For the first time in Kent State University College of Nursing history, three Kent campus nursing students represented the college at the 65th National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) Convention. KSU-Student Nurses’ Association’s Caitlin Flynn, president, Kelli Janus, vice president, and Jordan Doepker, treasurer, attended the three-day annual conference in Dallas, TX, where they networked with nursing students, professionals and experts from other universities, enhanced their clinical and academic skills and attended informational sessions[1].
“This conference encouraged me to keep making strong, steady strides in my nursing career and not to be afraid to take a risk,” said Janus. “I feel empowered to be assertive and take pride in my chosen career.”
Conference highlights for Flynn, Janus, and Doepker included sessions on Image of Nursing – Healthier You, Healthier Them: Avoiding Student Nurse BuRNout; 20 Years in the Making: A conversation with NSNA leaders of the Past; and the NCLEX Review.
“The sessions helped me prepare for graduation and helped me to further expand on my undergraduate years,” said Doepker. “I learned valuable lessons about myself and came to the realization that my career opportunities are endless. I know I will find my passion and can shape my career to reflect that.”
The KSU-Student Nurses’ Association is a leadership based organization. A local chapter of the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) and Ohio Student Nurses Association (OhSNA), this group empowers and motivates students with career and leadership opportunities. Members are encouraged to participate in community and campus events, such as Flashathon, help at Akron-Canton food banks, and engage with other College of Nursing organizations during mixers.
“These opportunities, along with many others, gave me a new outlook and motivation for my career path,” said Flynn.
Monthly meetings provide networking opportunities with guest speakers from different nursing professions, recruiters, volunteer organizations, and many more. Members are often recognized by future employers. Hiring organizations recognize students nursing skill sets, along with their dedication to a nursing organization in addition to their studies. Membership in KSU-SNA gives nursing students the tools they need to succeed, including career and resume building, opportunities to expand education on the local and national levels at conferences, networking, and a place to share ideas!
“Find a way to get involved in your profession. Whether it be on a large scale like the NSNA convention or just even attending a volunteer event with other nursing students,” said Janus.
To learn more about KSU-Student Nurses’ Association, including dates for upcoming meetings, visit http://ksusna.weebly.com/, or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
Interested in attending the next NSNA Convention? Follow these steps!
- State your interest at the beginning of the fall semester
- Take initiative – research budget information once it is released on the NSNA website
- Apply for funding with other attendees from Kent State University Undergraduate Student Government, Kent State Center for Student Involvement, and the College of Nursing
- Plan flight, hotel, and registration with other attendees
[1] About. (n.d.). Retrieved June 26, 2017, from http://nsnaconvention.weebly.com/about.html
