Yale School of Nursing (YSN) just launched a new program to connect with the future Yale nurses and midwives applying before the priority deadline of November 1: current students serving as ambassadors.
Ambassadors are equipped to guide applicants without a background in healthcare toward the Graduate Entry Pre-specialty in Nursing (GEPN) program or give a firsthand account of entering the YSN community as a practicing Resident Nurse (RN).
“Our data show that applicants are eager to talk with current students about what to expect at YSN, and we are excited to share this new resource with individuals looking to join us in the fall of 2025,” said Director of Admissions Lisa Lombardo. “These outstanding students can speak authoritatively on what happens inside the classroom, such as the rigors of the curriculum and the clinical experiences. But they can also cover questions about life outside our doors, from what it’s like to be an international student here to recommendations on how to spend their leisure time.”
YSN caught up with the ambassadors at the start of application season to see what makes them excited about chatting with prospective students and to ask for the best advice and application tips. Interested applicants can book an ambassador appointment here.
Jamison Dorsey ’26 MSN
Specialty: Nurse Midwifery/Women’s Health
GEPN Year 1
Hometown: Nesmith/Hemingway, SC
What inspires you about connecting with prospective students about life at YSN?
It offers an incredible opportunity to share my experiences while learning about the diverse backgrounds and stories each prospective student brings. YSN is such a diverse community where people from all walks of life come together, and it’s truly inspiring to see how these diverse perspectives enrich our learning environment and can have a positive impact on patients and families.
What is your best piece of advice for someone who wants to become a Yale nurse or Yale midwife?
One of the most crucial pieces of advice for aspiring Yale nurses or midwives is to cultivate a strong sense of belonging. Embrace the idea that you deserve to be here, and let that confidence propel you forward. This sense of belonging is essential for thriving in such a demanding environment, enabling you to fully leverage Yale’s remarkable opportunities and support systems.
Hargun Kaur ’25 MSN
Specialty: Family Nurse Practitioner
RN-Entry in MSN Year 1
Hometown: Punjab, India
What makes you excited to discuss student life at YSN?
I think it’s a common misconception that when I’m chatting with prospective students about life at YSN I am the only one who’s telling them how things are; rather, I get to hear a lot about how folks want things to be and be that voice in YSN.
I also enjoy being able to discuss the different aspects of YSN that I have been able to experience and witness. So many times, it is about forming connections that help and support you, uplift you, and encourage you while you start a new journey and I love that I’m able to be a part of that for the new students.
What is your best piece of advice for someone who wants to become a Yale nurse or Yale midwife?
At Yale, we believe in better health for all and that starts with the people that are part of this community. I think it’s important for nurses and midwives to come in with their unique experiences and are willing to share what they have learned and learn from their peers.
Yale makes it convenient and accessible for you to experience so many different opportunities and healthcare systems, try your best to take advantage of whatever Yale offers. Don’t forget that a big part of the name behind Yale is what you bring to the table. Your voice is important, and you need to figure out what works for you to make your Yale experience fruitful.
Dang Lam ’26 MSN
Specialty: Adult – Gerontology Acute Care
GEPN Year 1
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
What do you look forward to sharing with prospective students?
I’m thrilled to talk about YSN because of the incredible sense of community among the students. The kindness and willingness to support one another truly stood out to me. Moving across the country without any family or friends in Connecticut, I found a second home here at YSN. I’ve had so many exciting experiences and created lasting memories with the friends I’ve made along the way.
What is your best piece of advice for someone who wants to become a Yale nurse or Yale midwife?
My best advice is to stay open-minded and embrace new experiences, as you never know what opportunities or challenges might come your way.
Please always stay true to who you are and don’t hesitate to seek help when you need it. As a YSN student ambassador, I’ve had the chance to speak with many prospective and incoming students. Despite our unique and diverse backgrounds, we all share a common trait: a genuine willingness to help others and make a positive impact in the world.
Jiyeon Lee ’25 MSN
Specialty: Pediatric Primary Care
RN-Entry in MSN Year 1
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
What makes you excited to chat with prospective students about life at YSN?
What makes me excited to chat with prospective students is the possibility of connecting them with activities and resources at YSN that could help them explore their academic goals and interests. Plus, getting to know future healthcare colleagues is always something I look forward to!
Any top tips for filling out the YSN application?
Try to make sure that your passion for the specialty you choose shines through your application! Also, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the YSN Student Ambassadors if you have any questions about student life, classes, or clinicals – we’d be happy to help!
Yuly Rios Mendez ’25 MSN
Specialty: Psychiatric-Mental Health
MSN – Year 1
Hometown: Colombia, Washington D.C, New Haven, CT
What makes you excited to chat with prospective students about life at YSN?
I’m passionate about helping prospective students navigate their journey at YSN. I love answering their questions because I remember having similar ones myself. It’s also exciting to learn about their unique backgrounds and experiences, and to highlight how those will contribute to their success in the program.
What is your best piece of advice for someone who wants to become a Yale nurse or Yale midwife?
Stay focused on why you chose this path, keep your end goal in mind, and make sure to enjoy every moment of your time at YSN!
New Haven Promise Scholar Trinity Higgins contributed substantively to this piece.