Kim Acquaviva

Kimberly Deanne Acquaviva, PhD, MSW, CSE

(Kimberly D. Acquaviva)

Betty Norman Norris Endowed Professor
Department
Nursing Research
Office
McLeod 4005

Biography

Kimberly D. Acquaviva, PhD, MSW, CSE, FNAP, is the Betty Norman Norris Endowed Professor at UVA School of Nursing as well as a faculty fellow for provost Ian Baucom. Before arriving at UVA in 2019, she spent 15 years at the George Washington University's School of Nursing and School of Medicine and Health Sciences, serving as the inaugural associate dean for faculty affairs in the nursing school and a member of GW’s Academy of Distinguished Teachers. She won the Bender Teaching Award in 2011.

Early in her career, Kim—a social worker and scholar—cared for patients and families facing life-limiting illness in hospitals and hospice settings, work that ultimately shaped her research interests in LGBTQIA-inclusive hospice, palliative care, and end-of-life issues. Kim is also well-versed in other healthcare domains, too, including high-tech approaches to boosting clinicians’ emergency preparedness and helping educators understand and properly use AI in higher education. At GW, she was part of the National Nurse Emergency Preparedness Initiative, which earned $2 million from the Department of Homeland Security and developed an online course that more than 50,000 nurses completed.

During her career in nursing education, Kim has taught population health, evidence-based practice, grant writing, health policy, and research project proposal courses. She guest lectures on a broad range of topics, from academic dishonesty to AI to how to take a patient's sexual history. At UVA, Kim teaches health policy to both undergraduate and graduate students and co-leads the School's year-long Distinguished Majors Program course for 4th year students who conduct original research.

A Fulbright Scholar and an often-tapped thought leader and scholar, Kim published the LGBTQ-Inclusive Hospice and Palliative Care: A Practical Guide to Transforming Professional Practice in 2017, which earned the American Journal of Nursing’s Book of the Year Award in the Palliative Care and Hospice category.  Eighteen months after its publication, Kim learned that her wife, Kathy, had ovarian cancer and the couple spent the next six months sharing their experiences on social media to help people understand what it's like "to be living while dying."  Shortly after Kathy's death in 2019, the New Yorker released a documentary film, "Documenting Death," about the couple and their son, Greyson.

Kim's second book, The Handbook of LGBTQIA-Inclusive Hospice & Palliative Care, published by Columbia University Press in 2023, weaves personal insights and stories from her caregiving experience alongside practical, evidence-based guidance for hospice and palliative care professionals.

Kim earned a PhD in human sexuality education from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice, and a BA in sociology from the University of Pennsylvania College of Arts and Sciences. She is an AASECT-Certified Sexuality Educator and Licensed Master Social Worker in addition to being a Fellow in the National Academies of Practice.

Honors and Awards

  • Finalist, Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award, LGBT Non-Fiction category (2018)
  • First Place, 2017 AJN Book of the Year Award, Palliative Care and Hospice category (2018)
  • LGBT Health Professional Leadership Award, Building the Next Generation of Academic Physicians (2017)
  • President's Volunteer Service Award (Gold), Corporation for National and Community Service and President Donald Trump (2017)
  • Academy of Distinguished Teachers, George Washington University (2014)
  • Bender Award for Outstanding Teaching, George Washington University (2011)
  • Fulbright Specialist Awardee / Fulbright Scholar, Khon Kaen University, Thailand (2009)
  • Computer-Based Professional Education Technology Award, Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society (2009)
  • Best Practices Award for Distance Learning Programming – Silver, U.S. Distance Learning Association (2008)
  • Award of Excellence, Awarded by Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (2008)
  • Healthcare and Aging Award, Healthcare and Aging Network of the American Society on Aging (2005)
  • Excellence in Research Award, Center for Hospice, Palliative Care and End of Life Studies at the University of South Florida (2003)
  • Award of Excellence in Education, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (2003)

Publications

Journal Articles

Stein, G., Berkman, C., Acquaviva, K., Woody, I., Godfrey, D. Javier, N. M., O’Mahony, S., Gonzales-Rivera, C., Maingi, S., Candrian, C., & Rosa, W. (2023). Project Respect: Experiences of seriously ill LGBTQ+ patients and partners with their healthcare providers. Health Affairs Scholar, 2023(9), qxad049. https://doi.org/10.1093/haschl/qxad049

Catlett, L., Acquaviva, K.D., Campbell, L.C., Ducar, D., Page, E.H., Patton, J. & Campbell, C. (2023). End-of-life care for transgender older adults. Global Qualitative Nursing Research, 10, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1177/23333936231161128

Acquaviva, K. and Marshall, D. (2022). Editorial: Introducing the special collection on ‘Palliative Care for LGBTQ2S+ Individuals and Families'. Palliative Care and Social Practice, 16, 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1177/26323524211073409

Mayer, C., LeBaron, V., & Acquaviva, K. (2022). Exploring the use of psilocybin therapy for existential distress: A multi-method study of palliative care provider perceptions. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 54(1), 81-92. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2021.1916659

Acquaviva, K. (2021). Establishing and facilitating large-scale manuscript collaborations via social media: Novel method and tools for replication. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(5), e25077-7. https://doi.org/10.2196/25077

Acquaviva, K. (2021). Comparison of intercom and megaphone hashtags: An analysis of four years of tweets from the top 44 schools of nursing: Thematic uses. JMIR Nursing, 4(2), e25114. https://doi.org/10.2196/25114

Acquaviva, K., Mugele, J., Abadilla, N., Adamson, T., Bernstein, S., Bhayani, R., Büchi, A., Burbage, D., Carroll, C., Davis, S., Dhawan, N., Eaton, A., English, K., Grier, J., Gurney, M., Hahn, E., Haq, H., Huang, B., Jain, S., Jun, J., Kerr, W., Keyes, T., Kirby, A., Leary, M., Major, A., Marr, M., Meisel, J., Petersen, E., Raguan, B., Rhodes, A., Rupert, D., Sam-Agadu, N., Saul, N., Shah, J., Sheldon, L., Sinclair, C., Spencer, K., Strand, N., Streed, C., and Trudell, A. (2020). Documenting Social Media Engagement as Scholarship: A New Model for Assessing Academic Accomplishment for the Health Professions. J Med Internet Res, 22(12), e25070-25070. https://doi.org/10.2196/25070

Rosa, W. E., Shook, A., & Acquaviva, K. D. (2020). LGBTQ+ Inclusive Palliative Care in the Context of COVID-19: Pragmatic Recommendations for Clinicians. J Pain Symptom Manage, 60(2), 44-47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.04.155

Acquaviva, K. (2017). LGBTQ-Inclusion: A call to action for nurses. International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 23(5), 108-108. DOI:. https://doi.org/10.12968/ijpn.2017.23.5.212

Acquaviva, K. D., & Krinsky, L. (2015). Bridging politics, policy, and practice: Transforming healthcare in Massachusetts through the creation of a statewide commission on LGBT aging. Geriatric Nursing, 36(6), 482-483. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2015.10.006

Falk, N., Phillips, K., Hymer, R., Acquaviva, K., & Schumann, M. J. (2014). Utilizing a student-faculty collaborative learning model to teach grant development in graduate nursing education. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 45(5), 212-218.

Acquaviva, K., Haskell, H., and Johnson, J. (2013). Human Cognition and the Dynamics ofFailure to Rescue: The Lewis Blackman Case. Journal of Professional Nursing, 29(2), 95-101.

Acquaviva, K., Posey, L., Dawson, E., and Johnson, J. (2012). Using Algorithmic PracticeMaps to Teach Emergency Preparedness Skills to Nurses. Journal of Continuing Education inNursing, 43(1), 19-26.

Acquaviva, K., and Mintz, M. (2010). Are we teaching racial profiling?: The dangers ofsubjective determinations of race and ethnicity in case presentations. Academic Medicine, 85(4), 702-705.

deVries, B., Mason, A.M., Quam, J., Acquaviva, K. (2009). State recognition of same-sexrelationships and preparation for end of life among lesbian and gay boomers. SexualityResearch and Social Policy, 6(1), 90-101.

May, L., Acquaviva, K., Dorfman, A., and Posey, L. (2009). Medical Student Perceptions ofSelf-Paced, Web-Based Electives: A Descriptive Study. American Journal of DistanceEducation, 23(4), 212-223. https://doi.org/10.1080/08923640903332120

Salmon, J.R., Kwak, J., Acquaviva, K.D., Brandt, K., Egan, K. (2007). Benefits of TrainingFamily Caregivers on End-of-Life Closure. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 33(4), 434-445.

Cohen, S., Sharma, T., Acquaviva, K., Peterson, R., Patel, S., and Kimmel, P. (2007). SocialSupport and Chronic Kidney Disease: An Update. Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease, 14(4), 335-44.

Cohen, S., Norris, L., Acquaviva, K., Peterson, R., and Kimmel, P. (2007). Screening,Diagnosis, and Treatment of Depression in Patients with ESRD. Clinical Journal of theAmerican Society of Nephrology, 2(6), 1332-1342.

Salmon, J.R., Kwak, J., Acquaviva, K.D., Brandt, K., and Egan, K. (2005). Transformativeaspects of caregiving at life's end. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 29(2), 121-129.

Salmon, J.R., Kwak, J., Acquaviva, K.D., Brandt, K., and Egan, K. (2005). Validation of the Caregiving at Life's End questionnaire. American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine, 22(3), 188-194.

Books

Acquaviva, K. (2023). The handbook of LGBTQIA-inclusive hospice and palliative care. Columbia University Press.

Acquaviva, K. (2017). LGBTQ-Inclusive hospice and palliative care: A practical guide to transforming your practice. Harrington Park Press.

Book Sections

Keim-Malpass, J. & Acquaviva, K. (2023). Influencing public opinion and health policy through media advocacy. In B. Patton, M. Zalon, & R. Ludwick (Eds.), Nurses making policy: From bedside to boardroom (3rd ed., pp. 273-310). Springer Publishing Company

Acquaviva, K. (2021). Self-care strategies for LGBTQ+ nursing students. In D. Fontaine, T. Cunningham, & N. B. May (Eds.), Self-care for new and student nurses (1st ed., pp. 144-153). Sigma Theta Tau International.

Acquaviva, K., & Johnson, J. (2014). Chapter 18: The quality improvement landscape. In M. S. Joshi, E. R. Ransom, D. B. Nash, & S. B. Ransom (Eds.), The healthcare quality book: Vision, strategy, and tools (3rd ed., pp. 407-432). Health Administration

Johnson, J., Dawson, E., & Acquaviva, K. (2008). Chapter 17: The quality improvement landscape. In E. Ransom, J. Maulik, D. Nash, & S. Ransom (Eds.), The healthcare quality book: Vision, strategy, & tools (2nd ed., pp. 407-432). Health Administration Press

Edited Books

Acquaviva, K., Fontaine, D., Cunningham, T., & May, N. (Eds.). (2024). Self-care strategies for LGBTQ+ nursing students.. In The Self-Care Handbook for the student nurse.

Presentations

  • Acquaviva, K., & Rosa, B. (2023). LGBTQIT+ inclusive palliative care: Research, policy, practice, and more. Webinar.
  • Detmer, B., Cairy, B., Fontenot, J., & Acquaviva, K. (2024). Generative AI in nursing education. Unbound Medicine & Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN). Webinar https://youtu.be/isieMZDH218?si=WEQzFvWqVjKQaGSX
  • Acquaviva, K. (2023). LGBTQIA-Inclusive hospice and palliative Ccare: Why it matters -- and how you can make a difference. Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA). Webinar
  • Acquaviva, K. (2023). The power of pride: Challenges and victories on LGBTQI+ rights to health care in 2023. American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM). Webinar
  • Catlett, L., & Campbell, C. (presenters); Acquaviva, K., Ducar, D., & Campbell, L. (authors) (2023). Compassionate community: end-of-life care equity for transgender elders. American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) Annual Assembly, Montreal, Quebec. Poster Presentation.
  • Acquaviva, K. (2023). Dying out loud: Personal and professional reflections on LGBTQIA-Inclusive care from a queer widow. California Association for Nurse Practitioners (CANP) 45th Annual Education Conference, Monterey, California. Keynote Presentation.
  • Martindale, J., Albin, C., Lopez, M., Troxell, R., Strauss, L., Christy, A., Goldstein, J., Acquaviva, K., & Patel, A. (2023). Upgrading your academic portfolio: Cultivating & documenting social media scholarship for career development. Child Neurology Society. Webinar.
  • Acquaviva, K. (2023). LGBTQIA-Inclusive hospice & palliative care. Invited presentation to Geriatrics & Palliative Medicine Fellows at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center.
  • Acquaviva, K. (2023). LGBTQIA-Inclusive care at the end of life. Invited guest lecture for two sections of “Women and Gender in the World” at Sweet Briar College.
  • Acquaviva, K. (2023). Guest Lecturer, INST 3600: The Best of UVA: A Collection of Unforgettable Lectures.
  • Acquaviva, K. (April & October 2023). Policy considerations for LGBTQIA health. George Washington University Residency Fellowship for Health Policy, Washington D.C. Virtual Presentation.
  • Acquaviva, K. (2023). LGBTQIA-Inclusive care: From policy to practice. Washington D.C. Veterans Administration Medical Center Palliative Care Program, Washington D.C. Virtual Presentation.
  • Acquaviva, K. (2023). LGBTQIA-Inclusive care. Heart of Medicine Workshop. Charlottesville, Virginia. Virtual Presentation.
  • Acquaviva, K. (2023). Using ChatGPT to develop teaching materials. University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA. Virtual Presentation.
  • Acquaviva, K. (2023). LGBTQ+ inclusive hospice and palliative care: Personal and professional perspectives. Palliative Care Tuesday Noon Conference, University of Virginia Hospital. Charlottesville, VA.

  • National and International Presentations

    • 24th McGill International Palliative Care Congress. Plenary: “Toward Equity & Justice-Oriented Palliative Care.” Presenters: K. Acquaviva and N. Dosani. Montreal, Canada. October 17, 2024. (90-minute invited keynote/plenary).
    • 24th McGill International Palliative Care Congress. Proferred Papers Session: “Project Respect.” Authors: G. Stein, C. Berkman, K. Acquaviva, I. Woody, D. Godfrey, N.M. Javier, S. O’Mahony, C. González-Rivera, S. Maingi, C. Candrian, W.E. Rosa. Presenter: N.M. Javier. Montreal, Canada. October 17, 2024. (15-minute podium presentation).
    • Nurses for Sexual and Reproductive Health. “Death, Grief, and Nursing.” Presenter: K. Acquaviva. April 23, 2024. (60-minute invited webinar).
    • Social Work Hospice & Palliative Care Network (SWHPN) Virtual Summit “Making Change Happen: What You Can Do Today.” Presenter: K. Acquaviva. April 13, 2024 (60-minute invited keynote).
    • Center to Advance Palliative Care. “LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Palliative Care: Research, Policy, Practice, and More. Presenters: B. Rosa and K. Acquaviva. February 21, 2024 (60-minute invited webinar).
    • Unbound Medicine & Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN). “Generative AI in Nursing Education.” Presenters: B. Detmer, B. Cairy, J. Fontenot, and K. Acquaviva. January 24, 2024. (60-minute invited webinar).

    • Local, State, and Regional Presentations

      • “[Not] Straight Talk: An Interactive Workshop for LGBTQIA+ Students in Healthcare.” Invited presentation to qRN, the LGBTQ+ student organization in the University of Virginia School of Nursing. November 11, 2024. Charlottesville, VA.
      • “Policy Considerations for LGBTQIA Health.” Invited presentation to physicians in the George Washington University Residency Fellowship for Health Policy. Residency Fellowship Director: Dr. James Scott. October 9, 2024. Washington, DC.
      • “LGBTQIA-Inclusive Hospice & Palliative Care.” Invited presentation to the Oklahoma University Geriatric Medicine and Hospice & Palliative Medicine Fellowship Programs Didactic Conference in the Section of Geriatrics and Palliative Care. September 18, 2024. Virtual.
      • “Understanding & Supporting the LGBTQ+ People in Your Life.” Invited presentation. Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge. June 25, 2024. Charlottesville, VA.
      • “Promoting Respectful and Inclusive Serious Illness Care for the LGBTQ+ Community: Practice, Research, and Personal Perspectives” Invited panel presentation. Presenters: G. Stein, C. Berkman, N.M. Javier, and K. Acquaviva. Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University. May 10, 2024. New York, NY. Virtual.
      • “Talking with Patients about Sex and Sexuality.” Invited lunch-and-learn presentation to UVA Health’s Huntington’s and Parkinson’s Disease Clinic teams. April 9, 2024. Charlottesville, VA.
      • “Policy Considerations for LGBTQIA Health.” Invited presentation to physicians in the George Washington University Residency Fellowship for Health Policy. Residency Fellowship Director: Dr. James Scott. April 3, 2024. Washington, DC.
      • "LGBTQIA-Inclusive Wound Care: Assessing, Debriding, and Healing How Care is Delivered.” Invited keynote to clinicians at Virginia Commonwealth University’s 2024 Stepping Stones to Excellence in Wound Care Conference. March 29, 2024. Richmond, VA.