First Class in New Buildings, Labs

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Freshman nursing student Isaura Jimenez of Lawrence participated in the Bring Diversity to Nursing summer preparation program.

10/08/2013
By Karen Angelo

Freshmen nursing students in the Bring Diversity to Nursing (BDN) program got a jump start – a three-day summer program in the new Health and Social Sciences Building that got them comfortable with the University, the new building and each other. 

Designed by three faculty members – Lisa Abdallah, Margaret Knight and Shellie Simons – the program was a big hit with the students.

“The summer program helped me get ready for college by giving me tips on how to study and where to go for help and tutoring,” says Kevin Nduati, who graduated from Lowell High School in 2013. “I was able to meet many of the faculty members and I plan to keep in touch with them throughout my years in the nursing program.” 

The three-day program included briefs on medical terminology, medication math, and test taking strategies as well as fun activities to get them to know their classmates. 

“Transitioning from high school to college can be challenging so we wanted to give our Bring Diversity to Nursing students the tools they need for success as early as possible,” says Assoc. Prof. Abdallah of the School of Nursing. 

All students were officially welcomed to the University by Chancellor Marty Meehan in early October. 

Diverse Workforce, Improved Care 

Nurses who are able to effectively interact with patients across cultures and ethnic backgrounds deliver the best care to patients by alleviating fears about treatment and care, experts say. 

Students enrolled in the Bring Diversity to Nursing program receive scholarships, stipends, technology equipment, tutoring, mentoring and leadership opportunities – all designed to help them graduate and work in local communities. 

The program, now in its sixth year, has graduated 38 students, all of whom passed the national license exam for registered nurses. 

The BDN program is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.