Global Health

Empowering nurses to make a global impact through education, research, and service.

Nursing students and patients learn at an outdoor table

Mission, Vision, Values and Ethos for the VUSN Global Program 

  • Mission: VUSN advances global nursing education, health equity and well-being through scientific discovery, innovation, evidence-based care and lifelong learning.
  • Vision: VUSN will be the global leader in the transformation of health care and the nursing profession.
  • Values: Excellence, Kindness/Civility, Connectedness, Integrity/Trust
  • Ethos: Learn, collaborate and give back to communities worldwide through innovation, education, and equity-focused healthcare delivery

Global Student Opportunities

Nurses for Global Health Student Affinity Group

Global Health Certificate for MN Students

Full-time MN students entering in the fall are eligible to pursue a Global Health Certificate offered by the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health. This certificate requires an additional 3 credit hours focused on global health coursework and includes an immersive international experience. As part of the program, students will travel during spring break to one of the following countries: Ecuador, Guatemala, or Mexico. For more information or questions, please contact vusnglobal@vanderbilt.edu or Dr. Shelza Rivas at shelza.j.rivas@vanderbilt.edu

Upcoming Events

14th ICN NP/APN Network Conference 2026 

14-17 September 2026, Nashville, TN 

Join us for the 14th ICN NP/APN Network Conference as it returns to the United States for the first time since its inception. Together, we can elevate global NP/APN practice through innovation, education, advocacy, and impact. 

Learn More

Visiting Scholars

For more information on our international visitor process, please visit Vanderbilt University Visiting Scholar’s webpage.

Meet the Team

  • April Kapu, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, FAANP, FCCM, FAAN

    April Kapu, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, FAANP, FCCM, FAAN

    Associate Dean for Strategic Partnerships and Global Affairs

  • Shelza Rivas, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC

    Shelza Rivas, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC

    Director of Global Partnerships, Women’s Health/Gender-Related Program Faculty
    Assistant Professor of Nursing

    View profile

  • Susan Andrews, DNP, RN, CNE, CPN

    Susan Andrews, DNP, RN, CNE, CPN

    Assistant Professor

  • Manola McCain, DNP, RN, APRN, CNM

    Manola McCain, DNP, RN, APRN, CNM

    Assistant Professor

  • Tonya Elkins, MSSW, LAPSW

    Tonya Elkins, MSSW, LAPSW

    Director, MIHOW Program