معرفی
Janet C. Mentes is a Professor in the Department of Gerontological Nursing at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She serves as Co-Director of the Center for Advancement of Gerontological Nursing Research (AGNS) and Director at Large of the National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence. Her research focuses on improving care for older adults through early detection and management of dehydration, oral hydration strategies, and delirium management. Key contributions include the Hydration Management Protocol, a urine color chart for hydration assessment, and a typology for classifying hydration problems in nursing home residents. Dr. Mentes is also committed to reducing health disparities by mentoring nurses from underrepresented backgrounds.
Education: She holds a BSN from Pennsylvania State University, an MS in Nursing from the University of Maryland, a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner certificate from Binghamton University, and a PhD in Gerontological Nursing from the University of Iowa.
Research Interests: Her work integrates clinical practice and research to address hydration challenges in aging populations. She has pioneered non-invasive biomarker tools (e.g., urine color analysis) and developed protocols to reduce hospitalizations linked to dehydration. Her studies also explore oral care interventions, such as licorice lollipop use to combat cariogenic bacteria in elderly patients.
Awards & Recognition: A Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America (2009), American Academy of Nursing (2014), and Western Institute of Nursing (2004), Mentes has been recognized for advancing gerontological nursing science. Her 2001-2003 postdoctoral fellowship with the John A. Hartford Foundation solidified her leadership in academic geriatric nursing.
Advising & Grants: While specific student names aren’t listed, her mentorship program aims to increase PhD nurses from diverse backgrounds. Her research has been supported by grants addressing hydration management, acute confusion in long-term care, and cultural influences on healthcare delivery.
Labs & Teams: Co-director of the AGNS and affiliated with UCLA’s nursing research initiatives, she collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to translate findings into clinical practice guidelines and educational tools.
