Colleen Delaney

Ph.D., RN, AHN-BC, HWNC-BC

Emeritus Associate Research Professor

Director, Holistic Nursing Certificate Program

She/Her/Hers

Colleen Delaney is an Associate Research Professor in the University of Connecticut School of Nursing and the Founding Director of the Graduate Certificate Program in Holistic Nursing at UConn. She is also the 2020 Holistic Nurse of the Year, the Immediate Past Treasurer of the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA), faculty of the AHNA Integrative Healing Arts program, Associate Editor of the Journal of Holistic Nursing, and contributing author of the Scope and Standards of Holistic Nursing. She holds national board certification in advanced holistic nursing and health and wellness coaching. In addition to her extensive experience as a nurse educator, she has served in a variety of clinical roles, including the Visiting Nurse Association, Waterbury Hospital, and Hartford Hospital.

Her clinical specialty area is community/public health nursing. Her major areas of investigation are: nurse-led multicomponent interventions for older adults with heart failure receiving home care services; evidence-based interventions to enhance care of older adults with depression; spirituality and spirituality-based interventions for community dwelling older adults with cardiovascular disease; and holistic nursing education. In October 2013, Dr. Delaney received the Beverly Koerner Outstanding Alumni Award for Education in Nursing. This award is given to UConn alumni whom have demonstrated excellence, have made significant contributions to their nursing environment, and are involved in professional and/or community service. In 2015, Dr. Delaney received the Virginia Henderson Research Award for outstanding contribution to research by the Connecticut Nurses Association.