CSUSB Nurse Honored For Program Supporting Vulnerable Populations

PALM DESERT, CA — This month, Diane Vines was honored with a prestigious national award for the work she's done to teach empathy to nursing students and provide nursing clinics with foot soaks for the homeless community.

She was among nine nurses across the country honored for their work in psychiatric-mental health by the American Psychiatric Nurses Association at their 38th annual conference on Oct. 9.

"These nine nurses demonstrate leadership, skill and expertise in their roles, representing the tremendous impact of our profession on the mental health of those we serve," said APNA President Lora Peppard.

Vines was given "the award for innovation" as the founder and director of the program she designed at California State University San Bernardino's Palm Desert Campus, the Nursing Street Medicine Program.

"I am so pleased to be recognized by the APNA," said Vines, adding that her program teaches students "how to find commonalities with others, and the need for increased levels of compassion for vulnerable populations."

Vines designed a program that would provide real-world experience for students by facilitating relationships and interactions with members of the homeless community. Through her program, student nurses offered routine care and foot soaks with hundreds of patients, according to the APNA.

"The guests we serve trust and appreciate us," Vines said.

The 2024 APNA Annual Awards recipients were nominated by their colleagues and chosen by a committee of their peers.

Sastry Pantula, dean of the CSUSB College of Natural Sciences, said Vines has "a lot to be proud of."

"The innovative Nursing Street Medicine Program she leads not only provides an excellent service to the community, it also trains future leaders in the nursing profession. It teaches them to care for people regardless of their gender, race, orientation or socioeconomic status. We are thrilled that Dr. Vines has been recognized for her innovative ideas and for our students’ success," Pantula said.