Yale School of Nursing (YSN)’s new nursing and midwifery students streamed through the front door for the first day of orientation on August 21, and they are prepared to ask a lot of questions. Here to answer them are the Orientation Leaders (OLs), a squad of current students who are excited to share their expert advice on clinical rotations, study tips, self-care, and the New Haven delicacy known as apizza.
What made you want to become an Orientation Leader (OL)?
From my perspective, when you commit to being an OL, it’s not just for a couple of days at orientation, you’re signing up to be a coach, mentor, and resource for YSN throughout the year and beyond. This is a role I will be proud and honored to serve for YSN, and I have been looking forward to since I entered YSN as a GEPN student.
Describe a great experience you’ve had at YSN so far.
One of the best experiences at YSN so far has been meeting 68 new friends in my GEPN year! We spent hours upon hours with each other and went through all the highs and lows of nursing school together. Whether you’re from the East Coast or West Coast, finding your people makes YSN feel like home.
Do you have any advice for incoming YSN students?
Immerse yourself in the clinical experience! Clinical is a unique opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in class to the real world. Your preceptors are here to ensure you obtain the necessary nursing skills, so don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and your educational needs. I found it most helpful to ask the staff on the floor what they needed help with, and I always said “YES” to whatever task was at hand. From hanging IV bags to watching C-sections, clinical is your time to learn, so make the most of it!
What made you want to become an Orientation Leader (OL)?
Representation is really important to me! When I was a new student, I didn’t see any orientation leaders who looked like me. I decided to be an orientation leader because if representation is meaningful for me, it must be meaningful for someone else too.
Describe a great experience you’ve had at YSN so far.
YSN allows you to create your own clinical path toward your future career. I knew that I wanted to live in New York City and work in community health after graduation. YSN encouraged that dream with clinical experiences that were in NYC and highly aligned with my career goals.
Do you have any advice for incoming YSN students?
Form your own opinion—about professors, about course material, about pizza! It’s easy to let other people’s experiences cloud your own, so come with an open heart and create your own opinions instead.
What made you want to become an Orientation Leader (OL)?
I decided to be an Orientation Leader because not only was I an OL at my undergrad university and had such an amazing experience then, but I had a really supportive orientation group last year here at YSN! I feel we all can relate to being in the position of being new to a community , and having someone there to help guide you as you navigate a new chapter in life is very important, especially for folks who have taken time away from school for a while or for those moving from out of town (both were true for me personally), I think having someone there to lean on is reassuring and helpful!
Describe a great experience you’ve had at YSN so far.
YSN has been very good to me! I have met a lot of incredible people here and have found so much guidance and support since starting here from both peers and professors! My time here has helped me better understand what kind of nurse and provider I want to be and has brought me new perspective and knowledge that will help me both in nursing and also as a person.
Do you have any advice for incoming YSN students?
My best piece of advice would be to take care of yourself. School is stressful and while it is important, so is checking in with yourself and making sure you are still making time for yourself, taking part in the hobbies/things that make you happy, and keeping up with those who are important to you. It’ll take time to find balance but trust me it’s worth the time and energy! You got this!
What made you want to become an Orientation Leader (OL)?
I deeply value the opportunity to make a positive impact on the incoming students’ experiences. I remember having supportive peers and clear guidance when I first started, which helped to ease my concerns, and wanted very much to provide the same support to others. I am excited by the chance to build meaningful connections with a diverse group of students, and most of all, to contribute to their sense of community. Being an OL, I will help students navigate their first steps and connect them to the abundant resources within the Yale School of Nursing.
Describe a great experience you’ve had at YSN so far.
One of my most rewarding experiences at YSN has been the opportunity to engage closely with the student body through my involvement in the Student Government Organization (SGO). Together with my peers, we are cultivating an environment both inside and outside the classroom that encourages vibrant discussion and facilitates mutual learning objectives. A space that allows us to freely exchange ideas and grow together in more than one direction.
Do you have any advice or local recommendations for incoming YSN students?
Self-care is vitally important. Develop a structured schedule that includes dedicated study time, planned breaks, and moments of relaxation. Maintaining your physical and mental health is paramount to sustained success; it builds the required resilience to thrive. Trust in your abilities, stay focused and remember that you are more than capable of handling anything ahead. In this pinnacle program, everyone has their own unique path, learn to lean-in and support each other along the way.
Some of my favorite spots to rejuvenate include Poindexter Coffee, Wooster Square Farmers Market, East Rock Park, and all the local beaches!
What made you want to become an Orientation Leader (OL)?
Stepping into the role of an OL for the Yale School of Nursing is a thrilling opportunity to amplify my dedication to community support! I am grateful to share the invaluable guidance I received during my first year, empowering incoming students to conquer the challenges of transitioning to the demanding curriculum of graduate school.
Describe a great experience you’ve had at YSN so far.
During the maternity labor and delivery rotation I was taken away by the energy and emotion that filled the space. Witnessing a c-section and laboring process firsthand was nothing short of awe-inspiring. With the engagement of the expert staff, I was able to take an active role in patient care, such as seeing a placenta, palpating a fundus, and performing a baby bath. It was a profound reminder of the privilege we have as nurses to be part of such intimate moments and major milestones in people’s lives.
What’s your best piece of advice for incoming YSN students?
Secure independent transportation, such as having your own car, to explore the abundant events in the community as well as venture into the greater New England area.
What made you want to become an Orientation Leader?
I wanted to help incoming GEPN students transition to YSN by being a part of showing them the strong sense of community and support they’ll have throughout their journey to become an advanced practice nurse.
Describe a great experience you’ve had at YSN so far.
I have had a fantastic time bonding with my GEPN cohort throughout the year, especially during our “Goodbye GEPN” event, which involved us celebrating finishing our first year at the beach!
Do you have any local recommendations for incoming YSN students?
If you’re looking for great places to eat in New Haven, I recommend Frank Pepe for pizza and Milkcraft for ice cream.
What made you want to become an Orientation Leader?
I wanted to become an OL to help facilitate an organized and welcoming experience for the incoming students. Being able to share as much as I can about my own experience and reassuring them about starting a new journey into a career as a nurse practitioner is heartwarming. Ideally, I would want everyone feeling as comfortable as possible meeting each other on their first day at YSN.
Describe a great experience you’ve had at YSN so far.
As a GEPN student, I had a unique experience being able to successfully complete the RN courses with a large cohort of peers with vastly different backgrounds and specialty goals as NPs. It was amazing to connect and learn from my classmates throughout that first year and witness everyone finally dive into their niche with their specialties last year. I am looking forward to completing this final year with my FNP cohort, as well as our original GEPN cohort, as we achieve our degrees and begin our careers. I am very thankful for the support from YSN staff and faculty thus far, as it has had a major impact on our success.
Do you have any local recommendations for incoming YSN students?
As a Wooster Square resident, I find it hard not to recommend Sally’s Apizza and all the other amazing restaurants on Wooster Street.
Hometown: Yorba Linda, CA
What made you want to become an Orientation Leader (OL)?
I want to educate and inform prospective students about the countless resources and support YSN has for its students academically, socially, and culturally. Coming into YSN, I was very oblivious to the countless resources YSN had to ensure the success of the students and I would really like to emphasize how helpful and beneficial these resources can be.
Describe a great experience you’ve had at YSN so far.
Studying with classmates while drinking a lot of caffeine before many of our big exams, especially Pharmacology, and coming up with silly memory tricks to remember the class material.
Do you have any local recommendations for incoming YSN students?
Koffee is an extremely cool and cozy place to grab coffee, read, and study. It has a vintage vibe, and I’ve always loved going and studying there. Also, for my fellow vegans, Claires Corner Copia has some great and tasty pastries and meals. Da Lenga at Nolo also has amazing vegan pizza.
What makes you excited to chat with perspective students about life at YSN?
I am excited to chat with new students at YSN because I know firsthand that starting a new program in a new place can be overwhelming and I hope to help people feel welcome and comfortable and supported throughout this transition
What’s your best piece of advice for incoming YSN students?
My advice for someone starting their journey to become a Yale nurse or midwife is to be confident – you know how to work hard and because of this effort, you will succeed! And remember, you are not doing this alone – collaborating with your peers makes all the difference!
What made you want to become an Orientation Leader (OL)?
I believed it stemmed from a sincere commitment to facilitating a smooth transition for new students into graduate life and ensuring they feel welcomed and supported. Having been an integral part of the YSN community for over a year, I have experienced firsthand both the challenges and triumphs that my colleagues and I have navigated. This has deepened my desire to contribute to a campus environment that is safe, inclusive, and nurturing. Also, I feel that OLs often provide the first glimpse of what the campus environment/culture is like, I am dedicated to offering my support and embodying YSN’s values of inclusivity and diversity. My goal is to help new students acclimate with confidence, ensuring that their initial experiences are positive and reflective of the vibrant and supportive community that everyone here at YSN strives to maintain.
Describe a great experience you’ve had at YSN so far.
Serving as a student ambassador for YSN has been an immensely fulfilling experience. This role has allowed me to collaborate with both the administration and student life offices, presenting prospective students with a view of what YSN has to offer. Engaging with a diverse range of students from across the country and around the world has been particularly enriching. Learning about their passions and aspirations in nursing has reaffirmed my own sense of gratitude for the opportunity to pursue such a rewarding career.
Do you have any local recommendations for incoming YSN students?
My favorite study spots/coffee places are Poindexter Coffee in The Graduate New Haven, Atticus, and Fussy Coffee.
What made you want to become an Orientation Leader (OL)?
I wanted to become an orientation leader so I can support those in their new journey here at YSN. I also wanted to foster a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.
Describe a great experience you’ve had at YSN so far.
My experience at YSN has been a series of downs but mostly ups! While I’ve faced challenges along the way, these experiences have been valuable learning opportunities that have helped me grow both personally and professionally. The support from peers and faculty, along with the rewarding moments of success, have far outweighed the difficulties. Overall, my journey here has been fulfilling and has strengthened my commitment to making the most of my time at YSN.
What’s your best piece of advice for incoming YSN students?
My best piece of advice for incoming YSN students is to make the most out of your clinical experiences. The more you put yourself out there to see/do, the more experience you will gain.
What made you want to become an Orientation Leader (OL)?
To help students navigate their way and to share valuable insights and tips I wish I had known earlier.
Describe a great experience you’ve had at YSN so far.
My best experience has been connecting with the incredible people here.
What’s your best piece of advice for incoming YSN students?
Prioritize self-care – it’s essential for thriving in this intense program! Stay focused, but also remember to relax and have fun along the way!
What makes you excited to chat with perspective students about life at YSN?
How to leverage their Yale experience as new nurses and nurse practitioners.
What’s your best piece of advice for incoming YSN students?
Find what keeps you sane and happy and never let go. You need all the self-care methods and support to get through this program.
Stay in your own lane and always remind yourself daily of why you came to Yale. This program can be a lot on many fronts but when you center yourself on who you are and what your future goals are you will get through this program successfully.
What made you want to become an Orientation Leader (OL)?
I loved the pre-orientation events. It was great how we got to meet our fellow classmates before we started the official orientation at YSN. When we arrived at school, we already had a bunch of friends, and it felt much less intimidating!
Describe a great experience you’ve had at YSN so far.
I really enjoyed my GEPN year and I’m excited to start my first specialty year at YSN in the family nurse practitioner specialty. The fall semester of GEPN was the hardest for me and having supportive and kind faculty members and friends really helped!
When I was having trouble getting into study mode last fall, Dr. Linda Ghampson suggested I make a schedule. “I scheduled all Saturday for studying,” I said. “No, you need to schedule fun breaks into it. If you schedule the whole day for studying without any breaks, you’ll feel overwhelmed,” she said. It could be taking a yoga class in between blocks of study time, or something as simple as taking a walk around the block or even watching an episode on Netflix. This approach made my study experience more enjoyable and more effective too, because the brain can absorb and process more information when we are more relaxed.
What’s your best piece of advice for incoming YSN students?
My advice to incoming YSN students, in addition to scheduling short breaks into your study sessions, is to study with friends! There is so much material to learn that it can be overwhelming at times, but I find that when I study with friends, talking about the material helps solidify the information in my mind. It’s a great pre-exam activity!
What made you want to become an Orientation Leader (OL)?
I wanted to help new students feel welcomed and supported as they transition into YSN. It’s a great way to build community and give back, especially since OLs play such an essential role in shaping the student experience from day one.
Describe a great experience you’ve had at YSN so far.
One memorable moment was participating in a clinical simulation exercise. It was an intense, hands-on experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone but also gave me a deeper understanding of patient care. Working through complex, real-world scenarios with my classmates brought us closer and helped us develop skills that will be crucial in our future careers. It was a powerful reminder of why I chose nursing and the impact we can make on healthcare.
What’s your best piece of advice for incoming YSN students?
Stay organized from the start. YSN can be fast-paced, so developing a system that helps you stay on top of assignments, clinicals, and personal life is essential. You can find what works for you and stick with it. It’ll reduce stress and help you stay focused on what matters most. Yale has so many libraries, so you can explore with your friends to determine which one is the best one for you to study.
More Orientation Leaders
Given the demands on their time approaching the new academic year, a handful of OLs were unavailable to share their expertise in advance of orientation but are eager to connect in person:
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Hannah Feliciano ’26 MSN
Specialty: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
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Shlomit Grullon ’25 MSN
Specialty: Nurse Midwifery
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Danielle Lee ’26 MSN
Specialty: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care
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Jiyeon Lee ’25 MSN
Specialty: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care
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Miranda Scott ’26 MSN
Specialty: Family Nurse Practitioner
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Julia Thomae ’25 MSN
Specialty: Family Nurse Practitioner
New Haven Promise Scholars Trinity Higgins contributed substantially to this piece.