Student Blogs

Being able to serve as the President of The Student Nurses’ Association is a wonderful feeling. I had no idea this is something that I would be able to do as a student nurse. I remember two years ago, I sat in the back of the classroom amazed at the executive board that entered the classroom during New Student Orientation. They were so poised and professional. That time, I thought to myself “I want to be like them one day,” and it did happen. Now, I would love to tell you all how I made it. 

It all started by joining the organization. Most nursing programs have a Student Nurses’ Association, which is formed under the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA). These organizations are created for nursing students to gain experience beyond the bedside by volunteering in community service events and creating networks with other associations and groups of people who plan to strengthen their skills in professionalism.

They usually have several members and amongst those members is an executive board. The executive board members take on vital roles such as President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Other positions can be created as executive board positions such as historian, social chair, and cohort advocates. As an incoming executive member, it is best to run for a position with less responsibility but enough to join the executive board. 

I started as a historian during my first semester of nursing. As a historian, I encouraged my peers to attend events. I served as a role model to my peers. Later, I became social chairman for a semester. As social chair, I was able to host blood drives and fundraisers. I even chaired the Heart Walk with the American Heart Association. I enjoyed this role because I could express my creativity through events and work directly with leaders in my community. 

I attended a convention offered by our state association and I discovered a world outside of my association. The State Association had even more to offer. I stayed in a hotel where the convention took place for 3 days. I was able to network with vendors and meet panelists. There were also so many other students there along with their executive board members. I also met Dr. Grant, the President of the American Nurses Association. 

During the event, I was approached by one of their executive board members and encouraged to run for a position. I was a little shy at first, but I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and run for Secretary. Fortunately, I won. That election changed my life! Two weeks later, I received an email inviting me to attend the National Nurses Association Convention. I said yes immediately and had a flight, hotel, and ticket paid in full for the convention in Chicago, Illinois.

I gained much insight with my experience as an executive member on both local and state levels and as a member of NSNA.  I became confident in my ability to not only run my local chapter, but to transform it into the true meaning of leadership. I became Vice President and a semester later I was more than ready to become President.

I set a few goals over the summer and worked diligently to make them happen. I have served two consecutive semesters as President and have implemented many changes. With gratitude, I am happy to hear from a lot of my peers that I was the “Best President” and that makes me feel great because all these achievements started with just a dream. 

Today, I want to encourage everyone that it is important for you to believe in yourself and know that all things are possible. Never stop taking chances and shoot for the stars!