Office of Nursing Impact
We are always seeking the best and most effective path to fulfilling our mission of improving health outcomes and educating the next generation of nurse leaders. To enhance collaboration, innovation, and our impact, I am excited to announce the combining of YSN resources to create the Office of Nursing Impact. This new office will unify and foster a more cohesive environment for our collective efforts.
The Office of Nursing Impact will encompass the Office of Global Affairs and Planetary Health; Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging; and the Simulation Center.
I have appointed Assistant Professor Christine Rodriguez, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, MDiv, MA, FNYAM, FAAN, as the inaugural Associate Dean of Nursing Impact to lead this new entity effective immediately. To ensure operational excellence while promoting a coordinated strategy across YSN, each area will continue to be led by a director.
Dr. Rodriguez is a highly respected YSN faculty member recognized within the University and around the world for her collaborative leadership, innovative thinking, and dedication to addressing healthcare disparities. Her expertise in technology, advocacy for healthcare access, and success in securing funding for transformative initiatives make her exceptionally well-suited to lead this effort.
There is a compelling need for a bridge between the knowledge we as a school of nursing develop and the application of that knowledge to the health care challenges and issues faced by local, national, and global communities. The Office of Impact with Associate Dean Christine Rodriguez at the helm will be that bridge.
The New Office of Nursing Impact will encompass:
- Global Affairs and Planetary Health: Focused on advancing global health through partnerships, innovative interventions, and addressing environmental and planetary health challenges; led by Director of Global and Planetary Health, Asia Neupane, Ed.D.
- Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: Addresses barriers to access, supports underrepresented groups, and strengthens community; led by Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Charissa Owens, Ph.D.
- Simulation Center: Prepares future nursing leaders using cutting-edge simulation and technology to address evolving healthcare needs; led by Simulation Unit Director, Linda Ghampson, DNP, MSN, RN, CHSE.
This reenvisioning strengthens and sharpens our local and global engagement, communication, and focus. It is a bold step towards building a more robust infrastructure to support faculty in deepening their connections with the community, which is essential for achieving our goals. This initiative reflects our strong commitment to amplifying faculty and student scholarship and to expanding partnerships with clinical organizations, community institutions, corporations, and foundations. It aligns our priorities, values, and goals while maximizing opportunities for creative collaboration.
To lead, we must always look for ways to move forward rather than standing still. Working together, we will continue building the momentum that advances our mission and helps shape the future of nursing. Please join me in congratulating Associate Dean of Impact, Christine Rodriguez and her new team.
Sincerely,
Azita Emami, PhD, MSN, BSN, RN, FAAN
Linda Koch Lorimer Professor of Nursing
Dean, Yale School of Nursing
Pronouns: she/her/hers