Cori Cunningham, O’Neal, DNP, CRNP, AGPCNP-C
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing (BSN- 2010, MSN- 2014, DNP- 2017)
Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing
Describe a day in your life.
My days vary depending on the day of the week, but it always starts with waking up my 4-year-old son, Marshall. I am the Specialty Track Coordinator for the Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track at UABSON so many of my days revolve around the education of students. I am also a recipient and funded by a Geriatric Academic Career Award through an HRSA grant ,and so many days I work on activities that support this faculty development grant. On Thursdays, I serve as a nurse practitioner in the UAB PATH Clinic, providing care to patients with uncontrolled diabetes. Several times a month, I also participate in GAPNA activities in the evenings- Annual Conference Planning Committee, Education SIG, and the Nomination Committee. Then, my days end by putting my son to bed.
What inspired you to work in geriatrics?
I grew up very close to my grandparents. Seeing them was a highlight of my childhood. My grandfather developed dementia, which is very hard on a family. Aiding in his care impacted all of us, but really makes you appreciate family and life. My grandmother was the strongest person I have ever known. Older adults deserve the very best love and care. It is a privilege to work with this population.
How do you see the field of geriatrics evolving in the future?
I hope to see dementia care continue to advance and be offered earlier to all who are impacted. With all of the advances in technology that will help enable this, I also see more care at home at the end of life.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love teaching the future providers who will be caring for the older population and helping instill in them an appreciation for the geriatric population. When we do geriatric simulations and help them imagine what it might feel like to be affected by different kinds of vision loss, hearing loss, neuropathy, etc., you can see it really impact their compassion for their older adult patients.
Hobbies/Favorite activities?
Gardening, taking walks, reading books, spending time with family.
Describe where you hope to be in 5 years in your career.
I hope to still be educating future NPs, to be a leader within GAPNA, and to have successfully completed my HRSA GACA award and working on more grants to advance geriatrics.
How long have you been a GAPNA member?
5 years
How and why did you get involved with GAPNA as a leader?
I was encouraged by fellow colleagues who are involved in GAPNA leadership. Without this encouragement, I would not have thought I was qualified to do it. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of my involvement and plan to continue serving GAPNA as my professional home.
Any workplace honors you’d like to mention?
2022 Louise Barksdale Outstanding Nursing Practice Award, Alabama State Nurses Association
2022 University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing Champion of Caring
2020 Dean’s Early Career Award, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing
Anything else you’d like us to know?
UABSON AGPCNP Program Honors-
- 2024 U.S. News & World Report Among Schools of Nursing- #7 DNP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program, U.S. News and World Report, United States
- 2023 U.S. News and World Report Among Schools of Nursing- #6 DNP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program, U.S. News and World Report, United States