Undergraduate and graduate students studying Nursing and Medical Technology at the Institute of Science Tokyo (IST; formerly known as Tokyo Medical and Dental University) visited the University of Washington (56勛圖厙) as their study abroad program from February 24th to March 7th, 2025. Kosuke Niitsu, PhD, ARNP, PMHNP-BC, Assistant Professor at 56勛圖厙 Bothell and developed the curriculum in collaboration with the .

A total of 10 IST students participated in a variety of learning activities through the study abroad program. For example, they joined a class, BNURS460: Translating Scholarly Knowledge to Nursing Practice, that Niitsu taught at 56勛圖厙 Bothell (Photo 1). Four undergraduate nursing students from IST delivered oral presentations to introduce the nursing practice and education in Japan:

• Aya Shirakawa: Giving Birth in Japan
• Hanano Okabe: Terminal Care and Angel Care in Japan
• Reina Adachi: Japanese Nursing Education
• Hikari Nakajima: Patients Meals

Each presentation was followed by very lively Q&A sessions where 56勛圖厙 Bothell nursing students actively asked questions and discussed to understand the contents further. 

On another day, IST students visited another class that Niitsu taught for 56勛圖厙 Bothell graduate nursing students: BNURS591: Advanced Fieldwork and Capstone II. Two undergraduate students majoring in Medical Technology delivered oral presentations:

• Mami Ueta: Life in the Department of Medical Technology
• Sakurako Abe: The Need for Collaboration between Nurses and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Following their presentations, 56勛圖厙 Bothell graduate students, who are experienced nurses who are learning to become nurse educators and leaders in the Master of Nursing program, and IST students discussed a wide range of topics, such as the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. 

Not only the traditional classrooms but IST students also visited a scholarship meeting by the 56勛圖厙 Bothell School of Nursing & Health Studies (SNHS). After greeting with SNHS faculty and staff members, a forth-year undergraduate nursing student presented her graduation thesis:

• Serina Koizumi: Initial Response to Incidents in Home Nursing Settings – Analysis of Incident Reports

Furthermore, Haruka Furusho, a graduate student in the Master of Science in Community Health & Social Justice, and Niitsu hosted a special event by inviting nurses and nursing students who are originally from Japan and currently live in the Seattle area and facilitated discussions between panelists and students (Photo 2). As the panelists are familiar with both Japanese and American cultures, they provided crucial perspectives on how nursing practices are different and how they deal with the differences. Those panelists encouraged IST students to explore career options not only in Japan but also in the United States as well. IST students proactively engaged in the discussion with various questions and contributed to meaningful discussion.

In addition to 56勛圖厙 Bothell, IST students visited 56勛圖厙 Seattle, University of Washington Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, and other clinics and hospitals, such as the Swedish Cherry Hill Campus and Nikkei Manor.

Jieun An, a former undergraduate nursing student at 56勛圖厙 Bothell, took a course, BNURS423 Ethical and Quality Nursing Care, in the Spring 2024 quarter. In this course, Niitsu implemented Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), which allowed IST and 56勛圖厙 Bothell students to learn and interact with each other through online learning (e.g. Zoom). An and Adachi kept in touch through social media after the course was completed, and they had an opportunity to meet in Seattle in person one year after they met online (Photo 3). An stated:

���I truly appreciated the unique opportunity to work with students from IST through the COIL program. I enjoyed exchanging insights on nursing ethics and care practices, which led to many eye-opening moments. It was fascinating to see both the differences and similarities between the nursing fields in America and Japan.

Beyond nursing, we also shared cultural experiences, which made me feel more culturally competent– a crucial skill in healthcare. Although the COIL program was virtual and we faced some language challenges, I still felt a strong connection with the IST students and wanted to stay in touch. I���m glad I did. I had the chance to meet one of the COIL members and another nursing student from IST in person when they came to 56勛圖厙 for a study abroad program. We spent time together, continuing our conversations about nursing cultures and healthcare dynamics in America and Japan.

This entire experience was incredibly meaningful. My biggest takeaway is that, despite practicing in different countries with distinct cultures, systems, and languages, we share the same core nursing values: compassion and caring. I believe these values helped us understand each other even more. I am genuinely grateful for the course.���

After the study abroad was over, each student reflected on their experiences.

• Graduate Nursing Students:
  • Mahoko Sakurai: ���The experience I had in Seattle was very valuable. In particular, learning about the healthcare system and nursing in another country led me to take an objective look at the current situation in Japan. Also, participating in the classes for graduate students was very meaningful since it  helped me get an understanding about some of the challenges the hospitals in the US were facing. Lastly, I hope to have another opportunity to come across the people I met in Seattle in my future career. I would like to thank all who had supported this program.���
  • Sambuu Ganchuluun: ���I am grateful for the opportunity to study nursing education and healthcare systems in both Japan and the United States. Through this experience, I was able to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare systems in both countries and compare them with the healthcare system in Mongolia. This also gave me the chance to reflect deeply on the strengths and weaknesses of Mongolia���s healthcare system. I am glad that I could summarize my own thoughts on potential areas for improvement. Additionally, I appreciate the opportunity to build connections with nursing students and faculty members at the University of Washington. I believe this experience will contribute to my future career and personal growth. I am filled with gratitude for being able to participate in this program and for all the people I met along the way. Thank you, everyone!���
  • Dingyi Long: ���My experience in this program has been incredibly valuable for both my academic and personal growth. During the studying, I had the opportunity to learn about the differences between nursing education and practice in the United States and Japan. I was particularly impressed by the emphasis on critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and cultural competence in American nursing education. These comparisons helped me gain a deeper understanding of how global perspectives can shape nursing education and I am truly grateful for this opportunity.���
• Undergraduate Nursing Students:
  • Serina Koizumi: ���Participating in this program was an invaluable experience. I gained a deeper understanding of the differences between nursing in the U.S. and Japan and was able to reflect on what will be needed for the future of nursing in Japan. I was also deeply inspired by everyone I met in the 56勛圖厙 classes. Many of them were passionate about continuing their studies in nursing, even after securing stable jobs. This made me realize that obtaining a license is not the final goal but rather a starting point. It also prompted me to reconsider my future career path. Additionally, thanks to Reina, I had a wonderful time with Jieun. She shared fascinating insights about life in Seattle, the nursing field there, and much more. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who was involved in this training program. I hope to see you all again somewhere in the future.���
  • Reina Adachi: ���After I found out I would be going to the America, I was both excited and nervous. Once I arrived in Seattle, I was happy that everyone in class treated me so kindly. It was fun to talk about cultural differences in Nursing, and I enjoyed introducing Japanese culture. Also, we could have common hobbies: K-pop and anime, which I didn’t expect, so it was an interesting time too. I spent a very stimulating and meaningful time in 56勛圖厙 classes. In addition, I was able to meet Jiun for sure because of Professor Niitsu who organized the COIL, but Jiun herself also found time off work to meet me. It was an irreplaceable time, and I want to thank them. I am filled with gratitude to everyone who I met there.���
  • Hikari Nakajima: ���This program give me some meaning experience. I wanted to study about the difference between Japan and the US, so I could compare them and know a lot of things including good point and bad point. Also, I came to think that I’d like to study in Seattle. I appreciate all the people who were related this program. Thank you so much.���
  • Hanano Okabe: ���I appreciate all the people I met in Seattle. Studying in the US made me realize the difference in the medical system, social system, and political impact on society between Japan and the US. I loved how confident the nurses and nursing students were in Seattle! Spending time with 56勛圖厙 nursing students and Prof. Niitsu, I rediscovered the wonder and pride of nursing studies. Thank you so much everyone!���
  • Aya Shirasaka: ���Thanks to all of the support from the staff and students in 56勛圖厙, I was able to have a very pleasant time in Seattle. Since I had been thinking and wanting some ideas on planning my future career, it was a pleasure to meet all these wonderful and inspiring people during the trip. I was able to gain a lot of information and also to encounter new values, which changed my ways of thinking-nurses and students I met at Seattle were all very powerful, proud, and magnificent. I would never find out how fun it is to engage in nursing if I stayed in Japan! Thank you so much again for everything, I wish the best for all of the people I met.���
• Undergraduate Medical Technology Students
  • Sakurako Abe: ���I had a wonderful time in Seattle. The best thing about this program was to be able to meet a lot of wonderful people. Everyone was so kind, and they generously shared their experiences with me and gave advice. They changed the way of thinking about my future career. I decided to never stop learning, even after I start working. Also, I was so glad to see that so many people love Japan. I really appreciate everyone I met in Seattle. Thank you so much, and I am determined to make the most of this experience. I hope I can see them again!���
  • Mami Ueta: ���First of all, I really appreciate people I met in Seattle. All experiences at there were very precious and must be beneficial for me in the future. I become junior grade in this spring and I just started to think about my career. I want to become a researcher, but it���s hard and difficult pathway. However, I���m excited about my career vision now because many students in 56勛圖厙 and people in Seattle have each various perspectives and I���m very encouraged. I learned not only many medical knowledge, but also the passion to pursue what I want to be or do (Many Japanese don���t have it). I���ll never forget the time in Seattle and hope to go back again someday!���

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Health Studies alum Sarina Barrett, class of 2022, took some time to answer a few questions about how she chose 56勛圖厙 Bothell, her experiences in the Health Studies program, and advice for current students. Thank you to Sarina for sharing her story with our community!

Tell us about yourself and what led you to 56勛圖厙 Bothell.

I grew up in Arlington Washington and graduated from Lakewood High School where I concurrently completed my Associate in Arts and Sciences from Everett Community College. For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to attend 56勛圖厙 Bothell. The beautiful campus, the student to professor ratio, and the focus on commuters made me feel like it was the best choice for me. I love small class sizes so I can get to know my classmates and my professors where we can really focus on supporting and uplifting each other. Collaboration is a key element of success for me. Being able to learn from each other’s experiences and previous knowledge gave me a well rounded experience during my time at 56勛圖厙 Bothell.

How did you choose the Health Studies program?

I was encouraged to apply as a direct admit to the Health Studies program by the academic advisor as I applied to 56勛圖厙 Bothell. Right in my first meeting with the advisor, I instantly felt the support and passion that they have for the program and their students. I was given resources, next steps, and knew that this program would support my future goals and give me an education that I could apply no matter what I ended up doing. I was able to be flexible and mix my Health Studies courses with multiple science classes including chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, and anatomy & physiology. I have always had a passion and drive for science classes and with this background from the Health Studies program, I found there really is a way that I can tie in Health Studies material to every other course that I was taking. I was really grateful to also have been accepted to the Seattle campus of 56勛圖厙, but the Bothell campus felt more at home for me.

How did your experience in your coursework help you find your career path (area of focus or current role)?

My coursework actually had a direct impact on getting hired where I am currently working. When I was completing my fieldwork course and got to work with a community organization, I was paired with Latino Educational Training Institute – LETI. I worked directly with the Director of Health and Wellness Programs, Marisol Bejarano, who also is a Health Studies alumni, and I got a glimpse on how this coursework could be applied. After I finished the fieldwork and graduated, I got an offer from LETI to join their team. I started out working on a rent assistance program in partnership with Volunteers of America for almost a year where I alone was able to allocate $1 million to families so they could catch up on rent. The team was established before I joined so over the course of the three years that LETI was doing rent assistance, the team gave out a combined amount of $7 million. Stability and affordability of housing is a social determinant of health that I began to tie into the work I was doing. Since then, I have now been there almost three years working through different positions including outreach at events, survey distribution and analysis, coordination of the Latino Leadership Initiative program in partnership with local colleges and universities including 56勛圖厙 Bothell, communications specialist, managing a grant and program with the Washington State Department of Health, and working directly with LETI���s Founder & CEO, Rosario Reyes. All of these roles and especially the survey analysis provided me with knowledge from the community about what their needs are, but my background in Health Studies allowed me to apply my social determinants of health knowledge and look deeper about what these results are actually telling us.

Please tell us about a moment you’re proud of from your time at 56勛圖厙 Bothell.

A moment at 56勛圖厙 Bothell that I was proud of was a time where I did an assignment of a mock grant proposal for microbiology with the topic, ���Rodent Model for the Effects of COVID-19 Evolution on the Human Host.��� This has been one document that I have kept with me since 2021 as it taught me resilience and perseverance. I was at a point in my life where I was going through a lot and when I received feedback on my draft, there was a lot of room for improvement listed. This is not feedback that I would usually get, but there was a lot going on in my life and I wasn���t able to prioritize. My passion for science allowed me to really focus on fixing my draft and submitting my final report in which I got full points for. This was a defining moment for me and I am proud that I was able to focus on my schooling and not lose sight of why I was there in the first place.

Please tell us what you���ve carried over from your education.

In the work I am doing now, I have carried over my knowledge in social determinants of health and what I have learned about the intersectionality of health. All of the determining factors of health including education, housing, job stability and how all of these intersect with gender, race, class, and others determine the health of an individual and of a community. I did not realize how much I have learned until I started seeing myself automatically applying it to the work that I started doing and in my life in general.

Please tell us what has fueled your passion.

What fueled my passion was learning all of the different realities that communities face when it comes to health outcomes. Not only do we need to uplift a member in the community, but also their family, their community, and the world. Bettering health outcomes and reducing the negative impacts from different aspects of social determinants of health including housing, job security, etc, will be beneficial for all. I also have a passion for education and health literacy, both of which are focuses at my current job. It is crucial that all members of the community are able to understand health materials so that they can make their own informed decisions about how they would like to proceed. LETI staff worked to translate material into Spanish from the Washington State Department of Health and have it read at a level that the community can fully understand all while being culturally appropriate. From there, the outreach team that I was part of distributed this information to the community at events with a focus on rural areas as they have barriers in accessibility.

Where has life taken you since graduation and what are your future plans?

Since I have graduated, I continue working at LETI and now I am pursuing my Master of Pharmaceutical Bioengineering at the Seattle campus of 56勛圖厙. I have found that social determinants of health can be applied anywhere and everywhere in the work that I am doing currently and in the pharmaceutical work I will be doing in the future. Understanding the needs in the communities, the factors at play, and the barriers that stand in their way will help me in my future research positions. My ties to 56勛圖厙 Bothell continue to grow through the work I am doing with LETI. We collaborate with 56勛圖厙 Bothell for the Latino Leadership Initiative program that I coordinate which is a partnership with Edmonds College, Skagit Valley College, 56勛圖厙 Bothell, and WSU Everett and it tasks Latino students with conducting community service projects while attending seminars where they hear from the experiences of Latinos in local government and leadership positions. I am currently working in collaboration with Dr. Shari Dworkin���s Social Dimensions of Health class and with a Mary Gates Research Scholarship recipient, Sabrina Prestes Oliveira, on a research project about the needs in the Everett community as LETI recently acquired a building in this area. Previously, I had the honor of working with three faculty members from 56勛圖厙 Bothell on different projects through my work at LETI. Dr. Hoa Appel, a previous professor of mine, and Dr. Mabel Ezeonwu, my previous fieldwork professor who connected me to LETI, on a PCORI funded project called ���Capacity Building on Behavioral Health Research.��� I had the pleasure to again join Dr. Hoa Appel for a presentation on ���Community Engagement in Addressing Economic and Social Determinants of Health��� at the Re-Imagining Behavioral Health: Race, Equity & Social Justice Conference joined by Dr. Robin Fleming.

Was there a faculty, staff or student service that had a positive impact on your success?

56勛圖厙 Bothell in general has amazing and supporting staff and I will never forget the professors who were so dedicated to help me and other students not only succeed, but thrive. The academic advisor that I had while completing my bachelor’s degree, Kaitlin Wolf, was the one individual that had the most impact on my success in the program. She was one of the first people that I met at 56勛圖厙 Bothell when my parents and I came to visit the campus and she quickly directed me towards the Health Studies program due to my future interest of being part of the health field. I loved the structure of the program and right away, I knew that this would be the program that I was supposed to be part of. Every quarter, I would meet with her to make sure I was on track with the program and aligning it to pre-reqs that I needed for my future path. She was so helpful and dedicated to student success and overall happiness, guiding me through the program and through my future.

What would you tell those considering the Health Studies program?

What I would tell students who are considering the Health Studies program is to not be afraid to jump in and follow this path. I was uncertain of exactly what my career path should be, but this degree allowed me to eventually find my way. This material and knowledge can be applied in all different types of employment like healthcare or community work, but also is such beautiful knowledge to take into account in your day to day life. I did not have any idea about social determinants of health or any of the course material that I learned, it really opened my eyes to seeing how there are so many other factors that maybe we do not explicitly see that are affecting others lives.

Do you have advice for current students?

Advice that I have for current students is to take advantage of the clubs and opportunities on campus. Work with your advisors to make sure that you are on track and plan out your future. Build connections and network with your professors because you do not know the opportunities that could come out of those interactions or what you can learn from them outside of the lecture material. You also could see them after you graduate and end up working on projects with them like I did through my employment.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

Work life balance is important and my coworkers have been helping me achieve a more healthy balance. With working full time and doing my master’s degree, it is hard finding time to focus on yourself. I have learned to prioritize self care and relaxation and I love to spend time with my mom, my two ducks, crochet animals, do creative arts & crafts, and ride my dirt bike around our property.

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SNHS Professor Nora Kenworthy was quoted for the article, These Palisades natives raised over $120,000 for fire relief on GoFundMe. Now what? the article!

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Dr. Niitsu received his BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), MSN (Master of Science in Nursing), and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). The Hama-Med Faculty of Nursing has become an official partner with UNMC College of Nursing in 2024. As a former international student from Japan at UNMC, he was invited by Hama-Med to address a memorial lecture. 

Undergraduate and graduate nursing students, nursing and medical faculty members, and nurses who work at the Hamamatsu University Hospital attended his lecture on Christmas evening.

Dr. Niitsu talked about his experience being an undergraduate nursing student at UNMC and discussed the differences in nursing education between Japan and the United States. He also talked about advanced practice nursing in the United States and introduced his contribution as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at the 56勛圖厙 Bothell Counseling Center.

In October 2024, four 4th-year undergraduate nursing students from Hama-Med visited Nebraska and spent about a week visiting UNMC, Nebraska Medicine, and other facilities to study the differences in the nursing system between the United States and Japan. 

���It was a tremendous honor for me to speak at Hama-Med as a UNMC alumnus and talk about my experiences being a nurse in the United States���, Dr. Niitsu said. ���I���d like to congratulate the new partnership between Hama-Med and UNMC���.

, Professor of Nursing at Hama-Med who developed a partnership between Hama-Med and UNMC, said, ���Dr. Niitsu���s visit was truly ���a Christmas gift��� for my students. There are so many differences between Japan and the United States, such as the medical insurance system, roles of nurses, and cultural background. Through his lecture, we were able to identify the differences, similarities, and strengths of each system. I hope to continue our relationships so that we can keep improving the healthcare systems in both countries.���

, Director of Global Health at UNMC who welcomed Hama-Med undergraduate nursing students in October 2024, stated, ���It was such a pleasure to show the students what healthcare in the United States looks like while also learning more about one another. We have more in common than we sometimes realize���.

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Through support from a 56勛圖厙B Study Abroad Launch Grant, faculty Linda Eaton and Jamie Shirley traveled to Vellore, Tamil Nadu in August 2024. Vellore, a city in southern India, is home to the Christian Medical College (CMC), which provides medical care to the local urban and rural communities. Linda and Jamie met with faculty at the College of Nursing to plan the study abroad program: Population Health in Cultural Context: India. They were also able to visit nurse-led community clinics in surrounding villages.
Linda and Jamie are particularly excited about the program due to their involvement with CMC in the past. Linda previously co-led 56勛圖厙 study abroad programs for four years and Jamie visited independently 35 years ago.
The study abroad program offers students an experiential learning opportunity while examining how resource limitations and the social determinants of health intersect with population health. Students will work in the community setting to explore innovative systems of community care intended to reduce health inequities, the impact of health and social policies, and the cultural influences of post-colonialism and historical caste-based system.
The program is open to all SNHS students. Students will participate in weekly classes during the summer quarter leading up to two weeks in India in August.
The priority application due date is January 31, 2025. Information sessions will be held in December and January. For further details, please contact uwbworld@uw.edu.

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The School of Nursing & Health Studies is proud to introduce Dean Vanessa Lopez-Littleton! Dr. Lopez-Littleton began her role on November 1, 2024.

Please tell me about your areas of scholarship and how you were inspired to pursue them
My areas of interest are health equity, racial equity, social determinants of health, administrative theory, and health policy. I was inspired to work in this area based on my work as a nurse and administrator in hospital, outpatient, and community settings. As a nurse, I was limited in understanding the different factors that affected health and health outcomes. Learning more about social, economic and political factors and how they coalesced to produce differential outcomes was eye opening.

Of your work accomplishments, what are you most proud of and why?
I am honored to create access and opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals. As a first generation college student, I have been able to set goals that reflect positively on all of those who have shaped and influenced my professional journey. I am proud that my years of dedication to public service have culminated in my appointment of Dean of SNHS. This is an incredible honor and opportunity.

How did you choose 56勛圖厙B and the School of Nursing & Health Studies?
There is a definite alignment between the campus, school and my identity as a racial justice scholar. I was immediately drawn to the mission, vision and the people of the region. I am excited about the diversity of our student body and their commitment to society.

What are your immediate plans for your work? What are your aspirations?
Over the first 90 days, I will be working to create a culture of care among faculty and staff, exploring and learning the region, and looking for ways to increase access and opportunities for the students we serve.

How do you spend your time outside of work?
I love hiking, traveling, dancing, listening to reggae, spending time with family, and trying new things.

What else would you like readers to know about you?
I am truly committed to moving the institution forward in positive ways. I am a team player who believes in self-care, personal growth, and celebrating life.

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Meet Rachel Allison, a graduate student in her second year in the MSCHSJ program! We asked her a few questions about her passions, plans, and experience so far.

What about our program made you decide to pursue a Master of Science in Community Health and Social Justice at 56勛圖厙 Bothell? 
I decided to pursue a Master of Science in Community Health and Social Justice because I spent the last several years learning and creating online content about the systemic problems in our country and across the world. I wanted to do my part in fixing these issues and restoring a sense of equity and justice. I became aware of this program and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to move my activism offline and into a place of enacting more direct change. I decided to take a leap of faith and completely change my career path, with the first step being my entry into this program.

What are you planning on doing/how are you planning on using your MSCHSJ degree or post graduation?
My plans after graduating with my MSCHSJ degree include several things. 
I am very excited to take the CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) exam and go on to work for the state of Washington. I would love to work in a role where I can implement equity, anti-racism, and inclusion as praxis, while providing access to opportunities, power, and resources to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes in Washington state.
I would also love to use my creativity and expertise to create different forms of content to spread awareness of how white supremacy, colonialism, patriarchy, and capitalism are having detrimental effects on the overall health of different communities across the globe.

What is your favorite part about this program so far? Cohort community learning?
My favorite part about this program so far has been finding a community of like minded individuals who care as deeply about the issues we are facing in Public Health as I do. It gives me hope to see my fellow classmates speaking on these systemic issues and coming up with new, creative, and equitable solutions to reduce health disparities nationwide. 
Another part of this program that I really love is how it challenges me both as a writer and an activist. My skills as a writer have been exponentially broadened by the classes in this program. My portfolio now includes pieces I never could have imagined it would and my confidence as an activist has only deepened with the knowledge I���ve gained in this program.

What���s one piece of advice you���d give incoming MSCHSJ students?
One piece of advice I would give incoming MSCHSJ students would be to take the leap of faith and don���t listen to your imposter syndrome. You are meant to be here and your voice is a necessary contribution to the conversations happening about health disparities and injustices faced by different communities here and across the globe. 

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Meet Robin Fleming, Director of Nursing and Associate Teaching Professor in the School of Nursing & Health Studies. Dr. Fleming took the time to answer a few questions for us.

• Tell me about your work. What are you currently working on?泭

As an Associate Teaching Professor, I���m currently teaching a course in community health nursing, where Registered Nurses seeking their bachelor���s degree in nursing (BSN) work with community partners to learn about and apply public health principles to populations including the elderly, people who live unsheltered, incarcerated people, teens, people in need of reproductive health care, and even the State of Washington in developing rules for schools to update environmental health systems throughout our State���s public and private schools.  As the Director of Nursing, I collaborate with my colleagues here at 56勛圖厙B, Tacoma, and Seattle to maintain excellence, equity, and opportunity for those seeking nursing careers to produce a world-class nursing workforce prepared to meet complex local and global health challenges.

• Of your accomplishments workwise, which are you most proud of and why?

This is like asking which of my children I prefer! I���ll name a couple:  When I was working as a school nurse, I received a grant to create a public health education and career pathway program for immigrant students. I led this program in Seattle Public Schools at eight middle and high schools for two years. When I saw one of my students with a stethoscope around his neck while walking down the ���Ave��� in the U-District and he told me he was enrolled in nursing school, I was SO proud! I also started a peer health education program while working as a school nurse at Franklin High School in Seattle. I partnered with Planned Parenthood and Youth Suicide and Prevention Program to create student leaders who became school-wide experts on reproductive and mental health issues. This was a rare opportunity to grant access to low-income students to become health leaders in their school and beyond.

• Who inspired you to choose this field? Who inspires you now?

I was inspired by my children, my brother, and by a friend who lost his life due to AIDS. They inspired me to advocate for equity and to protect, provide for, and invest in children and families to ensure that every child has the supports needed to achieve optimum health, and equitable access to education and life opportunities. Today, I am inspired by the passion for learning that my students demonstrate, and by the faculty at 56勛圖厙 Bothell who support each other, our students, and our collective mission to improve our region and beyond by producing students who think critically, work collaboratively, and act with integrity.

• What are your immediate plans for your work? What are your aspirations?

I���m revising a book on school nursing as a public health imperative, and am working on a manuscript on ways nurses intervene to disrupt the poverty-to-prison pipeline. I would also like to work with another state in replicating Washington State���s successful and unique School Nurse Corps program which creates a statewide infrastructure to ensure that school nursing services are available to all students. School nurses reduce health and educational inequities, increase student attendance, and improve graduation rates for underserved students.

• Why 56勛圖厙 Bothell? As a member of the faculty, what would you tell other professors about working here? Besides their degree, what will students get out of attending 56勛圖厙 Bothell?

As some have wisely said, it���s not what you do, but who you do it with that makes work inspiring and energizing. Faculty at 56勛圖厙B make me feel valued and supported. We all contribute different strengths and perspectives and mobilize them to enrich and support our collective work. The familial connection faculty share at 56勛圖厙B influences our teaching to create innovative and intellectually stimulating student experiences.  Students at 56勛圖厙B will receive a degree, and will carry with them the respect, responsibility, pride, and collaboration that is modeled for them by faculty.

• How can students excel in your class?

This is pretty basic: Come to class, submit your work on time, demonstrate respect for – and an openness to learning from – your peers, and participate in class with a spirit of curiosity and respect for a diversity of opinions. And please communicate with me if you anticipate turning in assignments past the due date. I also recommend that students focus on building their writing skills and on fostering and strengthening group collaborations.

• How do you spend your time outside of work?泭

I spend time in the dance studio where I practice contemporary dance and ballet. I also enjoy tree bathing on the miles of trails in Shoreline with my Bullmastiff, Mr. Big, and watching Husky football games with my two sons. As a former journalist, I also enjoy occasionally writing articles for my local newspaper!

• What else would you like readers to know about you?

I was raised by a single mother and had a brother with Down Syndrome at a time when people with disabilities had no rights to education or services. From a young age, this made me feel an affinity with anyone who was discriminated against for any reason. This experience has been my strength: it serves me well in relating to and advocating for others who have had similar challenges.

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Thank you to Master of Nursing alum Sarah Lewick-Hendrix for agreeing to an interview with NHS. We were excited to learn more about Sarah and why they chose our program and how it prepared them for the future.

Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Nursing at 56勛圖厙 Bothell?

I decided to pursue my MN at 56勛圖厙 Bothell because I wanted to grow in my career and knew I needed more skills to explore different areas of nursing leadership. I had many coworkers who attended and loved their experience at 56勛圖厙 Bothell which made me confident in applying to the program.

What do you feel this program most prepared you for post-graduation?

This program prepared me to think more critically as a leader. It challenged me to think differently about healthcare advocacy, leadership, and finance. It also equipped me with the program and project management skills to get projects off the ground more effectively in my department. 

Please tell us what you are doing now that you���ve graduated?泭

I am a Nursing Professional Development Practitioner at Seattle Children���s Hospital. I use my MN in Administrative Leadership to help lead projects and programs that support nursing education, training, and competency within my organization. 

What is one piece of advice you would give incoming MN students?

The MN program at 56勛圖厙 Bothell gives you great opportunities to connect folks working in the greater Seattle area. Enjoy this time connecting with and learning from your colleagues- I am so grateful to have stayed in contact with many people from this program! 

The post Meet Sarah Lewicki-Hendrix, MN Alum appeared first on School of Nursing & Health Studies.

Master of Science in Community Health & Social Justice (MS CH&SJ) student Sydney Pope graciously allowed NHS to ask them a few interview questions. Thank you to Sydney for telling us about why they chose this program and about the Fellowship for which they were recently selected.

Please tell us about yourself and what led you to 56勛圖厙 Bothell and to our program.泭

I chose the Community Health and Social Justice program at 56勛圖厙 Bothell because the entire curriculum is taught through an equity lens. Rather than having one or two courses about social justice principles, we are taught to focus on inequities in every aspect of community health.

Please tell us about the Fellowship, how you were selected, and how it will impact you.

The Population Health Applied Research Fellowship examines how economic growth and migration impacts communities in King County. This year���s project will focus on business data, particularly the migration of small businesses out of communities due to rising rent prices and other factors. We will be working closely with the King County Demographer and Public Health ��� Seattle & King County to provide insight that will help inform programming and resource allocation to effectively support communities. I am serving as the social equity lead and the final report lead for this year���s project. This fellowship will give me a more detailed understanding of gentrification in King County, and it will provide me with quantitative research and data analysis skills that I can utilize in my future research.

How did your experience in your coursework help you find your career path or your area of focus?

Our professors have done a great job of exposing us to materials covering a variety of important social issues while also letting us explore our own passions. I have been able to research topics I am passionate about like reproductive justice, child welfare, and the health of incarcerated people while also learning about topics I was less familiar with like environmental racism and debt relief. Our Health Communication and Health Policy, Systems, and Advocacy classes involved working with a community partner to advocate for public health related bills during the legislative session. That experience showed me how much I enjoy legislative advocacy and policymaking and how I could utilize my writing skills to influence policy. Learning about mutual aid networks and inside/outside advocacy strategies has influenced my professional goals and opened my eyes to new possibilities for making lasting change.    

Please tell us about a moment at 56勛圖厙 Bothell that you are proud of, what you���ve carried over from your education, or what has fueled your passion.

I am proud of advocating for myself and others. As the very first cohort, I think it���s important that we do what we can to ensure the program is the best it can be for future students by providing feedback. After we expressed interest in diving deeper into certain issues, Dr. Chris Wade helped my classmates and I organize a discussion group so we could learn more about topics we were interested in while also getting to know one another better. He volunteered his time to facilitate a discussion group two hours a week during winter quarter in which we explored topics such as critical race theory, mass incarceration, Indigenous healthcare, Palestine, and mutual aid.

Was there a faculty, staff, or student service that had a positive impact on your success?

My faculty mentor, Dr. Nora Kenworthy, has been enormously helpful in providing guidance that has been pivotal to my success. I was not going to apply for this fellowship because I didn���t think I was qualified, but Dr. Kenworthy convinced me that I was and supported me through the application process.

Dr. Jody Early takes time to identify strengths in all of her students, and she goes out of her way to encourage us to develop our talents and passions. She has always been very supportive of my writing and has encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and share my work outside of class.

Dr. Chris Wade has been dedicated to the success of our cohort from day one. He has volunteered countless hours of his time to facilitate community building and gather our feedback to continue to improve the program.

Dr. Miryha Runnerstrom is exceptionally engaged with her students and she fosters an open and supportive learning environment, which is crucial in a program that covers a lot of heavy subject matter.

Every one of these faculty members has been a hugely important part of my first year in graduate school. Their passion and commitment to the program and their students is what makes the program great.   

How do you spend your time outside of work/school?泭

In my free time, I love to read and watch movies. My partner and I rent movies from Scarecrow Video almost every week. I also love getting outside and taking walks in Discovery Park.

What else would you like readers to know about you?

I am also working on a research project with , an initiative that aims to provide a detailed account of mass incarceration in Washington primarily through the testimony of formerly and currently incarcerated individuals. The open-access archive is part of 56勛圖厙 Bothell Library���s digital collections. This summer I am working on a timeline of COVID-19 policies and outbreaks in Washington prisons throughout the pandemic. I will also have the privilege of collecting firsthand accounts from those incarcerated in the early years of the pandemic. I was connected with WPHP through Dr. Kenworthy when she suggested I reach out to Dr. Dan Berger because of my interest in abolitionist ideology. My work with WPHP is another example of an incredible opportunity I never would have had without the guidance of faculty who genuinely care about their students.

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