In every area of healthcare, Black excellence makes an impact. At the USF College of Nursing, the Black Student Nurses Association (BSNA) is dedicated to showcasing this excellence by actively engaging with the community to share their nursing expertise and highlight their contributions to healthcare.
Black Student Nurses Association students volunteer at health fair.
In collaboration with local National Black Nursing Association chapters, the USF BSNA is dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black nurses and promoting diversity within healthcare. Since its creation in the Summer of 2023, members of USF BSNA have spearheaded and participated in more than 10 events, including panel sessions and health expos.
Championing these initiatives is the current BSNA president, Alexandria Burton. Her role includes planning events and community outreach, all in support of advocating for black student nurses or pre-licensure students and creating opportunities for diverse communities to engage and build relationships with medical professionals. Despite her growing workload, she finds the work she is doing to be invaluable.
“BSNA is important because it provides a sense of community, offers support, and promotes diversity and representation within the nursing profession and healthcare workforce,” says Burton. “My favorite memory has been volunteering in the Public Health Crisis event because it allowed myself to see the impact other BSNA members and myself were making within our local community.”
BSNA Secretary Jurdina Lamour echoes Burton's sentiments, saying “The USF BSNA is a safe place for people of color to express themselves, find help from their peers, and gain mentorship and guidance from experienced nurses with similar backgrounds."
Burton, Lamour, and the rest of the USF BSNA continued their efforts by collaborating with the USF College of Nursing and USF Health Shared Student Services to host four events throughout the month of February. They kicked off the month with “Don’t Mind If I Doula,” where USF alumna Teresa Jennings shared how she addresses maternal health disparities in Black communities as a Birth/Postpartum Doula and Newborn Care Specialist. Throughout her presentation, Jennings highlighted national statistics and shared personal anecdotes to engage and educate current USF Health students.
“I want students to be aware of their own biases,” says Jennings. “Don't expect clients to educate you on certain topics. You need to be culturally and historically conscious.”
Teresa Jennings presents to students at "Don't Mind If I Doula."
The USF Black Student Nursing Association is currently accepting new members interested in making an impact healthcare, and demonstrate Black nursing excellence. To learn more about and join the USF BSNA, visit their BullsConnect page here.