BSN Convocation Inspires Next Generation of Gator Nurses

College of Nursing students kicked off the fall 2021 semester on a high note with this year’s BSN Convocation.

During the two-hour virtual event, attendees heard from influential faculty and key nursing leaders, beginning with a keynote address from senior scholar-in-residence and senior adviser to the president on nursing at the National Academy of Medicine and soon-to-be American Academy of Nursing Living Legend, Susan Hassmiller, PhD, RN, FAAN.

Hassmiller spoke to students about the importance of being agents for change in the nursing profession with a presentation on the National Academy of Medicine’s recent report “The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity.”  To promote equity in health care, Hassmiller said students will need to heed the call to become nurse leaders and transform the field’s culture.

“The future of nursing in the next 10 years will be about creating a fair and just world,” Hassmiller said. “My hope is that many of you will take on roles to tackle health inequities.”

In a 30-minute panel following Hassmiller’s presentation, College of Nursing Associate Dean for Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement Jeanne-Marie Stacciarini, PhD, RN, FAAN, informed students about opportunities for diversity and inclusion in the College of Nursing. Willa Fuller, RN, executive director of the Florida Nurses Association, followed with a talk introducing attendees to the importance of membership in professional nursing organizations and the role nurses can play in shaping public health policy.

To close out the ceremony, Prairieview Trust – Earl and Margo Powers Endowed Professor, Diana Wilkie, PhD, RN, FAAN, delivered a reflection of her 44-year nursing career and announced her research’s path forward as she approaches a landmark five decades of nursing scholarship.

For those who were unable to attend the 2021 BSN Convocation, a recording is available here.