On Friday January 8 and Friday January 15, nursing faculty from APU assisted in the administration of the COVID-19 vaccination with Anchorage School District nurses at the ASD Education Center. By the time the clinic closed on January 15, more than 6,000 Alaskans had received their first vaccine against COVID-19. APU Director of Nursing Marianne Murray had the opportunity to be part of this historic effort along with faculty members Cindy Booher and Ammie Tremblay. “It was such a wonderful experience to be able to do our part,” Professor Tremblay noted.
Dr. Murray felt honored and blessed to be able to help residents receive this life-saving vaccine. “It was so heartwarming and humbling to hear the stories from our seniors who had been sheltering in place for so many months,” she said. “Some people were just so excited to speak with another person.” Participants displayed a wide range of emotions as they progressed through the waiting line: anxiety, fear, relief, and – for many – jubilation and hope.
The second dose administration should start in early February and nursing faculty hope to have APU nursing students assisting in the community-wide vaccination administration efforts.
The nursing program is currently accepting applications for the next cohort of nursing students. Applications for the Fall 2021 start date will be accepted through March 1, 2021. Click here to apply.
