Tyra Girdwood and host, Dr. Lisa Beasley
February 11, 2026
In this episode of Voices from the Nursing Frontline, host Dr. Lisa Beasley speaks with Dr. Tyra Girdwood, PhD, RN, assistant professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing and health services researcher, about the high-risk and often overlooked process of transitions of care for young adults with chronic conditions.
Dr. Girdwood distinguishes transition from simple transfer, emphasizing that effective transitions require early planning, readiness development, coordinated handoffs, and post-transfer support—especially during the vulnerable ages of 18–23, when patients face major life, insurance, and healthcare changes. Drawing from clinical experience and research, she highlights common breakdowns in care, the shifting role of caregivers, and the powerful impact of social determinants of health, particularly in rural and under-resourced communities.
The conversation explores equity-centered transition models, evidence-informed strategies such as transition coordinators and joint pediatric–adult visits, and the need for standardized policies and scalable interventions. This episode, produced by the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement, is a compelling call to action for nurses, healthcare leaders, and policymakers to strengthen care coordination during one of the most critical transitions in a patient’s life.