submission; June 2020 resubmission). scored not within funding range. ROLE: Co-Principal Investigator; Co-PI: Lisa Cleveland, $ 2,353,103.00. This prospective cohort trial investigates the long-term developmental outcomes for infants with Prenatal Opioid Exposure (POE) compared to full term infants without POE as well as the mechanisms that might predict outcomes.
    • NIH/SBIR submission The Preemie-Pacer: An Innovative Bottle to Promote Safe and Efficient Oral Feeding in Preterm Infants. Priority Score 21.This study is to further the development of an innovative bottle design that will allow for the pacing of infant preterm feedings in the NICU. ROLE: Consultant; PI: Roberta Pineda.
    • 2022-2019 R15HD099706-01 Directed Language as a Useful Predictor of Speech Processing Efficiency and Vocabulary Development in Preterm Infants. PI: Katherine Newnam; ROLE: Co-Investigator. The goals are to determine if timing and frequency of direct language exposure during critical periods of auditory development are associated with (1) improved biophysical markers of neonatal stress, (2) continued language exposure in the home, and (3) improved speech processing efficiency and vocabulary size in this at-risk population. Score 28
    • 2022-2017 R01NR016928 Multi-Omics Analysis of Pain/Stress Impact on Neurodevelopment in Preterm Infants. $2,400,000. PI: Xiaomei Cong; ROLE: Co-Investigator. A prospective longitudinal design is used to examine linkages between cumulative pain/stress experiences in the NICU with infant gut microbiome and neurodevelopment. Score 18 -- 5th percentile Personal funding changed to consultative role due to change in employment (2018-2022).

    Grants: Foundations/National Organizations

    • Randomized Controlled Trial to Examine the Use of an Exclusive Human Milk Diet among Infants at Risk for Developing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome(Submission November 2020). ROLE: Co-Investigator. Co-PIs: Brownell & Blanco. This prospective RCT investigates the relationship between an exclusive milk diet and several short- and long-term outcomes including length of stay in the NICU, growth parameters and developmental outcomes for infants at risk for Neonatal Abstinence syndrome.
    • 2020 - 2017 Inspiring Innovations for Future UConn PhD Nursing Scholars. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation $150,000. ROLE: Principal Investigator (McGrath). Support progression of 2 PhD students in the UConn School of Nursing for 3 years.
    • 9/2018 - 9/2016 Testing the Feasibility of Utilizing Infrared Thermography for Pain Assessment with ELGA Infants: A Pilot Study. $15,000 American Nurses Foundation.  PI: Kimberly Francis (MASS General Hospital) ROLE: Co-Investigator. The purpose of this study is to test the use of infrared thermography as a means of pain assessment in extremely low gestation infants in the NICU.
    • 7/2018 - 8/2016 Jonas Scholars Program/UCONN School of Nursing. Jonas Center for Nursing and Veterans Healthcare $40,000. ROLE: PI (McGrath). Funding will provide support for 4 doctoral scholars. Scholars will gain skills in policy and advocacy during this training.
    • 2019 - 2016 Unleashing Innovations for Future UConn PhD Nursing Scholars. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation $150,000. ROLE: PI (McGrath). Support progression of 2 PhD students in the UConn School of Nursing for 3 years.

  • Service

    School

    • 2018 - present, UT Health San Antonio Executive Team, Member
    • 2018 - present, UTHSCSA School of Nursing PTAC Committee, Ex-officio Member
    • 2018 - present, UTHSCSA School of Nursing Recruitment & Search Committee, Ex-officio Member

    Institutional

    Faculty Development Offerings

    • 2020, Disseminating your Scoping Review Paper (October 2020; recorded for continuous use) UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX.
    • 2020, Writers Workshops (6 sessions April-September) UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing, San Antonio, TX.
    • 2020, Formalized Faculty Mentoring – Monthly sessions (August through August 2020) UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing, San Antonio, TX.
    • 2019, Writers Workshop (10 sessions January to June) UTH San Antonio, School of Nursing.
    • 2019, Formalized Faculty Mentoring – Monthly sessions (August through August 2020) UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing, San Antonio, TX.

    Service to the Profession

    Grant Review Activities

    • American Nurses Foundation: 2012 - 2011, Chair - Nursing Research Reviewer Committee (NRRC)
    • AWHONN – Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrical, and Neonatal Nurses: 2010 - 2008, Research Advisory Panel – Corresponding Member
    • Health Resources & Services Administration: Bureau of Health Professions: 2010, August, Advanced Nursing Education, Grant Review Panel Member
    • National Institute of Health: 2019, October NRCS Nursing and Related Clinical Sciences Study Section

    Manuscript Review Activities

    • 2000 - present,  Advances in Neonatal Care
    • 2007- present, JOGNN, Journal of Obstetrical, Gynecological and Neonatal Nursing
    • 2017 - present, Early Human Development
    • 2000 - present, Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing
    • 2001 - present, Biological Research for Nursing
    • 2017 - present, Journal of Pediatric Research

    National

    • ​2014 - present, Co-Editor, Advances in Neonatal Care; Journal of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses 
    • 2007 - present, American Academy of Nursing, Breastfeeding Expert Panel – Member          
    • 2010-present, American Academy of Nursing, Maternal Infant Expert Panel – Member
    • 2018 - 2020, Chair, Education Strategic Coordinating Committee, National Association of Neonatal Nurse
    • 2000 - 2014, Editorial Board Member, Advances in Neonatal Care; Journal of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses 

    Consultations

    • 2020 - December Strategic Planning for Sustainability of UT Health San Antonio, Care for Caregiver Program. San Antonio, TX.
    • 2018 - Writing for a Career. University of South Dakota, School of Nursing.
    • 2016-2015 - Connell Nursing Research Scholars Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Mentorship of Post-Doctoral Fellow- Dr. Kimberly Francis, PhD, RN

  • Publications

      Publications (* denotes data-based manuscripts) (most recent first) 

      Peer-Reviewed Journals - manuscripts (published online ahead of print /in press) 

      • Cartegena, D., Renya, B., McGrath, J.M., & Parker, L. (2021, epub ahead of print). Strategies to improve mother’s own milk expression in Black and Hispanic mothers of premature infants, Advances in Neonatal Care 
      • * Vittner, D., Demeo, S., Jaxon, V., Parker, M. Baxter, A., & McGrath, J.M. (2021, epub ahead of print). Factors that influence NICU health care professionals’ decision-making to implement family-centered care. Advances in Neonatal Care,
      • * O’Connor, C., McGrath, J. M. & DeGrazia, M. (2021, epub ahead of print). Parental Experiences of Infant Car Bed Use After Failure of Car Seat Tolerance Screen. Advances in Neonatal Care,
      • * McGrath, J. M., Bromiker, R., Hanlon, A., McGlothen-Bell, K., & Medoff-Cooper, B. (2021, epub ahead of print). Relative Changes in Sucking Patterns from Early Oral Feeding to Corrected Term Age in Preterm Infants. Advances in Neonatal Care, 2021(3),
      •  * Apanovitch, A., McGrath, J. M., McGlothen-Bell. K., & Briere, C. E. (2021, epub ahead of print). Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Admission Temperatures of Infants ≥1500 grams: The Cold Truth". Advances in Neonatal Care, 2021(2),
      •  * Camacho, A., Jakubisin-Konicki, A. McGrath, J. M., Carpentier, P. (2021, epub ahead of print). The Effect of NaProTECHNOLOGY on Marital Interaction in Couples with Infertility. Journal of Christian Nursing,

      Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles (* denotes data-based manuscripts)

      • * McGlothen-Bell, K., Recto, P., McGrath, J. M., Brownell, E., & Cleveland, L. (2021). Recovering Together: Mothers’ Experiences Providing Skin-to-Skin Care for Their Infants with NAS. Advances in Neonatal Care, 2021(1), 16-22. Doi: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000000819
      • * Van Allen, C. Mott, S., McGrath, J., De Grazia, M. (2021). Parental Perception of Cranial Orthotic Treatments for Infants with Deformational Plagiocephaly, Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, 33(1), 11-19. doi: 10.1097/JPO.0000000000000289
      • Diallo, A. F., Lockwood, M. B, Maki, K., Franks, A. T., Abhrarup, R., Jaime-Lara, J., Joseph, P. V., Henderson, W. A., Chung, S. Y., McGrath, J., Green S. J., Fink, A. M. (2020). Metabolic profiling of blood and urine for exploring the functional role of the microbiota in human health. Biological Research for Nursing,22(4), 449-457 doi: 10.1177/1099800420941080
      • Browne, J. E., Jaerger, C. B., Kenner, C., … McGrath, J. M., [Gravens Consensus Committee on Infant and Family Centered Developmental Care]. (2020). Journal of Perinatology, 405-410. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-020-0767-1
      • * Williamson, S. M., & McGrath, J. M. (2020). Neonatal Nurses’ Self-Reported Practices, Knowledge and Attitudes toward use of Maternal Voice for Preterm Infants, Advances in Neonatal Care, 2020(5), 415-422. doi: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000000715
      • Recto, P., McGlothen-Bell, K., McGrath, J. M. Brownell, E., & Cleveland, L. (2020). The role of stigma in the nursing care of families impacted by neonatal abstinence syndrome. Advances in Neonatal Care, 20(5), 354-363. doi: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000000778
      • McGlothen-Bell, K., Recto, P., Cleveland, L., Brownell, E., & McGrath, J. M. (2020). Feeding behaviors in infants with prenatal opioid exposure: An integrative review. Advances in Neonatal Care, 20(5), 374-383. doi:10.1097/ANC.0000000000000762
      • Perrin, M. T., Belfort, M. B., Hagadorn, J. I., McGrath, J. M., Taylor, S. N., Tosi, L. M., & Brownell, E. A. (2020). The Nutritional Composition and Energy Content of Donor Human Milk: A Systematic Review, Advances in Nutrition, 2020 Jul 1;11(4):960-970.  doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmaa014
      •  * Pineda, R., Collins, R., Heiny, E., Nellis, P., Smith, J., McGrath, J. M., & Barker, A. (2020). The Baby Bridge Program: A Sustainable Program that Can Improve Therapy Service Delivery for Preterm Infants following NICU Discharge. PLOS ONE 15(5): e0233411. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0233411
      • * Diallo, A. F., McGlothen-Bell, K., Lucas, R., Walsh, S., Allen, C., Henderson, W. A., Cong, X., & McGrath, J. M. (2020). Feeding modes, duration, and diarrhea in infancy: Continued evidence of the protective effects of breastfeeding. Public Health Nursing Journal, 37, 155-160. doi: 10.1111/phn.12683
      •  * Cartagena, D., Matsuda, Y., & McGrath, J. M., (2020). Recruitment of Immigrant Hispanic Mothers in Research: An Application of the EERC Guidelines, Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 31(1), 45-50. doi: 10.1177/1043659619841678
      • * Mercado, K., Vittner, D., Drabant, B., & McGrath, J. M. (2019). Neonatal Intensive Care Unit- Specific Lactation Support and Maternal Breast Milk Availability for very low birthweight infants. Advances in Neonatal Care, 19(6), 474-481. doi: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000000684

      Editorials, Columns, Briefs, & Published Abstracts in Peer-Reviewed Journals  

      • McGrath, J. M., & Brandon, D. (2020, epub ahead of print). Editorial: How are you feeling right now? Challenges and Opportunities. Advances in Neonatal Care, 20(6), 
      • Vittner, D., Parker, M., DeMeo, S., Baxter, A., & McGrath, J. (2020). Health Care Professionals Beliefs and Perceptions of Family Centered-Care in the NICU. Developmental Observer 13(1), 3. doi: 10.14434/do.v13i1.29080
      • Vittner, D., Lawhon, g., D’Agata, A., McGrath, J. M., & Young, E. Oxytocin release is strongly associated with premature infant behavioral patterns, Developmental Observer 13(1), 10-11.      doi: 10.14434/do.v13i1.29087
      • McGrath, J. M., & Brandon, D. (2019). Editorial: Looking to the Future: Challenges and Opportunities. Advances in Neonatal Care, 19(6), 425-426. doi: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000000693
      • McGrath, J. M., & Brandon, D. (2019). Editorial: Why does Joy at Work matter? Advances in Neonatal Care, 19(4), 245-246. doi: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000000656
      • Mercado, K., Vittner, D., Bradant, B., & McGrath, J. (2019). NICU-Specific Lactation Support and Maternal Breast Milk Availability for Very Low Birth-Weight Infants. Advances in Neonatal Care, 19(3), E10. doi: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000000633
      • McGrath, J. M., & Brandon, D. (2019). Editorial: Feeding Strategies? Advances in Neonatal Care, 19(1), 1-2. doi: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000000584
      • * Vittner, D., Butler, S., Smith, K., Makris, N., Abou (Samra), H., & McGrath J. M. (2019). Skin-to-Skin Contact Activates Oxytocin Release and Correlates to Parent Engagement. Developmental Observer: The Official Newsletter of the NIDCAP Federation International, 12(1), 12.

      Journal Co-Editor

      • Present-2014  Advances in Neonatal Care

      Books and Book Chapters
      Peer Reviewed Books

      • Kenner, C., & McGrath, J. M. (Eds). (2021, in development). Developmental Care of Newborns and Infants: A Guide for Health Professionals (3rd ed.). National Association of Neonatal Nurses. Philadelphia: Lippincott.

      Peer Reviewed Book Chapters/ Manuals/ National Guidelines

      • Vittner, D. & McGrath, J. M. (2021, in press). Chapter 10: Family Centered Developmental Care: In C. Kenner, & M. Boykova (Eds.). Handbook for Neonatal Nursing Care (3rd edition). New York, NY: Springer.
      • McGrath, J. M. (2020, in press). Foreword. In R. Limbo, C. Wool & B. S. Carter (Eds.) A Handbook for Perinatal and Neonatal Palliative Care: A Guide for Nurses, Physicians, and Other Health Professionals (pp. XXX-XXX). New York, NY: Springer.
      • McGrath, J. M., & Vittner, D. (2020). Chapter 35: Family: Essential Partner in Care. In C. Kenner, & J., Wright Lott (Eds.). Comprehensive Neonatal Nursing: A Physiologic Perspective (6th ed., pp. 753-783). New York, NY: Springer.
      • McGrath, J.M. (2020). Babies are the BEST way to Start People. In F. Nightingale. Notes on Nursing: What it is and What it is not: Commentary 160th Anniversary ed. with introductions by J. Fitzpatrick and M. S. Kennedy and commentaries by contemporary nurse leaders. (pp. 63-66). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
      • McGrath, J. M., Vittner, D. Diallo, A. F, & Samra, H. A. (2019). Chapter 22: Developmentally Supportive and Family Centered Care. In R. Bissinger, D. J. Annibale, & B. A, Fanning (Eds). Golden Hours: Care of the Very Low Birthweight Neonate (pp.391-405). Chicago, IL: National Certification Corporation.

      Presentations

      Invited Podium Presentations  
      National- Invited Podium Presentations

      • McGrath, J. M., Brandon, D., & Babcock, E. (2020, October). Coffee Chat with ANC Editors and 2020 Article of the Year Winners. NANN 36th Annual Meeting, 2020 Virtual Conference.
      • Brandon, D., & McGrath, J. M. (2020, October). Writer’s Workshop: Publishing in Advances in Neonatal Care. NANN 36th Annual Meeting, 2020 Virtual Conference.
      • McGrath, J. M., Brandon, D., (2020, September). Publishing in Advances in Neonatal Care. NANN 15th Annual Research Summit, Virtual Conference.

      National – Invited Media & Webinar Presentations

      • McGrath, J. M. (2019, June). Implications of Early Life Experience and Brain Development in the Preterm Infant. GOLD Neonatal Online Conference. GOLD Conferences International, Vancouver, CA www.GoldLearning.com.
      • McGrath, J. M. (2018, November). Challenges to Publishing your Work: Predatory vs. Open Access Publications. American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Washington, DC. Webinar – available continuously online.

      Regional – Invited Podium Presentations

      • McGrath, J. M. (2018, March). Every Baby has a Brain: Everything we do Matters! New England Association of Neonatal Nurses. Newport, RI.
      • McGrath, J. M. (2017, May). Intervention Studies. Writing Essentials for Publication Workshop: Taking your poster to a published manuscript. UConn Health, University of Connecticut School of Nursing and Middlesex Hospital. Farmington, CT.
      • McGrath, J. M. (2016, February). A Trajectory in Preterm Infant Research, Connell Nursing Research Scholars Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.

      Regional Invited Media Presentations (* denotes data-based)

      • McGrath, J. M. (2020, June). Feeding and Nutritional Support: Engaging Families. Educational Series: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Awareness Month is June in Texas. San Antonio, TX.

      Peer Reviewed Presentations
      International Podium Presentations (* denotes data-based) Peer Reviewed Abstracts)

      • * Vittner, D., Butler, S., Smith, K., Makris, N., Abou (Samra), H., & McGrath J. M. (2018, October). Skin-to-Skin Contact Activates Oxytocin Release and Correlates to Parent Engagement. 2018 NIDCAP Trainers Meeting. Porto, Portugal.

      National Podium Presentations (* denotes data-based) Peer Reviewed Abstracts)

      • Yaeger, C., & McGrath, J. M., & Kenner, J. M.  Recommended Standards, Competencies and Best Practices for Infant and Family Centered Developmental Care in the Intensive Care Unit. NANN 36th Annual Meeting, 2020 Virtual Conference.
      • * Briere, C.E., Jensen, T., McGrath, J. M., Finck, C. (2017, April) Stem-Like Cells in Breastmilk for Hospitalized Preterm Infants. Conf. proceedings: Experimental Biology 2017, Chicago, IL.
      • Cartagena, C., & McGrath J. M. (2016, September). Balancing Recruitment of Immigrant Latina Mothers and Caring for their Decisions to Participate in Research. Conference proceedings: 2016 State of Science Nursing Research Congress, CANS, Washington, DC.

       

  • Clinical

    Board Certifications

    • 2010 - DSD - Infant Developmental Specialist Designation, NANN
    • 1999 - CCNS - Certified Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist, AACN
    • 1992 - NIDCAP - Neonatal Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program
    • 1990 - NIDCAP - Neonatal Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program
    • 1988 - NCAST - Nursing Child Assessment Satellite Training, University of Washington
    • APIB - Assessment of Preterm Infant Behavior (APIB), Saguaro APIB Chapter
    • BNBAS - Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale, Boston, MA