Vanderbilt University School of Nursing traditionally celebrates February as Diversity Month, with student affinity groups providing programing and presentations.. The events kicked off Feb. 1, with a presentation by Emporia State University Assistant Professor Douglas Allen, PhD, and Mytrice Allen on “Beyond the Presidency: The Role of Nurses in the Continued Work of Anti-Racism.” The sponsor was the Alliance Against Racism Student Organization.
On Feb. 8, the Asian American/Pacific Islander Student Nurses Affinity Group hosted “Navigating Implicit Biases against Asian Americans during COVID-19.” The panel consisted of current VUSN students and AAPI members.
Upcoming events include:
February 15: “VUSNPride Shares: A Secret Only God Knows.” Documentary screening then discussion moderated by VUSN Professor Tom Christenbery, MSN’87, PhD’04, and Amelia DeSteno, from 12-1 p.m. Presented by VUSNPride. Zoom registration link
February 22: “The Skin You Are In: Decolonizing Dermatology,” presented by Aleta N. Simmons, MD, Vanderbilt University Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Vanderbilt Dermatology, from 12-1 p.m. Hosted by the Black Student Nurses Affinity Group. Zoom registration link
February 24: “Mental Health and Black America Today: Where Are We?” panel, from 5-6 p.m. The panel guests are VUSN alumni and the event is sponsored by the VUSN Alumni Office. Zoom registration link
February 25: “The Power of Diversity in Nursing and Initiatives to Increase Diversity and Inclusion” panel, from 6-7 p.m. The event is hosted by the DNP Diversity Affinity Group. Zoom registration link
March 1: “High Stakes: The Military and Its Impact on the Family Unit,” presentation from 12-1 p.m. LTC Ossie Evans, LCSW, Deputy Installation Director of Psychological Health, Ft. Campbell, will be the speaker. The event is presented by VUSN American Assembly of Men in Nursing and the Military/Veterans Nurses Affinity Group. Zoom registration link
March 8: “Breaking Down Barriers in Communication,” presentation, from 12-1 p.m. Hosted by the Hispanic/Latinx Student Nurses Affinity Group Zoom registration link
All events are free and open to the Vanderbilt community.