The Hispanic/Latinx Student Nurses Affinity Group (HLSNAG) is committed to highlighting the health needs of all individuals and welcomes all nursing students and nurses who support this commitment. An objective of HLSNAG is the exploration of mitigating culturally related health needs by raising awareness on how nurses and nursing students can provide culturally appropriate care for the Hispanic/Latinx community. Additionally, our organization also functions as a resource of support and mentorship to its members as they embark on and/or explore their journey as registered nurses and advanced practice nurses.
Group Leadership
Student Leadership
- President: Josymar Travieso
- Vice-President: Lisa Romero
- Secretary: Rachel Hernandez Escobar
- Treasurer: Betty Reyes
Faculty Advisor
- Shelza Rivas, DNP, WHGRNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC Email
- Manola McCain, DNP, RN, APRN, CNM Email
Mission
Our mission is to raise awareness about the cultural, social and health aspects and disparities of all populations, with an emphasis on the Hispanic/Latinx population.
History
The group was first established at VUSN in 2018. As the number of students who identified as Hispanic/Latinx grew among students of all nursing levels at VUSN, the need for an organizational group that provided community and support became a necessary component of these students' learning experience. Never before had an affinity group addressing the interests of Hispanic/Latinx students existed at VUSN and with the help of Dr. Shelza Rivas, who serves as faculty adviser, the number of students involved has steadily grown over the years.
Membership
Any nursing student or nurse may be a member of HLSNAG. Members represent all levels of nursing at VUSN and involve both local and distance learning students. Meetings are hybrid, meaning in-person and virtual. Interested students can find leadership members at VUSN Admitted Students Day sessions, Open House sessions and can also email Dr. Rivas at shelza.j.rivas@vanderbilt.edu for more information on how to join!
Resources
- National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) - https://www.nahnnet.org/
Standing Meeting Time
Meetings are scheduled once monthly. Days/hours based on student availability.