Contact Information

Biography

Dr. Rick Zoucha is the Director of Nursing Education, Professor and Chair of Advanced Role and PhD Programs at Duquesne University School of Nursing. He has a special interest in Transcultural and Global Nursing as well as Psychosocial Nursing. Dr. Zoucha has taught Transcultural Nursing in the BSN, Post-Master's, DNP and PhD programs for the last 20 years. Dr. Zoucha teaches qualitative research methods in nursing in the PhD program. In addition, Dr. Zoucha is certified as an Advanced Practice Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist (Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist -Board Certified) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Dr. Zoucha is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and a Fellow of the Transcultural Nursing Society.

His research interests include understanding various phenomena related to health and well being in the Nicaraguan, Mexican American, African American and African refugee and immigrant communities. Dr. Zoucha is a qualitative and mixed method researcher experienced in ethnography, ethnonursing, phenomenology and participatory action research methods. He has served as PhD dissertation chair for studies seeking to understand cultural care phenomena related to people of the Puerto Rican, Taiwanese, Mexican American, African American, Peruvian, Dominican, Appalachian, and homeless cultures globally. Dr. Zoucha is a Certified Transcultural Nurse-Advanced. He was inducted as a Transcultural Nursing Scholar in 2004. Dr. Zoucha was bestowed the Leininger Award in 1998. Dr. Zoucha has been invited to speak at national and international conferences as well as Visiting Professor/Scholar in Puerto Rico, Spain, New Jersey, Taiwan, Australia and North Dakota regarding issues of cultural care.

Education

PhD, Nursing, Rush University, 1997
MS, Nursing, Texas Womans' University, 1987
BSN, Nursing, University of the Incarnate Word, 1984
AAS, Nursing, Southern Illinois University, 1982
LVN, Nursing, St. Joseph Hospital School of Vocational Nursing, 1980

Expertise

  • Community based participatory action research
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
  • Transcultural/international nursing
  • Cultural competence and health needs
  • Qualitative research methods

Profile Information

About

Grants

(Funded) PI: Zoucha, R., Braxter, B., Scott, A., Kelley,P., Toward Mental Health Equity, Empowering Female Veterans: Promoting Mental Health First Aid. Highmark Foundation Grant, funded $25000.00 January 1- February 28, 2020.

(Funded) PI: Zoucha, R., Co-PI: Braxter, B., Scott, A., "All of Us" education project Celebrating Health in Pittsburgh's Diverse Communities. AACN/NIH $10000.00 Funded October 2018 to February 28, 2019.

(Funded) PI: Turk, M., Co-PI: Zoucha, R., Fapohunda, A., Exploring African Immigrants' Perceptions and Practices Around Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Through Photovoice. Duquesne University Faculty Development Fund Grant $10,000.Funded 2013-2014.

(Funded). Salman. K., Zoucha, R., & Nawafleh, H. Understanding the Values and Beliefs Related to Breast Cancer, Early Detection, and Mammography Screening in Women Living in Ma'an City-Jordan (Collaborative research funded by Duquesne University School of Nursing/ Faculty Development Fund in 2012, ($5000) and Princess Aisha Bint Al-Hussien College of Nursing/Al-Hussein Bin Talal University approximately $4000.00 for Housing and transportation Grant. Total $9000.00

Principal Investigator: Zoucha, R. Co-investigators: Colbert, A., Sekula, K., Walters, C. Exploring Safe Sleep and SIDS Risk Perception in a High-Risk Community. $4000.00 Sponsored by SIDS of PA and the Birmingham Foundation April 2011-March 2012.

(Funded) PI: Turk, M., Co-PI: Zoucha, R., Fapohunda, A., Exploring African Immigrants' Perceptions and Practices Around Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Through Photovoice. Duquesne University Faculty Development Fund Grant $10,000.Funded 2013-2014.

(Funded). Salman. K., Zoucha, R., & Nawafleh, H. Understanding the Values and Beliefs Related to Breast Cancer, Early Detection, and Mammography Screening in Women Living in Ma'an City-Jordan ( Collaborative research funded by Duquesne University School of Nursing/ Faculty Development Fund in 2012, ($5000) and Princess Aisha Bint Al-Hussien College of Nursing/Al-Hussein Bin Talal University approximately $4000.00 for Housing and transportation Grant. Total $9000.00

Competitive Faculty Development Grants for Presentations on Multicultural College Teaching and Learning. Connecting the Philosophy and Values of a Professional Doctoral Program to that of a Global Perspective for Students, 2nd International Conference on Professional Doctorates, UK Council of Graduate Education and Middlesex University. Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. $700.00

Zoucha, R., Weideman, Y., Colbert, A., Turk, M., Assessing Transcultural Self-Efficacy in Graduate Nursing Students, $200.00 School of Nursing Summer 2011-2012.

Principal Investigator: Zoucha, R. Co-investigators: Colbert, A., Sekula, K., Walters, C. Exploring Safe Sleep and SIDS Risk Perception in a High-Risk Community. $4000.00 Sponsored by SIDS of PA and the Birmingham Foundation April 2011-March 2012.

Principal Investigator: Zoucha, R. Co-investigators: Mayle, K., Smith, S. Promoting Health and health Care Access in the African Refugee and Immigrant Community:  A Participatory Action Research Study.  $58,045.50 funded from the Commonwealth Universal Research Enhancement (C.U.R.E.) program from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, January 1 2011 to January 1, 2013      

Principal Investigator:  Zoucha, R., Smith Glasgow, M.E., The Experiences of Doctor of Nursing Practice Graduates in their Current Professional Positions: A Phenomenology. $1000.00 Supported by the Duquesne University and Drexel University Schools of Nursing, May 1, 2010.

Co-investigator:  Turk, M., Zoucha, R. Burke, L., Exploring the Correlates and Experiences of Weight Loss Maintenance. $5000.00, May, 1, 2010, School of Nursing Faculty Research Grant.

Published Refereed Articles

Ribar AK, Kilanowski JF, Zoucha R. (2020). The Cultural Perceptions of Healthy Eating in Mexican American Children: A Focused Ethnography. Journal of Transcult Nursing. doi: 10.1177/1043659620912305. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 32194002

Stephen JM, Zoucha R.(2020). Spanish Speaking, limited English proficient parents whose children are hospitalized: An integrative review., Journal of Pediatric Nursing. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2020.02.033. [Epub ahead of print]

Confiac, N., Turk, M. T., Zoucha, R., & McFarland, M. (2019). Mexican American Parental Knowledge and Perceptions of Childhood Obesity: An Integrative Review. Hispanic health care international : the official journal of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, 1540415319873400. Advance online publication. doi:10.1177/1540415319873400

Estrada, G. B., Zoucha, R., Duarte-Velez, Y., (2019). Cultural factors influencing suicidal ideation and behaviors in Puerto Ricans: An Integrative Review. Annual Review of Nursing Research, 37, (1), 261-299.

Scott, P. D., Lockhart, J.L., Jakub, K. E., Zoucha, R., Nguyen, G. C., (2019). Coping in African Americans with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Integrative Review of the Literature. Gastroenterology Nursing.

Jeffreys, M., Zoucha, R., (2018). Cultural congruence in the workplace, health care, and academic setting for multiracial and multiheritage individuals. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 25, 4

Lyden, C., Sekula, LK., Higgins, B., Zoucha, R., (2018). Job satisfaction and empowerment of self-employed nurse practitioners: A mixed methods study. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2018 Feb;30(2):78-91. doi: 10.1097/JXX.0000000000000007.PMID: 29757819

Collins, J.W., Zoucha, R., Lockhart, J.S., Mixer, S. J., (2018) Cultural aspects of end-of-life care planning for African Americans: An Integrative Review of Literature. Journal of Transcultural Nursing. 2018 Jan 1:1043659617753042. doi: 10.1177/1043659617753042.

Jakub, K. E., Turk, M.T., Fapohunda, A, Zoucha, R., (2018). Cultural beliefs, perceptions and practices of young adult offspring of African immigrants regarding health eating and activity. Journal of Transcultural Nursing. Mar 1:1043659618761532. doi: 10.1177/1043659618761532.

Salman, K., Zoucha, R., Hani, H., (2018). Understanding Jordanian Women's Values and Beliefs Related to Breast Cancer: A Focused Ethnography. Journal of Transcultural Nursing. Mar;29(2):139-145. doi: 10.1177/1043659616681424. Epub 2016 Dec 14.

Whitfield-Harris L, Lockhart JS, Zoucha R, Alexander R. (2017). The Lived Experience of Black Nurse Faculty in Predominantly White Schools of Nursing. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 2017 Mar 1:1043659617699064. doi: 10.1177/1043659617699064. [Epub ahead of print]

Jeffreys, M., Zoucha, R., (2017) Revisiting "The Invisible Culture of the Multiracial, Multicultural Individual: A Transcultural Imperative" Journal of Cultural Diversity, 24 (1), 3-6.

Jeffreys, M., Zoucha, R., (2017) The Invisible Culture of the Multiracial, Multicultural Individual: A Transcultural Imperative: A Reprint from 2001, Journal of Cultural Diversity, 24, (1), 7-10.

Jeffreys, M., Zoucha, R., (2017) BOOK REVIEW: Mixed-race Youth and Schooling: The Fifth Minority. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 4 (1), 11-13.

Wright-Brown, S., Sekula, L. K. Gillespie, G. & Zoucha, R. (2017). The experiences of registered nurses who are injured by interpersonal violence while on duty in an emergency department, Journal of Forensic Nursing, 12 (4), 189-197.

Colbert, A.M., Goshin, L. S., Durand, V., Zoucha, R., Sekula, L.K., (2016). Women in transition: Experiences of health care for recently incarcerated women living in community corrections facilities. Research Nursing Health. Article first published in line: July 27. DOI: 10.1002/nur.2142

Wolf, K.M., Zoucha, R., McFarland, M., Salman, K., Dagne, A., Hashi, N., (2016). Somali immigrant perceptions of mental health, Journal of Transcultural Nursing. 27,4,349-58. EPUB: Sept. 16, 2014. DOI: 10.1177/1043659614550487

Zoucha, R. (2015). Global refugees and the long road: their hope and our role! Journal of Transcultural Nursing. 26, 5:449. DOI: 10.1177/1043659615611766

Zoucha, R., Walters, C., Colbert, A., Carlins, E., Smith, E., (2015). Exploring Safe Sleep and SIDS Risk Perception in an African American Community: A Focused Ethnography. Public Health Nursing. Article first published on line: October 7, 2015, doi: 10.1111/phn.12235.

 

Book Chapters

Zoucha, R., (2018). Case Study: Communication, Language, and Care with a Person of Mexican Heritage with Type 2 Diabetes. In Douglas, Marilyn "Marty", Pacquiao, Dula, Purnell, Larry (Eds.). Global Applications of Culturally Competent Health Care: Guidelines for Practice, Springer.

Smith Glasgow, M.E., Zoucha, R., Johnson, C., (2017). Role Strain in the Doctorally Prepared Advanced Practice Nurse: The Experiences of Doctor of Nursing Practice Graduates in their Current Professional Positions - An Updated and Current View. In M. Dreher & M.E. Smith Glasgow, (2nd Ed) Role Development for Doctoral Advanced Nursing Practice, Springer.

Dreher, M. H., Smith Glasgow, M.E., Lachman, V., Zoucha, R., Turk, M., Oldfield, S., Gifford- Hollingsworth, C., Molloy, M., (2017). Enhancing the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree with a Mandatory Study Abroad. In M. Dreher & M.E. Smith Glasgow, (2nd Ed) Role Development for Doctoral Advanced Nursing Practice, Springer.

Zoucha, R., Zamarripa-Zoucha, A., (2016). Health and Health Care in Mexico. In Carol Holtz (3rd. Ed). Global Health Care: Issues and Policies. Jones and Bartlett.

Zoucha, R. D., (2016). The Utility of Leininger's Culture Care Theory with Vulnerable Populations. In M. de Chesnay (4th ed.) Caring for the Vulnerable: Perspectives in Nursing Theory, Practice, and Research, Jones and Bartlett, Sudbury: MA.

Zoucha, R., Turk, M., (2015). Using the Culture Care Theory as a Guide to Develop and Implement a Transcultural Global Health Course for Doctor of Nursing Practice Students in Italy. In Marilyn R. McFarland and Hiba B. Wehbe-Alamah (3rd. Ed.) Leininger's Culture Care Diversity and Universality. Jones and Bartlett.

 

Presentations:  Peer Reviewed

(National) Zoucha, R., Jeffeys, M., Understanding Latinx in the context of multicultural, multiracial, multiheritage Individuals: A nursing and health care imperative at the National Association of Hispanic Nurses 44th conference in Reno, NV on July 16-20, 2019.

(International) Zoucha, R., Scott, A., Braxter, B., Poster Presentation: Celebrating Health in Pittsburgh's Diverse Communities: An All of Us Funded Project (NIH) at the 65th Chi Eta Phi Boule, Chicago, IL on July 10, 2019.

(International) Zoucha, R., Towards mental health equity: Empowering female veterans
promoting mental health first aid at the Knowledge Exchange conference at the University College Dublin on June 24, 2019.

(International) Zoucha, R., Turk, M, Poster Presentation: Toward a Culturally Competent curriculum for Doctor of Nursing Practice Students via Global Studies at the 6th International European Transcultural Nursing Association conference in České Budějovice, Czech Republic, June 19-21, 2019.

(International) Zoucha, R., Turk, M, Oral Presentation: Toward a Culturally Competent curriculum for Doctor of Nursing Practice Students via Global Studies at the 6th International European Transcultural Nursing Association conference in České Budějovice, Czech Republic, June 19-21, 2019.

(International) Zoucha, R., Turk, M, Oral Presentation: Developing PhD Transcultural Nurse Researchers through Global Studies at the 6th International European Transcultural Nursing Association conference in České Budějovice, Czech Republic, June 19-21, 2019.

(Local) Zoucha, R. Scott, A., Braxter, B., Poster Presentation: Celebrating Health in Pittsburgh's Diverse Communities: An All of Us Funded Project (NIH) at the Duquesne University 25th Anniversary Celebration of the PhD Nursing Program, May 2019, Pittsburgh, PA.

(Local) Gola, M., Zoucha, R., Devido, J., Poster Presentation: Access to health information in Canadian immigrant postpartum Women: A grounded theory mini-study at the Duquesne University 25th Anniversary Celebration of the PhD Nursing Program, May 2019, Pittsburgh, PA.

(International) Stephen, J, Zoucha, R., Oral Presentation: The Experiences, Values, and Beliefs of Spanish Speaking, Limited English Proficient (LEP) Parents of Mexican Origin Whose Children Are Hospitalized: An Ethnonursing Mini-Study at the 44th Annual Transcultural Nursing Society conference in San Antonio, TX, October 17-20, 2018.

(National) Estrada, G., Zoucha, R. Oral Presentation: What I wish I Knew before going to Graduate School at the 43rd Annual National Association of Hispanic Nurses Conference in Cleveland, OH, July 31-August 3, 2018.

(International) Zoucha, R., Oral presentation: Understanding the meaning of mental health and illness in an Urbssn Nicaraguan Community: A focused Ethnography at the 6th WNC, July 23-24, 2018 in Singapore.

(International) Tadzong, G., Zoucha, R., Oral Presentation: Utilization of Health Services by Rural Women in Cameroon: A Mini-study at the 43rd Annual Conference of the Transcultural Nursing Society, New Orleans, LA, October 18-21, 2017.

(International) Jeffreys, M.R., Zoucha, R., Oral Presentation: Meeting the needs of Mixed Race and Multiple Heritage Individuals through Transcultural Nursing: An A-Z Topics Tour at the 43rd Annual Conference of the Transcultural Nursing Society, New Orleans, LA, October 18-21, 2017.

(International) Cuellar, N., Zoucha, R., Oral presentation: Publishing in the Journal of Transcultural Nursing at the 43rd Annual Conference of the Transcultural Nursing Society, New Orleans, LA, October 18-21, 2017.

(National) Turk, M., Zoucha, R., Fapohunda, A., Poster presentation: Using Leininger's Theory as a Framework for Learning about Cultural Context and Health through Qualitative Research at the United States Conference on African Immigrant Health: Advancing the Health of African Immigrants through Research, Advocacy and Community Engagement, Washington, DC, October 5-8, 2017

(National) Bell, E., Zoucha, R. Poster presentation: Older Mexican American Mental Health Disparities at the NAHN (National Association of Hispanic Nurses 42nd Annual Conference, Phoenix, AZ, July 18-21, 2017.

(International) Tadzong, G, Zoucha, R., Poster presentation: Utilization of health services by rural women in Cameroon: A mini-study at the 5th Conference of the European Transcultural Nursing Association, Odense, Denmark, June 18-21, 2017.

(International) Zoucha, R., Oral presentation: "The utility of participatory action research to promote health and health care access for African refugee and immigrants" at the 5th Conference of the European Transcultural Nursing Association, Odense, Denmark, June 18-21, 2017.

(International) Zoucha, R., Turk, M., Poster presentation: "The utility of photovoice as a novel methodology with Immigrant and Refugee communities" at the 5th Conference of the European Transcultural Nursing Association, Odense, Denmark, June 18-21, 2017.

(International) Zoucha, R., Turk, M., Sekula, K., Kalarchian, M., Oral panel presentation: Promoting a global perspective of research in a PhD in Nursing program at the 3rd International Conference on Developments in Doctoral Education & Training, The Other Place, Stratford- upon-Avon, England, April 3, 2017.

(International) Zoucha, R., Turk, M., Poster presentation: Promoting global perspectives of nursing and health through study abroad for Doctor of Nursing Practice students at the 3rd International Conference on Developments in Doctoral Education & Training, The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon, England, April 4, 2017.

(National) Zoucha, R., Turk, M., Poster presentation: "Curricular Innovation-Promoting Global Perspectives of Nursing and Health care through Study Abroad for DNP Students" at the 2017 Doctoral Education Conference, Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego, CA, January 19, 2017.

 

Editor
Volume Editor: Annual Review of Nursing Research, Transcultural and Social Research Volume 37, 2019

Associate Editor, Journal of Transcultural Nursing, January 2014 to present.

Inducted to Chi Eta Phi, Inc. Kappa Chapter in 2017.

Installed as the Joseph A. Lauritis, C.S.Sp. Endowed Chair for Teaching and Technology, September 2015.

Inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing in October 2014

Cribs for Kids Starfish Award (For Safe and Sound Sleep research and education project) April 2013

Community Nomination: 
Nominated for the Racial Justice Award of the YWCA, Pittsburgh, PA

Scholarly Awards
Inducted as a Charter member to Transcultural Nursing Scholars, October 8, 2004.

Poster Award
Understanding the Meaning of Mental Health and Illness in an Urban   Nicaraguan Barrio:  A Focused Mini-Ethnography.  Cunningham, L, Zoucha, RD., Gross, J. at the 30th Annual Transcultural Nursing Society Conference, June 14, 2004, Alicante, Spain.

Leininger Award, Transcultural Nursing Society, October 14, 1998.

Awarded Honorable Mention at the Southern Nursing Research Society Conference in Miami, Fl. March 1, 1996 for Poster Presentation titled: "The Experience of Mexican Americans Receiving Professional Nursing Care: An Ethnonursing Study."

Teaching Award
Awarded a 1998-99 Duquesne University Creative Teaching Award for the bilingual on-line journal, "Issues in Psychosocial Nursing."

Nominated for the Teaching, Learning, and Technology Award from the School of Nursing, Duquesne University, March 1999.

Nominated as Teacher of the Year from the Student Nurses' Organization of the Harris College of Nursing, Texas Christian University, 1996.