Accelerated nursing programs can be overwhelming, with students often feeling isolated and disconnected from the broader university community.
But for Maggie Leff, a student in the University of Colorado College of Nursing's Accelerated Nursing (UCAN) program, that was not going to be the case.
Determined to create a sense of inclusion and community for her fellow UCAN classmates, Leff spearheaded the formation of the Legacy Fun Group, a student-run organization that has brought camaraderie and a renewed sense of purpose to her peers.
Bridging the Gap: Fostering Community at the Legacy Campus
The UCAN program's unique structure, with classes held at the Legacy Campus in Lone Tree rather than the main Anschutz Medical Campus, can sometimes leave students feeling detached from the wider student community. Leff recognized this challenge and set out to change the narrative.
"UCAN students don't take classes at Anschutz, so they sometimes miss out on on-campus events," she explains. "I wanted to make sure our students felt included and had their own sense of community."
Leff's solution was as simple as it was impactful: the Legacy Fun Group. This student-led initiative has organized small, yet meaningful events for UCAN students, such as post-exam ice cream socials.
"It was awesome, everyone was so excited," Leff recalls. "Nurses get other nurses, so it's great having events where you can talk about what's on your mind."
Navigating the Bureaucratic Maze
Leff's drive and determination were put to the test as she and a fellow student approached the program's faculty and administration with their idea.
"We had a test the next day and we didn't even have questions about the test," Leff says. "We asked Senior Instructor Patrick Luna and Assistant Dean Tammy Spencer if there was a way we could start having these events, and they were incredibly supportive."
With the backing of the college's leadership and the Student Affairs department, Leff and her team navigated the university's policies and procedures to get the Legacy Fun Group up and running.
"It's so awesome to see there are staff members who care so much about letting the UCAN students have their own community," Leff says, underscoring the importance of administrative buy-in and support.
A Catalyst for Inclusion and Inspiration
The Legacy Fun Group's impact has extended far beyond the confines of the UCAN program. Leff's initiative has inspired other nursing student organizations to follow suit, fostering a culture of community and support throughout the college.
"It's so cool to see all of these other students who care about other students," Leff reflects. "It was one of the greatest things to make this group happen."
For Leff, the driving force behind her efforts was a simple, yet powerful, sentiment: "We don't want students to feel excluded. We don't want students to feel like they can't be part of things."
By creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie, Leff has not only enriched the lives of her fellow UCAN students but has also set an inspiring example for the nursing community at large.
The Heart of Nursing: Connecting with Patients
Leff’s drive to help students feel they belong and are connected translates perfectly to the profession of nursing and patient care. Her background in behavioral neuroscience and experience at UCHealth Advanced Care Partners solidified her drive to become a nurse.
What Leff enjoys most about nursing is the opportunity to learn something new every day and the hands-on work nurses do with patients.
"They make those connections with patients," she says. "Nursing is less about diagnosing and more about the care you provide. And to me, what's so important about healthcare is that we're caring for patients."
Leff's passion for patient-centered care and her drive to create a more inclusive nursing community are the hallmarks of a future leader in the field.
