The CUNY SPS Nursing Pulse was fortunate enough to speak with Dr. Jan Oosting Kaminsky, Assistant Professor of Nursing at CUNY SPS. She shared some of what guides her life and professional practice.
1) Please tell us about yourself.
I have been a Registered Nursing for sixteen years, and have been a professor of nursing for eight years. I am married and have three children ages 16, 13, and 10. I understand what it means to try to balance work, school, and home life (and especially during a global pandemic).
2) What brought you to CUNY SPS Nursing?
I am deeply committed to CUNY SPS’s student population and I’m particularly inspired by first-generation college students and students who are new to the United States! I also believe that online education is a perfect fit for the incredibly busy schedules that nurses have.
3) Tell us about your research interests and why you are passionate about this topic?
My research interests are in LGBTQ+ health, particularly in understanding how we as healthcare providers can best serve LGBTQ+ patients, clients, and families. I am passionate about this because I want to eliminate health disparities for LGBTQ+ folks globally.
4) What do you want the public to know about your research? Why is your topic important?
I would like the public to understand the many challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in access to healthcare and in health disparities. This is important because every human deserves the best healthcare.
5) What is your favorite part of your job?
I love the individual interactions and relationships that we form with students, even with our online format.
6) What is the most challenging part of your job?
I want to be sure that students feel seen as individuals and not just as avatars on a screen!
7) What do you like most about mentoring students?
Mentoring students is a joy because our students are so highly motivated and driven. They want to do their best and they work every day to meet those goals.
8) How do you like to spend your free time?
I like to take a daily walk in the woods or near the water, or spend time with my family.
9) What is the most helpful advice you’ve received?
The most helpful advice I have received is to get a good night’s sleep!
10) When did you start becoming interested in nursing?
I was the class nurse in second grade! It was a natural fit.
11) Growing up, what did you want to be?
I had lots of ideas but really liked being inquisitive about the natural world including the human body. I also like to learn about a lot of topics, so research was always a part of my career trajectory.
Thank you so much for your time, Dr. Kaminsky. We know that the students benefit greatly from learning more about their esteemed CUNY SPS nursing faculty!