Organizations

Programs and Initiatives

Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Mentoring Program

  • To facilitate relationships between pre-specialty and specialty students with similar cultural backgrounds.   
  • To support students through participation in one-on-one interactions between mentors and mentees and involvement in academic enrichment and social events.   
  • These connections are coordinated with faculty guidance and are intended to assist students with acclimating to life at Vanderbilt and to aid in academic and social success.

For more information contact advisors Dr. Shelza Rivas, Dr. Brandee Madden or Dr. LeTizia Smith; or view an overview of the program. 

Meharry-Vanderbilt Student Alliance

  • The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance develops and supports collaborative initiatives. It has provided opportunities for collaboration between Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and for collaboration with projects in the community. The Alliance is a leader in advancing inter-institutional collaborations to enhance and support high-impact translational research, inter-professional learning and community engagement.

Organizations

American Assembly for Men in Nursing Affinity Group; Middle Tennessee Chapter at Vanderbilt

  • The mission of American Assembly for Men in Nursing (AAMN) is to provide a framework for nurses, as a group, to meet, to discuss and influence factors which affect men as nurses. Members of AAMN have a voice in local, state and national events that impact nursing and male nurses. The National Board of Directors, Chapter Leaders, and Committee Members are all members of the national Assembly.

For information, contact adviser Chance Allen or visit VUSN'S AAMN chapter. 

Asian Pacific Islander and Desi American (APIDA) Student Nurses

  • Given the nurse's position as the foremost patient advocate, VUSN APIDA Student Nurses aims to use our personal experiences as minorities within the health care system to give a voice to Asian American and Pacific Islander clients and their communities by increasing awareness of the health disparities unique to these populations. This organization will advocate for this population from a place of true understanding. Ultimately, we aim to support and enrich both the experiences of students and clients through education, open dialogue, networking, and advocacy.

For more information contact Chorong Park or Rebekah Hayes .

Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) PreSpecialty Affinity Group

  • The Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Pre-Specialty Affinity Group was created to support the sociocultural needs of BIPOC Pre-Specialty students. The goal of this organization is to explore the nursing and advanced practice nursing role in health care and serve as a resource for students. Our monthly lunch and learn sessions are designed to provide a space to discuss topics of interest and facilitate open dialogue and peer networking.

For more information contact Dr. Brandee Madden, Professor Shaunna Parker, or Professor Taneesha Reynolds.  

Black Student Nurses Affinity Group

  • The Black Student Nurses Affinity Group was founded in the 1990s by a group of VUSN African American students who felt a need for an organization that focused on the socio-cultural needs of African American nursing students. Part of its core activity includes an emphasis on mentoring of first-year nursing students by second-year students. It also hosts activities to assist students in exploring the role of advanced practiced nurses in health care and serves as a resource network for students. Each academic year culminates with BSNO sponsoring VUSN Diversity Month and Diversity Day. 

For more information, contact Dr. Jannyse Tapp or Dr. Julia Steed.

DNP Diversity Affinity Group

  • The purpose of the DNP Student Diversity Affinity Group is to foster a safe and welcoming community that is inclusive and respectful of differences for all VUSN DNP students by promoting support, setting expectations, creating resources and tools to celebrate and elevate our  professional and academic environment.

Global Health and Environmental Justice Club (GHEJC)

We are a group of advanced practice nursing students who believe that justice in health care extends beyond the walls of our hospitals, clinics, or the borders of our country.

  • We recognize climate change as one of the largest singular threats to health and quality of life globally and acknowledge the urgent need to act.
  • We believe that the protection of the natural environment is inextricably tied to human health.
  • In order to achieve a mission for global health, we must prioritize access to clean water, breathable air, and sustainable conservation of natural resources to provide the most basic necessities for human life.

Please contact club president Brianna Schnuelle if you would like more information.

Hispanic/Latinx Student Nurses Affinity Group

  • The Hispanic/Latinx Student Nurses Affinity Group inaugural meeting was held fall semester of 2018. The group focuses on the health care needs of individuals of Hispanic and Latino populations. As future advanced practice nurses, one of the missions of the group is to educate peers and faculty about the health needs, disparities and evidence-based solutions for Hispanic and Latino populations while providing networking and support for members.

For more information, contact Dr. Shelza Rivas or Mariah Ramirez .

Iota Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI)

  • The IOTA at Large Chapter at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is one of many chapters of Sigma International from around the world.  We would like to extend an invite to Vanderbilt faculty and students to explore the Sigma website and consider becoming a member of IOTA At Large Chapter at Vanderbilt.   

Medical Christian Fellowship*

  • Medical Christian Fellowship is an inter-denominational, student-led organization of both nursing and medical students from Vanderbilt and surrounding schools. Our mission is: Encouraging and equipping students in the health professions to follow Jesus Christ and participate in His healing work. All are welcome to attend our weekly or semi-annual gatherings.  Please contact Anna Richmond, Advisor at anna.richmond@vanderbilt.edu, or Melanie Morris at melanie.h.morris@vanderbilt.edu for more information.
  • Goals of MCF:
    • Offer opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship while in school and training with other health care students through bible study, opportunities to address difficult questions and engagement with church and other para church organizations.
    • Facilitate relationships with Christian health care providers in the community and at Vanderbilt for encouragement and learning opportunities.
    • Learn alongside Nashville community faith-based clinics, providers and students while doing service projects focusing on the refugee community.
    • Offer opportunities for faith-based medical/nursing missions trips to Nicaragua and other international opportunities
    • *Medical Christian Fellowship is an independent, third-party affinity group and is not a Registered Student Organization at Vanderbilt University. As such, Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University School of Nursing are not formally affiliated with Medical Christian Fellowship and are not responsible for its programming, leadership, or activities

Military/Veterans Student Nurses Affinity Group

  • The Military and Veteran Students Affinity Group (MVSAG) endeavors to provide resources and support to military and veteran students at VUSN. The group looks for opportunities for relationship building among military and veteran students through volunteer/service opportunities as well as informative meetings. The MVSAG also wants to bring attention to the unique needs of military and veteran students returning to civilian life.

Neurodiversity Student Nurses Advocacy Group 

  • VUSN’s Neurodiversity Student Nurses Advocacy Group welcomes all students interested in promoting mental health awareness at VUSN and the Greater Nashville Community through education, advocacy, and outreach initiatives. We offer an inclusive space for all VUSN students. Whether personally impacted by mental health concerns or an ally—we invite your participation!  The purpose of VUSN’s Neurodiversity Student Nurses Advocacy Group is to deepen our understanding of the diverse lived experiences of folx experiencing mental health concerns and take actionable steps to break down stigmas associated with mental health differences at VUSN, in the Greater Nashville Community, and in our future careers as nurse practitioners.  

Nurses for Sexual and Reproductive Health

  • VUSN’s Nurses for Sexual and Reproductive Health (NSRH) organization serves as a Vanderbilt student organization for all who desire to learn more and foster advocacy for sexual and reproductive health for all. 

Vanderbilt Center for Gerontological Nursing Excellence/Students Interested in Gerontological Nursing (SIIGN)

  • Support and mentor students, fellows, and faculty for research, teaching, practice, and informatics. 
  • Disseminate scholarly work through professional meetings, conferences and professional literature. 
  • Promote interprofessional geriatric focused partnerships in the community.     

Vandy Village

  • Vandy Village focuses on C.A.R.E for student parents and/or caregivers.  Our goal is to Connect Vanderbilt students by compiling resources in one easily accessible area, Advise peers and provide mentorship, Relate to and build community through shared experiences, and Encourage each other to succeed. It takes a village, let's get it done... together

VU Graduate Council

  • Providing a framework for vocalization of graduate and pre-specialty student’s needs 
  • Serving as representatives to School and University committees 

  • Promoting social interaction within and outside the VUSN 

VUSNPride Student Affinity Group

  • VUSNPride provides support for LGBTQ+ students and allies at VUSN while promoting a welcoming and inclusive culture. We facilitate education of faculty and students on LGBTQ+ issues and promote inclusion of LGBTQ+ health content in the curriculum. In addition, VUSNPride serves the LGBTQ+ community in Nashville and participates in activities that support shared initiatives.

Please contact Dr. Michael Gooch if you would like more information. 

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