Student Nurse Association Successfully Promotes Student Engagement

Voluntary service organization offers opportunity for students to give back

The Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing (DHCON) is home to the Student Nurse Association (SNA), a voluntary service organization that supports nursing students who seek initial licensure as registered nurses, as well as nurses enrolled in baccalaureate completion programs. The SNA serves the University and its surrounding communities through various organized programs and activities, including (but not limited to) DHCON open house events, educational seminars (presentations on pertinent topics, alumni guest speakers), peer mentorship, health fairs (including health screenings, flu shot clinics, research) and fundraising events.

The executive board that governs the SNA comprises students only, and there are two faculty advisors, Professor Kim Foito and Dr. Mary Dietmann. Current elected president Courtney Ebert ’21 is responsible for overall planning and implementation of SNA events and activities and for ensuring that participants benefit from and enjoy their membership experience.

All incoming freshman nursing students are enrolled in the SNA automatically and can decide to be active or non-active members. There are currently 576 active members who participate in activities and events on campus and in the local community throughout the year and receive points for this engagement. A point system tracks members’ activity levels; students who accumulate 80 points by the end of their senior year receive a special cord to wear at graduation, symbolizing their distinguished service as an SNA member.

“As the SNA president, especially during these unprecedented times, I could not be prouder of our members for stepping up, being flexible during so much uncertainty and being so resilient. Our members help in times of need, welcome any opportunities to be of service and wear our red scrubs with pride!” said Ebert.

COVID-19 has severely restricted the types of events and activities the SNA can conduct in person. However, the executive board and advisors have been working creatively to keep members safe and actively engaged, while continuing to form connections within and outside the SHU community. Many SNA members have been serving as essential workers in the community during the pandemic; they are a source of great pride for DHCON.

Pictured: Courtney Ebert '21, elected president