Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis

Happy #PAWeek! This week celebrates the contributions of the more than 168,000 physician assistants who care for patients nationwide. By definition, P.A.s are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. P.A.s conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, and order and interpret tests. They also counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery and write prescriptions. UC Davis Health is home to both practicing P.A.s and the Physician Assistant Studies Degree Program at our School of Nursing. “We prepare our students to become the highest quality and caring P.A.s by not only having a rigorous academic program, but also by teaching professionalism, leadership, diversity, equity and inclusion and P.A. profession advocacy,” said Teresa Thetford, program director. “Promoting and advocating for our profession is an ongoing need as we continue to grow.” Learn more about the P.A. profession: https://lnkd.in/gzvask23 #PAsGoBeyond

Please join us virtually for an information session on October 10, at 12 p.m., that will provide an overview of the academics and admissions requirements of the Nursing Science and Health-Care Leadership Doctor of Philosophy program offered at our School of Nursing. Learn more about our PhD program: https://lnkd.in/g6za-2Zb Register here: https://lnkd.in/gQjWqBFq

Our School of Nursing’s Perinatal Origins of Disparities (POD) Center crowdfunding campaign launched today! Directed by Dr. Leigh Ann Simmons, the POD Center investigates how prenatal and early life factors influence long-term health, particularly in disadvantaged communities. By combining behavioral science with technology, we aim to create personalized interventions that promote health equity and drive meaningful policy changes. Learn more and give here: https://lnkd.in/di9CXD53 #CrowdfundUCDavis

Our School of Nursing’s Nurse-Led Mobile Clinic crowdfunding campaign launched today! Led by Dr. Deb Bakerjian, the Nurse-Led Mobile Clinic provides high-quality, evidence-based healthcare to vulnerable populations, including those experiencing homelessness, refugees, and unaccompanied minors in underserved areas. It not only delivers essential services but also creates invaluable clinical learning opportunities for nursing students. Learn more and give here: https://lnkd.in/gNrXgvQm #CrowdfundUCDavis

Last week, we welcomed the incoming class of PhD students, Class of 2028, and the DNP-FNP Class of 2027, to our Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing family! We are so excited for these incredible students and wish them the best in their academic journey.

In observance of #HispanicHeritageMonth, we asked students and faculty to reflect on their unique experiences as a Latine/x/a/o in health care and on what this month means to them. First up, Francisco Bautista Rodriguez, MEPN student, C/o 2025: Why do you think it is so important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? I believe it is vital to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month to combat stereotypes and bring cultural awareness. Hispanics have had a lot of contributions in society and have served as a backbone throughout history. With a month of recognition, it has allowed many to recognize and thoroughly understand the backgrounds and cultures Hispanics bring forward. Can you describe your experience in higher education and/or medical education as a Latinx individual? In higher education and/or medical education, there is a scarcity of Latinx medical professionals. Entering a field where there is little to no representation can cause imposter syndrome. Rather than having this belittle and take a toll on myself, I recognize and embrace the challenge faced. I slowly create an impact not only for myself, but for those who I will be able to help on a daily basis. There has been nothing more rewarding than being able to see the smiles on patients during my clinical rotations when they realize we can communicate in Spanish together. Witnessing firsthand that in our cohort itself, there are multiple Latinx students fills me with joy, knowing there will be numerous competent nurses who come from similar backgrounds. Who are your Latinx role models? One of my Latinx role models is Cesar Chavez. His advocacy for agricultural workers has made impacts for decades. Not only did he lead successful strikes and boycotts for farm laborers, but he had a significant role in social justice. His efforts spotlighted the inequalities that Hispanic and Latinx people faced. Another Latinx role model of mine is someone who broke numerous barriers throughout his career, Eugenio Derbez. Eugenio is a movie icon for the Latinx community. Through the power of his cinematic craft, he has brought attention to real-world problems faced by many Latinx. His efforts first started in Mexico, and he eventually became one of the most influential stars to represent many. With his tireless effort, he has united families and raised cultural awareness to the Latinx community. One of my favorite quotes from Eugenio is, “a la vida no le importa si estás o no preparado.” (life does not care if you are ready).

Please join us Thursday, September 26, at 6 p.m. for an information session that will provide an overview of the academics and admissions requirements of the UC PMHNP Certificate Program, a multicampus program hosted at our School of Nursing. Register here: https://lnkd.in/dWT8g22P Learn more about the UC PMHNP: https://lnkd.in/gB42Ezrk

Please join us virtually next Thursday, September 26, at 5 p.m. for a White Coat Event celebrating the MEPN Class of 2025! This new ceremony honors the nursing profession, signifying the growth of students in the MEPN program, their connection with other health care providers and their commitment to beginning a new professional chapter. Celebrate live with us on Facebook: https://lnkd.in/d7P37CTq

Please join us on Wednesday, September 25, at 12 p.m. for an information session that will provide an overview of the academics and admissions requirements of our DNP-FNP degree program. Register here: https://lnkd.in/g26WYuxe

I will hold as my primary responsibility the health, safety, welfare and dignity of all human beings. I will recognize and promote the value of diversity. I will work with other members of the health care team to provide compassionate and effective care of patients. Those are just 3 of the tenets of the Physician Assistant (P.A.) Professional Oath that graduates from our School of Nursing pledged at a special event last Friday, Sept. 13. After 27 months of classroom discussions, skills lab instruction and hundreds of hours of clinical rotations, the graduates are ready to take their licensing exam. Congratulations to the Class of 2024! We can't wait to see the incredible things you accomplish.