Each month we profile a faculty member and student from our School of Nursing community. In December, we feature Jennifer Darden, Family Nurse Practitioner focus, Diabetes Fellow.
Student—Jennifer Darden
Area of focus: Family Nurse Practitioner, Diabetes Fellow
Year: 2016
Membership(s): UCSF Sigma Theta Tau, Bay Area Black Nurses Association, National Black Nurses Association
Undergraduate Institution: San Francisco State University, City College of San Francisco
Undergraduate Major: BS Nursing
Why nursing with a diabetes focus: I chose nursing with a diabetes focus because I wanted to be able to address this disease that disproportionately affects my African American community. I wanted to learn from experts in the field, to be exposed to evidenced based research on diabetes, and to learn how I can address this disparity as an advanced practice nurse. Ever since becoming a nurse, I have seen how diabetes effects a person’s physical and emotional health. And while I have seen how resilient some people and families are around diabetes management, too often have I cared for those that struggle with this disease and it’s many complications. As a public health nurse, I have linked up with nursing organizations and local churches to provide cardiovascular health screenings to African American communities in SF and Oakland. As a RN, I have provided diabetes management in the outpatient and acute care setting. As an advanced practice nurse trained in diabetes management at UCSF, I absolutely cannot wait to share all the knowledge that I have gained with my community and future nurses.
Hobbies: singing and volunteering
Fun fact about you: I can kinda sorta speak Japanese. I took Japanese for 4 years in high school.
Useful tip for incoming students: Get ready for an amazing career as a nurse that offers endless opportunities. I leave work feeling very fulfilled every day. Try your best to keep up your self-care, because I find it easier to serve when my own cup is full.