This book is designed to provide nurses and advanced practice nurses with the knowledge they need to address the rapidly evolving science of food allergy in clinical practice. While focusing primarily on IgE-mediated food allergy, the book provides an overview of adverse reactions to food, as well as the epidemiology and scope of the problem of IgE-mediated food allergy.
A deep dive into the diagnostics of food allergy, with current testing recommendations and evidence-based management strategies, such as the role of shared decision-making, is included. Both allergen avoidance and emergency management of food allergy, including the use of epinephrine as a first-line treatment, are addressed. A detailed discussion of allergen avoidance in meal planning and daily living, as well as the latest science on the prevention of food allergy through early introduction, is presented. A discussion of disparities prevalent among the food allergy population and how to address disparities to improve the quality of life for those affected is included. Furthermore, the structure of the book includes special attention to considerations across the lifespan, including in childcare and school settings, with practical educational tips and guidance for collaboration with educational institutions. The unique needs of the adolescent with food allergy are also addressed.
The book provides recommendations for communication between the healthcare team and caregivers and/or patients for optimal health. Moreover, it addresses the social-emotional impact of food allergy not only on the patient but also on the family, offering support strategies for those navigating the nuances of life with food allergy and the psychological challenges associated with this chronic condition. The book emphasizes the importance of advocacy by providing nurses with the tools to champion policy changes and community initiatives aimed at improving the lives of individuals with food allergies. Through its comprehensive approach, this book will serve as a resource for nurses providing holistic, culturally sensitive care to individuals with food allergies in a variety of settings.

Dr. Julianne Doucette, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, has worked as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in primary care pediatrics for 30 years. She is an Associate Professor and Program Director for the Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program at Rush University, Chicago, IL. She received her BSN at the University of Michigan, her MSN in the Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program at Case Western Reserve University, and her DNP in Systems Leadership at Rush University. Her research interests include food allergy, asthma and immunology, physical activity, infant/child development, graduate nursing curriculum, competency-based education, simulation, and access to care. She has held many leadership positions, including president of her local National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Chapter.
 She currently serves as the chair of the Research and Scholarship Committee for the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, has served as an invited expert speaker for both the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) on multiple food allergy topics. She was appointed to the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) Education Advisory Council. Additionally, she has published articles, presented posters and presentations at national conferences on various topics, including food allergy. She is a founding member of the Food Allergy Nursing Association (FANA) Research and Scholarship Committee and she advocates for nurse practitioners through state legislative organizations to improve access to primary care.

Dr. Josie Howard-Ruben, PhD, RN, has been a nurse for over 40 years, as well as previously being licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse as a clinical nurse specialist in oncology. She has served in a variety of clinical, administrative, and educational roles, most recently as an assistant professor and student advisor at the Rush University College of Nursing in the Adult Health and Gerontological Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and in the Transformative Leadership-DNP Systems program, and as faculty in the General Entry Master’s program. Dr. Howard-Ruben earned her bachelor’s degree at Northern Illinois University, her master’s at Rush University’s Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist program, and her PhD at Loyola University Chicago. Over her career, she has held educational, leadership, and writing positions, as well as many volunteer leadership roles, and now focuses her scholarship on food allergy advocacy. Currently, she serves as the co-chair of the Food Allergy Nursing Association Research and Scholarship Committee, and has served on the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) advocacy group, including participation in lobbying efforts for food allergy issues, including advocacy for sesame labeling as a top allergen. She has published on food allergies, including novel treatments, the role of the food allergy nurse educator, and several opinion pieces on food allergy advocacy. In recent years, she served as president of the Gamma Phi chapter of Sigma, the international nursing honor society, was a fellow for the OpEd Project, and a faculty fellow for Rush Center for Excellence in Aging Schaalman Senior Voices.