Hey guys, my name is Andrea Vega but all my friends call me Dre. I was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States with my 6 siblings and parents when I was about 2 years of age. I have one sister and five brothers, who keep the tomboy in me alive. I was raised in a small farming town, Greenfield, where I was exposed to a diverse population of lower-class families who mostly worked in the nearby fields, including my parents. Early on, I discovered a passion for sports—particularly basketball, volleyball, and softball (Did I mention I was a tomboy?). I currently play volleyball on my school’s intramural league and love every minute of it. I enjoy watching football, thanks to my boyfriend Andrew, hanging with family and friends, reading, and laughing. One of the best non-pharmacological medicines!

 I was drawn to the nursing field because I love interacting with people on a personal level. The nursing program has been one of the hardest challenges I have ever faced and one of the most rewarding. It has not only shaped who I am today but it also introduced me to some of the nicest, smartest people I know (girls/guy you know who you are). My career plans are to become a nurse anesthetist and eventually a nurse educator. I believe education and leadership can impact those around us. As BTN director I hope to make a difference and give back to my community as well as inspire people from humble backgrounds to pursue their dreams.

1. Increase chapter BTN outreach projects.
·   Help develop BTN projects to be utilized by local chapter.
     - Focusing on the education and promotion of nursing in the underserved and underrepresented population.
·   Increase awareness of BTN projects through e-mails, ROM articles and CNSA website.
·   Offer assistance and encourage chapter BTN projects.

2. Establish 5 BTN positions in the chapter level.
·   Contact new chapter presidents and any others identified as not having a BTN position.  
     - Supply chapter with a BTN starter kit and other pertinent information.

3. Prepare presentations for membership meetings that highlight how BTN activities can be implemented in the local chapter. 
 ·   Work with BTN committee

4. Encourage Image of Nursing and Cultural Awareness committee to develop projects and presentations of their own, emphasizing each committees mission.
·    Provide research and resources specific to each committee. 

1.     What is Breakthrough to Nursing?

Breakthrough to Nursing started with the National Student Nursing Association (NSNA) in 1965. The mission is to mentor students in becoming sensitive to the diversity in our society. The program focuses on recruitment and retention of nursing students who come from minority backgrounds as well as recruiting males. CNSA focuses on developing and implementing projects to help spread the mission of BTN on the state and chapter level.

2.     How can I get involved with BTN?

Become a part of BTN on the state level by joining the BTN Committee. E-mail btndirector@cnsa.org if you would like to get involved.

3.     I don’t have a BTN position in my chapter, what can I do?

Start one! It is simple and a very important position. Look into your chapter bylaws and revise them so that BTN is a board position. Start to develop projects and ideas to implement in your local community that promote nursing.

4.     What can I do on the chapter level for BTN?

Develop a BTN project and presentations that you can implement in your community. Get in contact with local elementary, junior high, or high schools where you can present to students about nursing. Also, seek out community events and health fairs where you can spread nursing to diverse populations and help recruit minorities and males. Some of the resources below will provide free brochures and information that you can use in presentations.

5.     What are some good resources for BTN?

These are just a few resources to get you started in your search for more BTN information:

-       RN ambassador- powerpoints and presentations you can use to promote nursing: http://www.cncc.org/outreach/ambassador.html

-       Johnson and Johnson Websites- Free resources that can be sent to you:

-       Minorities in Nursing: http://www.discovernursing.com/minorities-in-nursing 


-       Men in nursing: http://www.discovernursing.com/men-in-nursing 


-       American Assembly for Men in Nursing: http://aamn.org/

-       Minority Nurse- The career and education resource for minority nursing professionals, students and faculty: http://www.minoritynurse.com/

-       NSNA Breakthrough to Nursing: http://www.nsna.org/ProgramActivities/BreakthroughtoNursing.aspx

-       Nursing Degree Guide: http://nursingdegreeguide.com/

Any questions please contact the CNSA BTN Director Kimberly Vaughan at btndirector@cnsa.org

1.     Develop a BTN Project that can be utilized by all CNSA Chapters:

        a.     This project will help build a template for BTN

        b.     This project will help to promote nursing for underrepresented students including males and minorities

2.     Promote BTN on the Chapter Levels:

        a.     Educate current BTN Directors about BTN

        b.     Assist Chapters with BTN Projects

        c.     Help to establish BTN Director positions in all CNSA chapters

3.     Utilize the BTN committee to help accomplish BTN goals

4.     Assemble a Breakout Session at membership meetings North/South about BTN

5.     Promote Image of Nursing and Committee on Cultural Awareness Committees