How one PhD student is rethinking support for families in the ICU
Jacob Hoffa, PhD candidate at the School of Nursing, is combining clinical practice with research to improve outcomes for both patients and caregivers.
For Jacob Hoffa, a PhD student at Case Western Reserve University’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, nursing is more than just clinical care—it's showing up for people when they need it most. Drawn to nursing's unique blend of science and human connection, Hoffa believes that while technical skills can be taught, compassion, character and the ability to make patients feel supported leave the greatest impact.
“I wanted a career where I could make a meaningful difference by providing compassionate care, building relationships and helping people navigate challenging experiences with dignity,” Hoffa said. “It’s a privilege to care for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.”
Hoffa began his nursing path at the University of Akron, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). After graduation, he worked as a registered nurse in the Summa Health ICU, a charge nurse on a cardiac step-down unit and as part-time faculty at his alma mater. During this time, he attended an evidence-based practice seminar that changed the way he thought about improving healthcare—and inspired him to delve deeper.
“I realized that many important clinical questions still didn't have answers, and I wanted to help generate the evidence that could shape future nursing practice and health policy,” he said.
This sparked Hoffa’s interest in the BSN-to-PhD pathway at the School of Nursing. The opportunity to begin research training early and work alongside renowned faculty made CWRU the logical choice. He enrolled in the PhD program, moved to Cleveland and took a position as an acute care nursing supervisor at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, where he continues to combine clinical practice with research and education.
Here, Hoffa shares his experience in the PhD program, how he hopes his research will change lives and what makes CWRU—and Cleveland—so special.
Tell us about your research. What are you working on?
My research focuses on patients' family members in the intensive care unit. When someone becomes critically ill, loved ones often have to step into a caregiving role with little preparation while coping with the uncertainty of the situation. This experience can have lasting effects on both their mental and physical health.
I'm studying how caregivers adapt during this transition and the self-regulation strategies that help them care for both themselves and their loved one. My long-term goal is to develop interventions that better support families during and after an ICU stay, ultimately improving outcomes for both caregivers and patients.
What do you like best about the CWRU PhD program?
I'm incredibly grateful to be part of the CWRU community. The mentorship, collaborative environment and commitment to advancing nursing science have made this an outstanding place to grow as a researcher. Learning from internationally recognized faculty has strengthened my research skills, while partnerships with leading healthcare systems have allowed me to conduct research in real-world clinical settings. These experiences have been invaluable in preparing me for a career as a nurse scientist.
What is your favorite thing about Cleveland?
My wife and I love exploring Cleveland. Whether we're spending time at Edgewater Park, catching a Guardians game, visiting a local coffee shop or walking through the West Side Market, we enjoy taking advantage of everything the city has to offer. Family is a big part of our lives and we're proud to call Northeast Ohio home.
What would you say to someone considering pursuing a PhD in nursing?
A PhD is one of the most challenging things I've ever done, but it's also been one of the most rewarding. I believe investing in education creates opportunities not only for personal growth but also to improve the lives of patients, families and communities. Beyond learning how to conduct research, I've learned how to think critically, solve complex problems and become more resilient. If you're passionate about asking questions, improving healthcare and making a lasting impact, a PhD in nursing is an incredibly fulfilling path.
What’s next for you?
My goal is to continue my research through a postdoctoral fellowship while building an independent research program focused on supporting families of critically ill patients. I also hope to pursue National Institutes of Health funding to expand this work. At the same time, I want to stay connected to clinical practice and local health systems so that my research continues to improve patient and family care.
