Vital Views

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Janice Enriquez and Minnie Wood sit together and discuss the importance of breast self-awareness, risk factors, and essential screening recommendations. Wood is a Senior Lecturer at UNLV School of Nursing and a breast cancer survivor. They discuss practical tips for performing self-exams, how to recognize changes, and the power of advocating for your health. 

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Sigrid Barrett, the first Filipino-American Dean at UNLV School of Nursing discusses her background and culture with UNLV nursing alumnus and Ph.D student Joseph Cadiz in celebration of Filipino American History Month. Dean Barrett shares her journey from immigrant to leader, reflecting on her passion for mentorship and representation in nursing. The conversation dives into the importance of diverse leadership, the challenges of stepping into roles of authority, and the vital role mentorship plays in shaping future nurse leaders. Dr. Barrett explores how her Filipino heritage influences her leadership style and commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices in the profession. 

This episode features: 

Dr. Sigrid Barrett, Dean of UNLV School of Nursing

Joseph Cadiz, UNLV alumnus and Ph.D student

In honor of National Midwifery Week, Dr. Jennifer Vanderlaan, Dr. Janice Enriquez, and Sara Richins discuss the role of nurse midwives, emphasizing their diverse responsibilities, including primary care, sexual and reproductive health, and maternity care. They highlight the unique aspects of midwifery, such as the ability to provide care in various settings, including hospitals, homes, and birth centers. Dr. Vanderlaan discusses her research, which focuses on improving maternal health systems. Sara shares her experience as a student in UNLV’s midwifery program and its personalized approach, strong community partnerships, and flexible learning options.

This episode features:

Dr. Jennifer Vanderlaan, Assistant Professor at UNLV School of Nursing

Dr. Janice Enriquez, Assistant Professor in Residence at UNLV School of Nursing

Sara Richins, UNLV School of Nursing Master of Science, Certified Nurse-Midwife Program student

Dr. Jackie Killian, an associate professor at the School of Nursing, talks with Tenile Pritchard, a direct-entry MSN student, to discuss her inspiring journey. Tenille, originally from Boston, pursued a career in dance and business before transitioning to nursing after a life-changing experience with a cancer diagnosis. Tenille is now in her first semester of the MSN program, balancing studies, work, and volunteering as a doula. Dr. Killian and Tenille discuss the importance of knowing one's body and being proactive in health care.

This episode features:

Dr. Jackie Killian, Associate Professor at UNLV School of Nursing

Tenile Pritchard, UNLV School of Nursing Direct-Entry, Master of Science in Nursing Program student

Understanding identity and sexual orientation is important in creating safe and respectful healthcare environments for patients. In this episode, Dr. Rocky Rockstraw welcomes returning guests to share their experiences and highlights the importance of inclusive practices and the "repair process" for addressing mistakes.

This episode features:

Dr. Rocky Rockstraw, Professor at UNLV School of Nursing

Dr. Samuel Hickson, Health Behaviorist, Ph.D., LMSW, CSW-I, MSSA, MBA, ACE-CHC

Kalvin Byrd - Founder, Uncloak (uncloakfoundation.org)

Brie Starks - Lawyer, civil rights activist, social activist, and founder of unRelatable 

How can we avoid implicit bias as a health care provider? Recorded during Pride Month, Drs. Janice Enriquez and Samuel Hickson explore the minute behaviors in primary care providers that stigmatize LGBTQIA patients. The topic was the subject of Dr. Hickson’s dissertation, and recognizes the importance of asking inclusive questions.

This episode features:

Dr. Janice Enriquez, Assistant Professor in Residence at UNLV School of Nursing

Dr. Samuel Hickson, Health Behaviorist, Ph.D., LMSW, CSW-I, MSSA, MBA, ACE-CHC

Creating safe spaces for patients is an element of patient-centered care healthcare professionals should provide. Recorded during Pride Month, UNLV School of Nursing faculty, Drs. Janice Enriquez and Rocky Rockstraw speak with community leaders Kalvin Byrd and Brie about their experiences with providers and how to create safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community going forward.

This episode features:
Dr. Janice Enriquez, Assistant Professor in Residence at UNLV School of Nursing
Dr. Rocky Rockstraw, Professor at UNLV School of Nursing
Kalvin Byrd - Founder, Uncloak (uncloakfoundation.org)
Brie Starks - Lawyer, civil rights activist, social activist, and founder of unRelatable

Gerontology may not be the first choice for young nurses choosing a specialty, but it's arguably among the most important nursing fields.  UNLV Nursing professor Kayla Sullivan returns to the show to talk gero and what makes it a vital role.

Burnout among nurses is unique in that it's not just a cause of anxiety and strife but also an effect.  UNLV Nursing professor Susan VanBeuge returns to the show to talk about new numbers on reported cases; what nurses and their organizations can do to reduce burnout; and how nurse educators can prepare their students as best they can.

Keila Haynes joined UNLV Nursing's accelerated second degree program after a career in business.  See why she made the transition, including the dramatic moment that made her realize nursing was her calling.