Laura Wallace, MSN is a doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, and a pre-doctoral fellow in the NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health. Wallace’s research interests include exploring transitional care for older adults with hearing and vision impairments, and how hearing and vision impairments impact health literacy and health care utilization.
Wallace began her career at University of California San Diego Health (UCSDH) as a clinical nurse. After working clinically, she spent several years working in the Nursing Education, Development and Research Department at UCSDH— first on a pilot transitional care program, then as a nurse educator and NICHE (Nurse Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) Coordinator, during which time she led an interprofessional team to improve care for older adults throughout the organization. Her work as a transition coach, nurse educator, and NICHE Coordinator revealed the complex challenges faced by older adults in the acute care setting, and inspired her research interests.
Wallace received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from West Chester University, and her Master of Science in Nursing degree from San Diego State University. She is certified in Gerontological Nursing, and a member of Sigma Theta Tau and the American Geriatrics Society. Wallace also served on the Board of Directors and as a medical consult for a non-profit organization assisting WWII veterans.