Office of Strategic Wellness and Opportunity
All are welcome here. We really mean it.
The need for a diverse nursing workforce has never been greater. Not just because patients want caregivers who look like them and speak their language - though that's part it it - but because we understand that you can't reduce health inequities, improve care and patients' health outcomes without a widened view of the world derived through engagement across difference, understanding, and humility.
The School of Nursing creates structures that build belonging: through programming and events for students, faculty, and staff; support of student affinity groups; through learning opportunities, pilot classes, workshops, and community reads; through curricular and academic support of faculty to help them build and grow a culture of humility, respect, and belonging; and through its support and ongoing work to create holistic admissions processes that take into account applicants' backstories and experiences as well as their academic strengths and promise.
American Association for Men in Nursing chapter (formerly MAN Club)
- Faculty advisors: Curtis Stowers and Ivy Hinton
Asian American Pacific Islander Nursing Student Association (AAPINSA)
- Follow them on Instagram (@aapinsa_uva)
- Faculty advisors: Jeongok Logan and Ha Do Byon
Beta Kappa, a Sigma honor society chapter
- Malinda Whitlow, president and associate professor (2024-25)
Black Student Nurses Alliance (BSNA)
- Follow them on Instagram (@uva_bsna)
- Faculty advisor: Christina Langston
Diversity in Nursing for a Better Community (DNBC)
- Follow them on Instagram (@dnbc_uva)
Latinx Nursing Student Union (LNSU)
- Follow them on Instagram (@lnsu_uva)
Nursing Student Council
- Follow them on Instagram (@uva_nsc)
qRN
- Follow them on Instagram (@qrnatuva)
- Faculty advisor: Ivy Hinton
Student Nurses Association of Virginia (SNAV)
- Follow them on Instagram (@snavatuva)
*Non-Affiliation Statement for Student Organizations
Although these organizations have members who are UVA students and may have University employees associated or engaged in their activities and affairs, the organizations are not a part of or an agency of the University. They are separate and independent organizations that are responsible for and manage their own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise, or control the organizations and is not responsible for the organizations' contracts, acts, or omissions.
The School's signature Compassionate Care Initiative exists to advance compassionate care as a professional work ethic in healthcare and a defining value of University of Virginia School of Nursing. Compassion involves recognizing and alleviating suffering, not just for patients but also for health workers and organizations, ultimately benefiting society.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CCI
In 2021, UVA Health and UVA School of Nursing earned a $2.14M HRSA grant to improve the well-being and safety of the American healthcare workforce, with a particular focus on clinicians, responders, and students in central Virginia. Since then, the Wisdom and Wellbeing program has trained more than 5,000 medical center workers, nursing students, medical students, and community health workers in the Peer Support approach, hundreds of whom have become Peer Support Champions on their units and in their work environments.
- Joel Anderson, director
- Natalie May, associate research professor
- Mary Burton, project administrator
LEARN MORE ABOUT WISDOM & WELLBEING PROGRAM
This group supports the School of Nursing's underrepresented students, including those who are racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ students, first-generation college attendees, students with disabilities, and any others who may feel marginalized due to a minority status or particular life experience. Advocates are publicly identified as people students can come to for support or to confidentially debrief and/or problem solve a situation.
Advocates are committed to building deeper relationships, mentoring underrepresented students and helping them navigate the academic environment, individuals who are keen to address obstacles, and people committed to reducing others' feelings of isolation. Advocates also develop genuine connections with students by gaining a fuller picture of their lives and concerns.
Advocates show up. In partnership with the Diversity Committee, advocates help plan and attend social functions and take part in community engagement activities that nurture a welcoming and inclusive climate in the School of Nursing.
Advocates always take time to respond. When something happens within the School of Nursing, at UVA, or takes place in contexts outside of UVA that impacts students, especially underrepresented students, advocates will serve as "first responders," and are committed to being visible and available to students in distress and working with the Community Health and Well-Being team and Diversity Committee to systematically address these issues in a timely and respectful fashion. While it is our aim to have all faculty and staff become advocates for our students, the role of faculty and staff advocates fills a gap that underrepresented students have identified and is above and beyond the usual advising role.
Melissa Gomes
Diversity is more than difference. Diversity offers a perspective that allows counter thought to transcend boundaries. Without diverse inclusion, it is difficult to see the kaleidoscope the world offers. What a boring world we would live in, if not for varied experiences. Let us not get caught up in our own limited point of view, because, without the desire to understand another's plight, we will never move beyond our own understanding, and we will miss out on the cataclysmic beauty that can generate when differing worlds collide.
It is my mission to provide the spark that generates such synergy. And, there is no better place to do this than in an institution of higher learning. This is where change makers are born and resulting equity can illuminate the impact of diversification.
Ivy Hinton
As a statistician, I both appreciate and am committed to the idea that there are more similarities among us than differences. We all want the opportunity to be successful. We all need to feel connected. And we all need respect for our sense of autonomy.
But I have the highest regard for differences that exist among us, too. I have studied and learned as much as possible about as many people as possible, and cherish every lesson. By appreciating differences, I have provided support that is often unique to each individual. I appreciate what goes into making someone who they are. Equity means providing, to the best of our ability, people with resources they need to succeed. Inclusion means shaping a learning and work environment where everyone feels welcomed, acknowledged, and respected.
Hannah Crosby
I believe we all have a piece of the puzzle, and when we put it all together with dignity and respect, the beauty of community shines through. I understand that what you bring to the table is value-added and your voice and perspective matters! Therefore, I am continually guided by a quote attributed to Mother Teresa: “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”
It is my utmost desire to be a part of the growth process. I love that I get to do that here.
Diane Washington
My daily walk and commitment can be summarized by sharing a quote from the legendary author Maya Angelou: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Living this quote Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday is how you truly embrace a sense of community health and well-being.
