Through our conversations , I decided to meet one-on-one with the members of the Board of Directors of our chapter . The 2020 board is very diverse and includes students of all grade levels , from freshmen through seniors in the generic program , as well as students in the transfer program and those in the BSN-Express program for students with degrees in other fields . The purpose of my individual meetings was to get to know the chapter ’ s board members , make them feel welcome within the organization , and communicate that I would be there for them for whatever they needed . I also wanted to hear their goals and what they wanted to see the chapter accomplish . If the board members felt that their voices mattered , they would be more likely to communicate often , remain involved , and inspire other students to become members of our chapter and NSNA . In addition , if I knew my board members on a deeper level , I believed it would help me identify how to foster their growth to allow them to reach their fullest potential . These meetings allowed me to adjust the goals to represent the entire board and ensure that each person knew what was expected of them .
COVID Intrudes Nine weeks after I became president , all in-person classes and clinicals , including my independent study , transitioned online due to the COVID-19 global pandemic . Villanova , like most other colleges and universities nationwide , was evacuated , and students traveled home to different geographic distances and time zones . While the consequences of this virus have brought uncertainty , stress , and fear to almost every aspect of everyone ’ s lives , the virus also meant unforeseen changes to the operations of our chapter . Biweekly in-person meetings and service events could not continue . The annual on campus Coach Andy Talley Bone Marrow Drive that the chapter helped publicize and staff each year could not be held .
Cancellation of the 2020 NSNA convention in Orlando was especially disappointing . We had planned to bring a record 35 members as part of our delegation , and one of our members hoped to be nominated at the convention and run for a position on the NSNA Board . Nursing students from across the country were excited to participate in the 2020 convention in Disney , but the decision to stay home was necessary for everyone ’ s health and safety .
After talking with Dr . Weingarten , we decided that SNAP- Villanova should not stop programming just because we were not all together on campus or at the NSNA convention . The online platform that made classes possible could work for the chapter , too . We realized that virtual meetings could be a way to remain connected with each other and to involve members on the chapter , state , and national levels while remaining socially distant .
The chapter ’ s online meetings have included programs on Staying Successful and Healthy . We also were able to hold the annual , Where Are They Now ? program featuring alumni who graduated last year . Chapter members attended the virtual Greater Philadelphia Region Round Up , bringing members throughout the region together . Success has led us to plan additional online programs in the future . The chapter can now host speakers who are geographically distant and who would not otherwise be able to come to Villanova . Our shift
to completely virtual operations has become a way to keep SNAP-Villanova functioning even when we are not together and has provided us with strategies to keep our chapter moving forward . With NSNA continuing online , chapter member , Andrea Romano , did run for office and was elected to the NSNA Board of Directors .
My advice to all chapter leaders is to be flexible . Devote yourself to succeeding in your role , but as you look to your chapter ’ s line of succession , be prepared to cover or move into another role . I never expected that running for the office of chapter vice president would lead to the presidency , but holding any office on the board requires the readiness to step up at any time . Each board member must be willing to face unpredictable challenges ; remain passionate about advocacy , leadership , and diversity ; and support the organization ’ s ever-evolving needs . Every idea or event may not turn out exactly as expected , but that is okay . Adversity is a part of the process and can contribute to the growth and development of the organization and each individual member . Being involved in a chapter with outstanding presidents for two and half years helped me discover that passion , understanding the chapter , and tenacity are what makes a Stellar School .
Many students do not know that independent studies are an academic option and can focus on leadership as well as other areas ( Kurkowski , 2014 ). My independent study allowed me to explore leadership and complex organizations , and it helped me with strategies to maintain a thriving chapter during the pandemic . I encourage others to work with a faculty mentor in designing their own independent studies in leadership linked to the nursing students ’ associations .
The situations the chapter has faced in 2020 have brought out the resilience and dedication of nursing students . The challenges have disrupted our typical methods of functioning but have shown what we are capable of accomplishing . From necessity have come new ways of meeting and including others , as well as strategies that will continue beyond the pandemic to promote chapter health . For me personally , stepping up to the role of president who leads a chapter at the time of a pandemic showed me the potential and strength of the nursing students ’ association .
References Gebauer , J . & Lowman , D . ( 2008 ). Closing the engagement gap : How great companies unlock employee potential for superior results . Penguin Group .
Kurkowski , J . ( 2014 ). Credit-bearing independent studies : Translating leadership into scholarship . Imprint . 61 ( 3 ), 30-34 .
Jessica Turner is a senior in the M . Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova University , Villanova , PA . She currently serves as president of the Villanova University ’ s Student Nurses Association .
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