This year has been a busy one for the Frontier Nursing University (FNU) Diversity PRIDE program, an initiative designed to promote diversity in nursing and midwifery. FNU is proud to recruit and retain underrepresented students who have the goal of becoming nurse-midwives or nurse practitioners.
“It is imperative that as providers we develop the relationships needed to support the lives and outcomes of the diverse and often ignored populations in our communities,” said FNU student and PRIDE participant Jeanine Valrie-Logan.
Each year, the PRIDE program sponsors essay contests where students may enter in hopes of attending a conference as a program ambassador. As an ambassador, students are asked to help at recruiting events, welcome alumni and friends to FNU receptions, network with experienced nursing professionals, gain continuing education, and chronicle their learning experience with video diaries.
PRIDE had a presence at these conferences in 2017:
- MHC-Minority Health Conference, Chapel Hill, NC
- KSU-Kentucky State University Nurse College/Career Fair, Frankfort, KY
- KYANNA Black Nurses Association, Louisville, KY
- ACNM-American College of Nurse Midwives, Chicago, IL
- AANP-American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Philadelphia, PA
- NAHN-National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Phoenix, AZ
- NBNA-National Black Nurses Association, Las Vegas, NV
- AWHONN – Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses Conference & Exhibit, New Orleans, LA
- AAMN-American Assembly for Men in Nursing, Las Vegas, NV
- AABC-American Association of Birth Centers, Anchorage, AK
ACNM 2017, Pride Group Photo
The events are not only great channels to enhance the student educational experience, but also provide opportunities to share FNU’s diversity initiative PRIDE program with prospective students and healthcare professionals. The staff and faculty at FNU hope these opportunities enhance the careers of these future CNMs and NPs.
While being a member of the FNU Diversity PRIDE program may not appear to be a vehicle for change, I would argue that it is,” said Elena Prendergast, FNU graduate. “This group represents a microcosm of our society as a whole. While our skin color, culture, beliefs and experiences may all be different, we are taught within the safety of this group that we all share one goal: to provide quality, compassionate care to our patients whoever and wherever they may be.”
FNU is dedicated to increasing diversity in nursing and midwifery, and we want to better prepare our students to care for a diverse group of women and families. Stay tuned for updates on the PRIDE program throughout the year! Learn more about FNU’s Diversity PRIDE program here.
See more from our PRIDE ambassadors on our YouTube channel!
