CSUSB Palm Desert Campus nursing instructor, Diane Vines, was honored by the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) at a special awards ceremony in Louisville, Ky., on Oct. 9.

Vines received the “Award for Innovation – Individual” at the APNA 38th Annual Conference for her work as the founder and executive director of the CSUSB Nursing Street Medicine Program.

The APNA “Award for Innovation – Individual” recognizes an APNA member who has developed and/or demonstrated a new approach to care through innovation in psychiatric-mental health nursing practice.

“I am so pleased to be recognized by the APNA,” said Vines. “The award is a tribute to the great students, faculty and donors who have been partners in these efforts and recognizes the value and innovation of our Nursing Street Medicine Program, which provides a nurse clinic and foot soaks for individuals experiencing homelessness and teaches empathy to nursing students along with therapeutic communication skills, how to find commonalities with others, and the need for increased levels of compassion for vulnerable populations. The guests we serve trust and appreciate us.”

According to the APNA website, “Dr. Vines established a program providing real world experience for BSN nursing students through interactions with individuals experiencing homelessness. Through the program, student nurses offer routine medical care and innovative foot soaks and have meaningful interactions, generating hundreds of patient contacts, positive feedback from students and the ‘guests,’ and notable attitude changes.”

The APNA honored nine extraordinary nurses from across the country in the field of psychiatric-mental health, including Vines, at their 2024 conference for their “exceptional contributions to improve mental health outcomes through prevention, education, leadership, community efforts and science-based treatment.”

“The APNA Annual Awards put the remarkable achievements of psychiatric-mental health nurses center stage,” said APNA President Lora Peppard. “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.”

Sastry Pantula, dean of the CSUSB College of Natural Sciences, applauded Vines for her accomplishments.

“Dr. Vines has a lot to be proud of, and we are proud of her, too,” he said. “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.”

Nominated by their colleagues, the 2024 APNA Annual Awards recipients were chosen for this honor by a committee of their peers.

Visit the CSUSB Nursing Street Medicine Program website for more information about its impact in the community.

About the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus: The CSUSB Palm Desert Campus is dedicated to providing a transformative educational experience in the Coachella Valley. With a focus on academic excellence and community engagement, the campus offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its students and the region.

For more information about the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, contact Mike Singer in the Office of Marketing and Communications at msinger@csusb.edu or (760) 341-2883, ext. 78107, or visit the PDC website at www.csusb.edu/pdc.