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March 2023 CNSA - SACRAMENTO STATE CHAPTER VOLUME 42, ISSUE 2

CNSA Recap
By Julie Ryoo
CNSA President
4th Semester

As my time with CNSA comes to an end, I want to recognize some

of the amazing work we’ve done and celebrate the memories we’ve
shared as a chapter.
Why Community Health We started off the semester with New Student Orientation! We
Matters welcomed the first semester students and gave them tips on how
to survive nursing school, even if we felt like we barely survived.
Page 2
Maliyah matched each mentee with their mentor, and Clarice made
Caring for Gender Di- sure everyone had the equipment they needed for clinicals.
verse Patients
Soon after, we had our first CNSA meeting, and over 100 people
Page 3 came! We were blessed with three new board members- Justin,
Sam, and Henry! Tracy was collecting used clothing for the dona-
The Importance of Cre-
tion drive (and she still is until the last meeting)!
ating Your Own Sup-
portive “Section Culture” Speaking of Tracy, she’s been working overtime, planning events and creating opportunities for us to serve our com-
munity. Thanks to our wonderful volunteers (too many to name, you know who you are), we provided preventative
Page 4 care by taking blood pressures, teaching mindful movements, providing sexual health education, foot care, youth
My Tips for Staying on heart screenings, and so much more. Tracy is also planning Folsom Hall’s very first blood drive this semester, so be
Top of Everything on the lookout for that!

Page 5 We also gave high schoolers a tour of our simulation/skills labs and
showed them how to take blood pressure. Emily organizes these
Men in Nursing events to inspire and support the next generation of aspiring nursing
Page 6 students.

Nursing Students in Ac- SON hosted 4 international nursing students from Japan and CNSA
tion showed them what it’s like to be a Sac State nursing student! Shout
out to their mentors- Rita, Hameeda, Mai, Bart, Becca, Kayla, Tina,
Page 7 Karina, Angela, Camille, Samantha, and Justin.
Mental Health
Oscar is now halfway through teaching his Spanish Medical Terminology course. This is a free 8-week course that’s
Page 8 super helpful in clinicals, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of it! If you missed it this time, you can always
join next semester, even as an alumni!
Campus Resources
Page 9 Even with all of the community outreach and studying, we still made sure to take care of ourselves and have some
fun! Hugh, Justin, Evan, Andrey, Oscar, Zam, and Kaira, represented Sac State Nursing in the dodgeball tournament!
Nursing Meme Corner They looked so great out there ;) We also stuffed ourselves with Korean BBQ at the Bullta Fundraiser, and over 65
Page 10 people came! Pretty soon we’ll have our Spring barbecue, 5K fun run, and our very first nursing banquet (thanks
Rita)!
Updates & Other Info
I am so proud to be surrounded by such hard working, dedicated, and caring individuals. Every CNSA member and
Page 11 board member has contributed in some way to make this community so special and meaningful. It has been a privi-
lege to serve you as President, and I am so excited for the new board and to see what
the future of CNSA holds. ♡ Photos from author
 THE MONTHLY SHOT PAGE 2

Why Community Health Matters

By Tracy Nguyen
Community Health Director
2nd Semester

This semester, I am serving as the Community Health Director for CNSA and it has honestly been the highlight
of my nursing journey. When I took on this role, I was fully aware of the health disparities present in commu-
nities that last for generations at a time and arise from several factors such as lack of access to healthcare, re-
sources, basic living necessities, etc. From the start of nursing school, this was brought up multiple times in
our curriculum, but never really got the time it deserved. And now as I am coordinating and participating in
community events, I see first hand what this means. Let me share with you a recent interaction that I had.

During a community health fair sponsored by the Greater League of Sacramento, I was providing blood pres-
sure and accu-checks for anyone who attended the event. When I was speaking to one of the coordinators in
terms of the education I was providing to people who stopped by our booth, she caught me by surprise. One of
the recommendations I was giving to people, especially those who had elevated blood pressure or blood glu-
cose levels, was to follow up with their health care provider. This was what I learned during my first semester
of nursing school and it was second nature for me to provide this education. But, the coordinator asked me the
question, “how about if they don’t have a health care provider and haven’t had one in years?” And honestly, I
was pretty speechless and realized how ignorant I was to provide that education fully knowing the barriers
that disadvantaged communities go through just to get their basic necessities.

The reality is that disadvantaged communities rely heavily on these community events because it’s the only
way they get their health screenings done. Most of them haven’t gotten their blood pressure or blood sugar
levels checked in over a year and almost all of them knew the dangers of having high blood pressure and high
blood glucose levels. However, they were unsure of what changes they needed to make to get to a healthy lev-
el.

So my question to you all is, how much do you really know about health disparities until you see first-hand the
struggles that people in your community are going through on a daily basis that are creating barriers for them
to receive health care? The answer is you don’t. Unless you have experienced the struggles yourself, there is
no amount of reading or watching informational videos that will prepare you on how to react to those strug-
gles. You have to witness it yourself, and hopefully by getting a better understanding of those barriers, you can
educate yourself and act on it as students and future nurses. At the end of the day, no matter how small of a
difference you think you made, it’s still an impact.

Photo from North Valley Hospital website

 THE MONTHLY SHOT PAGE 3

Caring for Gender Diverse Patients

By Emily Kui (they/she)
Pre-Entry Breakthrough to Nursing Director
2nd Semester

A picture of a pregnant transgender man appeared on

the projector for a case study during a nursing class lec-
ture. Several nursing students in the room whispered
under their breaths and rolled their eyes. Later on that
day, they would turn in their homework assignments
describing their disgust and confusion about
transgender people.

This story happened just a few months ago at a nursing

school in California. As someone who identifies as non-
binary, I was not surprised by their transphobic behav-
ior. Gender is a topic that is not discussed enough, thus
is vastly misunderstood. I have come to learn that peo-
ple fear what they do not understand. I worry about the
care these future nurses would soon give to their gen-
der-diverse patients. Safety is an essential part of our
duties as nurses. According to NBC news, “nearly half of
Bennett and his husband, Malik. Photo from Helloclue
transgender people--and 68 percent of transgender peo-
ple of color--reported having experienced mistreatment at the hands of a medical provider” (Yurcaba, 2021). This dis-
crimination includes refusal of care and verbal and physical abuse (Yurcaba, 2021). The repetitive mistreatment of gen-
der-diverse patients has led to “28 percent of transgender people, including 22 percent of transgender people of color,
reported having postponed or not gotten necessary medical care for fear of discrimination” (Yurcaba, 2021). These high
percentages demonstrate healthcare workers failing to provide a safe and inclusive environment for these patients to
continue to come back to. It is our jobs as nurses to look into our own biases and fears and challenge them in order to
provide others the same care that we would want to receive. We have the ability to help close the gap in healthcare dis-
parities amongst the LGBTQ+ community by offering a safe space for them to maintain their health. In addition to the
mistreatment of gender diverse patients in healthcare settings, there have been an alarming amount of anti-LGBTQ+
bills circulating in state houses across the country (HRC, 2023). Of these bills, 150 of them target the rights of
transgender and non-binary people--the highest number in a single year to date (HRC, 2023). Bans on life-saving medi-
cal treatments; use of bathrooms; queer culture--including drag performances; competing on school sports teams align-
ing with gender identity are just a few of the several items at stake (HRC, 2023). The lives of gender diverse people are
continuously being questioned despite how easy it is to educate ourselves. In the following paragraph I will be offering
ways in which you can help.
Ultimately, the most powerful tool is education. Websites such as https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/resources/
provide free learning modules geared towards healthcare workers ranging from how to use sensitive and affirming com-
munication to learning sexual and gender minority terms and concepts and
more. To keep up with the anti-LGBTQ+ bills, https://www.aclu.org/legislative-attacks-on-lgbtq-rights continuously
updates different bills and their statuses from each state and showcases the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. My
name is Emily Kui, my pronouns are they/she, and my community needs your help.

HRC staff. (2023, February 15). Human rights campaign working to defeat 340 Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills at state level already, 150 of which target transgender people – highest number on record. Hu-
man Rights Campaign. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/human-rights-campaign-working-to-defe at-340-anti-lgbtq-bills-at-state-level-already-150-of-which-
target-transgende r-people-highest-number-on-record
LGBTQIA+ health education center. (n.d.). Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/resources/
Mapping attacks on LGBTQ rights in U.S. state legislatures. American Civil Liberties Union. (2023, March 20). Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.aclu.org/legislative-attacks-on-lgbtq-
rights
Toler, S. (2021, April 20). What it's like to be pregnant as a transmasculine person. Clue Period Ovulation Tracker . Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://helloclue.com/articles/lgbt/what-it-s-
like-to-be-pregnant-as-a-transma sculine-person
Yurcaba, J. (2021, August 18). Nearly half of trans people have been mistreated by medical providers, report finds. Out Health and Wellness. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from
https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-health-and-wellness/nearly-half-trans -people-mistreated-medical-providers-report-finds-rcna1695
THE MONTHLY SHOT PAGE 4

The Importance of Creating Your Own Supportive “Section Culture”

By Olivia Simmons
Class Representative 3
3rd Semester

Back in December 2021, when my section first made a group chat, we had no idea how these people would
come to make such a huge impact on our nursing journeys and create the most meaningful friendships. As I
reflect back on these semesters so far, I know how incredibly fortunate I am to be a part of this phenomenal
section and our cohort as a whole.

Evident from the first month of first semester, I knew that our section was becoming a team, as we coordinat-
ed assignments together, checked in on each other after exams, and started looking after each other. As we
progressed through the weeks and months, especially in second and third semesters, I could see the incredible
dedication to this work, and also to each other. Among my section and others in our cohort, I have witnessed
prime examples of teamwork, selflessness, and efficiency that have slowly come to build us as a group. We all
feel that we have fostered a supportive culture within our own group, that has helped our success, and I be-
lieve this is the standard for what we as individuals will strive to bring to our workplaces in the future.

We talk about unit culture as students, how important it is to consider upon graduation, and maybe have even
experienced a “good” or “bad” one in rotations. Since our sections (and largely, cohort) are a group of students
all immersed in the same work, same schedules, and rely on each other in nursing care tasks, I almost think of
our sections, the ambiance we create and the attitudes we hold, to have a similar impact like a unit culture.
Therefore, when members are committed to creating a supportive culture, one with patience, positivity, and
enthusiasm, this will influence attitudes and make members will feel more comfortable and empowered in
their work. This is how efficient and safe teamwork can emerge, and naturally, this can lead to better commu-
nication, care, and even better patient outcomes. So even now, putting in the effort in building this environ-
ment in your nursing groups is essential.

It will be a challenge to be dispersed in different clinical sites in 4th semester, but I am eager for our growth
and know we will strive to bring the supportive culture and attitudes from our own clinical group to the units.
I am so grateful for my wonderful section and entire cohort, and really do believe it is worth investing in your
people. Striving to create your own “section culture” will impact your attitude and what you want to bring to
the future workplace.

My section in New York City in Jan 2023

Photo from author
THE MONTHLY SHOT PAGE 5

My Tips for Staying on Top of Everything

By Hugh Darwent
CNSA Vice President
4th Semester

To start, you’re not going to stay on top of everything. When

I say this, I exaggerate, I forget to text people back, I leave
things to the last minute, and I learn about assignments I
had due from others. However, my tips are realistic for those
that want to stay on top of most things. There is no perfect
method for staying organized or on task. However, these tips
work well for me. First, it is helpful to use an online calendar
like Google Calendar. I find this to be the most useful to me.
I’m able to label all my events and classes for the day/week/
month and set reminders for them. I also have a widget on
my home screen with my agenda. I use google tasks which
integrates into the calendar to add my homework due dates
and other tasks. I set reminders for myself using the Google
Assistant. I will tell Google to remind me later in the day to
do something. It’s fast and doesn’t require me to create a
calendar event. At the start of every semester, I will go
through my class schedule and clinical dates and add every
one they have listed. Although these events can change, they
are now in my calendar and can be easily edited. Google Cal-
endar is also cool because you can share your calendar with
family and friends so they can easily check your schedule
and know when you’re busy. Combined with using Google
Calendar, I will also set my personal due dates before the ac-
tual due date. For instance, if I have a paper due on Friday,
but I know I’m going to be precepting on Thursday and Fri-
day, I would set my due date for Wednesday so that I don’t
overwhelm myself. Lastly, send a reminder to your cohort or
section group chat about important due dates. This not only helps them but in the future oth-
ers have saved me from missing assignments! If you ever want to talk about tips for scheduling,
CNSA (state board or our chapter), Sim Lab, nursing school, or anything, reach out to me! I’m
always available on Facebook messenger or my email csus.cnsa.vp@gmail.com.
Photo from NicePNG Website
THE MONTHLY SHOT PAGE 6

Men in Nursing
By Andrey Arreola
Activities Director
3rd Semester

The American Association for Men in Nursing at Sacramento State is a Sacramento Valley
Chapter affiliated with the American Assembly for Men in Nursing. The purpose of this chapter is
to explore issues for men in the field of nursing and to have a forum where these issues can be dis-
cussed. This chapter is open to all nurses, nursing students, and pre-nursing students here at Sac-
ramento State.
Our purpose is to encourage professional development and for people of all ages to consid-
er nursing as a profession via an increase in community outreach, distribution of educational ma-
terials, and to demonstrate contributions being made by both men and women in the nursing pro-
fession. We host general meetings that provide nursing students, as well as other students of dif-
ferent majors, an opportunity to meet, discuss, and ask questions with registered nurses and oth-
er nursing professionals. The topics and questions we address at these meetings revolve around
what their specific specialty of nursing entails and does, how they got to that position, and where
they are currently at in that position, best/worst things they have experienced as a nurse, other
notable experiences/stories they may have, any advice/tips/recommendations for us nursing stu-
dents, and so much more!
We have a commitment to support all our members to fulfill their potential and provide
them the opportunity and support to help set them up for success. We achieve this through inter-
actions and collaborations with the nursing professionals we bring in. We would be honored to
have you guys come to our meetings as the nurses speak about their careers and professional ex-
periences! All in all, everyone is welcome, and it’s a great way to make new nursing friends! It al-
so allows you to explore different avenues and careers in nursing, and we also provide amazing
volunteering opportunities. I encourage you all to join!

Photo from @sacstatemin on Instagram

THE MONTHLY SHOT PAGE 7

Nursing Students in Action

Photos Courtesy of Andrey Arreola

 THE MONTHLY SHOT
Resources
COUNSELING:
Student Health & Counseling Services
https://www.csus.edu/student-life/
health-counseling/counseling/
We offer confidential individual and
group counseling. If you would like to ex-
plore whether counseling is right for you,
the first step is to call us during business
hours at 916-278-6461.
If you are experiencing an urgent matter,
you can drop in during our business
hours. (Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. )
Please reach out, support is out there you do not have to be alone!
PAGE 8
CRISIS ASSISTANCE & RESOURCE
EDUCATION SUPPORT (CARES):
https://www.csus.edu/student-affairs/
crisis-assistance-resource-education-
support/
The Sacramento State CARES office provides
support to students who are in crisis or experi-
encing unique challenges to their education.
They address a variety of issues including, but
not limited to: Transportation Barriers, Mental
Health and Wellness, and Physical Health and
Wellness.
THE MONTHLY SHOT PAGE 9

Campus Resources—Food Pantry and Pop Up Pantry

ASI Food Pantry ASI Pop Up Pantry

Registration once every semester: Fresh produce at no cost to Sac State

https://asi.csus.edu/asi-food-pantry students in need!

MONDAYS: 10 pm—2 pm Spring Semester 2023 dates:

TUESDAYS: 12 pm—3 pm
WEDNESDAYS: 12 pm—4 pm FEBRUARY: 13, 27
THURSDAYS: 12 pm—3 pm MARCH: 6, 27
FRIDAYS: 10 am—2 pm APRIL: 17, 24
Location: University Union, Room 1246 MAY: 8
Location: Library Quad
Students are able to select foods using a
points system every week!

For more information, visit ASI’s website https://asi.csus.edu/asi-food-pantry or Instagram @sacstateasi

Photo Credit: Andrea Price (Instagram @andrea.price.sac)

THE MONTHLY SHOT PAGE 10

Nursing Meme Corner

Do you have a nursing meme you want posted?

csus.cnsa.monthlyshot@gmail.com
Photo Credits: CNSA Board
 THE MONTHLY SHOT PAGE 11

Learn more about

Men in Nursing at IMPORTANT
aamncsus.weebly.com UPCOMING DATES
& aamn.org
Events:

Men In Nursing Meeting

Spring 2023 Apparel Order March 10 @4:30pm
Folsom Hall 1048
Update: In the future, apparel orders will be placed
online on CNSA’s Merchandise Store. C.N.S.A. Meeting
March 3 @4:30pm
Folsom Hall 1063

Contact Info
California State University, Sacramento,
View Past Monthly Shots School of Nursing:
7667 Folsom Blvd.
sacstatecnsa.weebly.com/past-entries Sacramento, CA 95819-6096
https://www.csus.edu/college/health-
human-services/nursing/
Phone: (916) 278-4106

Monthly Shot Editor:

Karina Yakimtsev
Email: csus.cnsa.monthlyshot@gmail.com

Faculty Co-Advisors:
Dr. Rachel Hill
& Dr. Bridget Parsh
Write for the Monthly Shot!
Join CNSA: Each article is one CNSA event and is great for your
CSUS CNSA chapter:
sacstatecnsa.weebly.com
nsnamember- resume! Articles should be at least 250 words, and can
be about anything nursing or school-related.
ship.org
We want to hear from all semesters!

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS TO

THE MONTHLY SHOT!
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