VNL Magazine - Winter 2021 Issue

Giving Voice

The brutality of the pandemic has brought fatigue, anger, and something else, too: more and more nurses have found their voices, individually and collectively, in a moment when the world appears ready to listen.

What are they saying?

by Christine Phelan Kueter

RN to BSN graduate Chase Smith, an ER and travel nurse, standing on the MUSC helipad.

Am Nurse; Will Travel

Chase Smith (BSN `20) has repeatedly transformed himself. His latest metamorphosis? Travel nurse.

Big Shots

In their spring Community & Population Health class, BSN students are taking part in vaccine clinic simulations to be eligible to staff public health clinics.

An image of BSN class of 22 student Takara Washington, president of DNBC

By The Numbers

It's been an admissions season for the record books. A look at ours, and incoming classes, By The Numbers.

An image of the smart watches nurse scientist Virginia LeBaron will use to study cancer pain and its triggers

Pain Is Personal; Relief for Cancer Pain Should Be, Too

A $3.4 million NIH grant will improve understanding of cancer pain and help patients and their family caregivers both anticipate and ease it.

Keep on Vaxxing

It's not just shots in arms. It's education. Counseling. A willing ear. And UVA Nursing students and faculty are there on the frontlines.

Race and Place in Virginia

To analyze Black nurses' history, PhD student Tori Tucker began with Mavis Claytor (BSN `70, MSN `85), whose story remains one of UVA's most important.

Faculty Spotlight

Nurse scientists Jill Howie-Esquivel and Kathryn Laughon discuss current research - and offer a preview of their spring 2021 Faculty Research Forum this April.

Creating Platforms for Change

BSN students Milania Harris and Zahra Alisa earned UVA Health's MLK Award for their pioneering work to educate and inspire others about race and healthcare.

My First Injection

Professor Tracy Kelly recalls the first time she gave a shot to a patient, and the meaning behind the vaccinations she's giving these days. From the AJN Blog.

Big Shots

Students are eager to help man public health vaccine clinics. Emma Mitchell's Community and Population Health course is getting them ready.

A Valentine of Thanks and Encouragement

This Valentine's Day - as we struggle against the exhaustion and grind of the pandemic - the Compassionate Care Initiative offers thanks, praise, and support.

Meet Shaune.

"When you're feeling bad there's no place here that's soft," said Shaune McKinnon, ARCJ's mental health director. "So that's what I do with my conversations."