For the past seven weeks, 19 Belmont nursing students participated in a summer internship program called Vanderbilt Experience: Student Nurse Internship Program (VESNIP) at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) along with students from four other regional nursing programs.
Two nursing students were awarded the highest honors at the culminating awards ceremony held Wednesday, June 26. VUMC identifies those individuals who aspire to excellence and expert performance by exhibiting the following behaviors: making those they serve their highest priority, conducting themselves professionally, respecting others’ confidentiality, communicating effectively, having a sense of ownership, and a commitment to colleagues. The identified individuals are recognized with Credo Awards, which are based on feedback from nurse preceptors, nurse educators and the entire healthcare team at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Belmont nursing student Emily Beck received the Credo award in the Pediatric Track while fellow Belmont student Caitlin Turner received the Credo Award in the Women’s Heath Track.
This is the 15th year of the VESNIP program. The program began as a partnership between Belmont School of Nursing and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. It has now expanded to a total of 60+ students from four area nursing schools.
The VESNIP positions are very competitive and are considered elite opportunities for students from around the region. Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Leslie Folds states, “Our students are exceptional and represent Belmont’s values throughout this program. I was extremely impressed by not only the students’ professionalism, but their ability to engage in critical thinking, reflection and incorporation of evidence-based research to the clinical setting. The feedback received from nurse preceptors as well as the entire health care team at VUMC was overwhelmingly positive.”
All 2019 VESNIP participants from Belmont University are pictured below as well as a picture with the Credo Winners.
