Francesca C. Ezeokonkwo, Ph.D., RN
Education
- Ph.D., Transcultural Nursing, Duquesne University
- M.S., Nursing Education, Benedictine University
- B.S., Nursing, The Catholic University of America
- A.S., Pre-pharmacy, Lincoln Land Community College
Dr. Ezeokonkwo joined Holy Family University in August 2023. She holds a Ph.D. in Nursing Science with a focus on Transcultural Nursing from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, an M.S.N. in Nursing Education from Benedictine University in Lisle, IL, a B.S.N. from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and a certificate in Distance Education from Thomas Edison State University in Trenton, NJ. Before transitioning to nursing, she obtained an associate degree in pre-pharmacy from Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, IL. Her work focuses on promoting health and well-being among vulnerable populations, especially older adults. Her research interests include nursing care across cultures, loneliness and well-being, spirituality in nursing, and the impacts of climate change on health.
Research Interests
- Nursing care across cultures
- Loneliness and well-being
- Spirituality in nursing
- Effects of climate change on health
Courses Taught
- NURS 355: Research for Evidence-Based Practice
- NURS 349: Mental Health Nursing
- NURS 607: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Teaching Philosophy
As an educator, Dr. Ezeokonkwo believes her primary role is to facilitate learning and help students unlock their potential rather than simply impart knowledge. Influenced by Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, her teaching focuses on social interaction, active participation, and student ownership of their learning. She creates an inclusive classroom environment and cultivates an open, supportive atmosphere that promotes discussion, creativity, and respectful exchange, enabling students to feel confident sharing ideas and asking questions. She maintains high academic and professional standards while offering timely, constructive feedback and mentorship. Dr. Ezeokonkwo is passionate about teaching and learning and aims to instill the same passion in her students.
Student Mentoring & Opportunities
Her research opportunities, advising, and mentoring areas include health promotion, the role of spirituality in health outcomes, loneliness and well-being, transcultural nursing practices, climate change, and health.
Representative Publications
Britt, K. C., Boateng, A. C., Zhao, H., Ezeokonkwo, F. C., Federwitz, C., & Epps, F. (2023). Spiritual
Needs of Older Adults Living with Dementia: An Integrative Review. Healthcare, 11(9), 1319.
https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11091319
Ezeokonkwo, F. C., Sekula, L., Stokes, J., Theeke, L., Zoucha, R., Troutman-Jordan, M., Sharma, D.
(2023). Relationships between Interpersonal Goals and Loneliness in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional
Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health,
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031914
Ezeokonkwo, F.C., Sekula, K. L., & Theeke, L. A (2021). Loneliness in homebound older adults:
Integrative literature review. Journal of Gerontological Nursing,
http://doi.org/10.3928/00989134-20210624-01
Ezeokonkwo, F.C. (2021). A Day in the Life of a Parish Nurse. Home Healthcare Now, 39(3), 176-177.
https://doi.org/10.1097/NHH.0000000000000933