VUSN’s Asian Pacific Islander and Desi American (APIDA) Student Nurses organization serves as a Vanderbilt student organizing body for students with emphasis on but not limited to ethnic-minority needs. We aim to provide networking opportunities for APIDA identifying nursing students and serve as a means of social support for students matriculating through VUSN. This organization seeks to collaborate with faculty and staff on scholarly projects and nurture personal growth through both academic and professional work.
Group Leadership
Student Leadership
- Nicole Haas-Loomis
Faculty Advisors
- Rebekah Lee Hayes, DNP, AGPCNP-BC
Mission
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 toAsian Pacific Islander and Desi American 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.
History
VUSN APIDA was formed in 2014 with the intention of fostering discussions relating to the health of the Asian Pacific Islander and Desi American community. As the number of members has substantially increased since it first began, VUSN APIDA has developed from a social gathering-oriented organization to one that seeks opportunities for community service involvement. In 2019, VUSN APIDA secured an organizational membership with Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association, Inc. (AAPINA), which is an affiliate of the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations (NCEMNA). The membership with AAPINA provides access to additional learning resources and extends our VUSN community to national and international levels.
Membership
Qualifications to join includes students who express an interest in the philosophy of the organization and are in good standing at VUSN. Two membership categories are:
- Student members are those persons who are enrolled in the VUSN nursing program.
- Advisors are volunteer VUSN faculty members.
Dues are not a requirement of this organization.
Please email Noah Pacis and Yuhao Hu to join.
Standing Meeting Time
Voted by members on a month-to-month basis. Meetings are held online via Zoom for the 2023-2024 academic year.