When Ohaney Vasquez was choosing her undergraduate major, one prevailing issue inspired her decision: the high cost of medical care that creates barriers for many populations. “That realization motivated me to pursue a career where I could help address disparities in health care access,” she said. This early awareness would become the driving force behind her journey into nursing.
Committed to the community
Vasquez, a student in the College of Nursing’s Generalist Entry Master’s program, is set to graduate in December 2025. When deciding which nursing program to pursue, she was immediately drawn to Rush’s strong commitment to community service. “What sets Rush apart for me is its deep engagement with the community and its dedication to addressing social determinants of health,” Vasquez said.
Her passion for education and community connection shines through her extensive involvement at Rush. In addition to helping launch the Latinx Nursing Student Association, she serves as cohort representative lead and contributes to the Size-Inclusive Care Coalition. One of her most impactful experiences was volunteering with Rush’s Office of Global Health in Villa Verde, Dominican Republic, where she worked alongside community members to lay cement floors in local homes.
Focused on advancing public health
A standout clinical moment came during her mental health rotation at a community site, where Vasquez discovered her love for patient education. She created lesson plans and taught a game demonstrating how drug use disrupts brain communication. “I realized how much I enjoy patient education beyond traditional clinical responsibilities,” she reflected.
After graduation, Vasquez plans to return to New Jersey and gain bedside experience before transitioning into community health nursing. She hopes to pursue a DNP with a public health focus, staying true to her original mission of addressing health care disparities and building bridges to better health outcomes for underserved communities.
