Up Close on Caitlin Gomes By Victoria Bock 2021-2022 Imprint Up Close Reporter
It takes courage , dedication , and passion to be a student leader . In a time where healthcare professionals across the world are facing an ongoing pandemic , leading a frontier of future nurses may seem daunting . Caitlin Gomes , a senior nursing student in the M . Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova University , serves as the President of the Villanova Chapter of the Student Nurses ’ Association of Pennsylvania ( SNAP ). This chapter was most recently awarded the National Student Nurses ’ Association ’ s Stellar School Chapter Renewal Award for 2020-2021 , which is a hallmark of Caitlin and her leadership successes .
Caitlin has been a great influence for the Villanova SNAP Chapter members — including myself . Caitlin and I were appointed as Freshman Representatives for the fall semester in 2018 . Through that position , we both recognized our love for nursing and for SNAP . From there , she became a Co-Editor of Villanova “ SnapShots ,” which is the Villanova SNAP and nursing newsletter . After fulfilling that role for two years , she decided to step into the role of President . I would like to add that Caitlin ’ s success as SnapShots Co-Editor inspired me to run for this position , as she and her Co-Editor ( now Vice President of SNAP Villanova ) Rachel Porcaro had done wonderful things with SnapShots over their two years , spotlighting different nursing students and accomplishments throughout our program . When you read about the breakthroughs nursing students are accomplishing amidst nursing school , college , extracurriculars , and on top of that a pandemic , it fuels the drive of other future nurses . Caitlin sparked that drive amongst the Villanova nursing students , and she continues to do so .
Gomes
Caitlin ’ s leadership throughout 2021 has been invigorating , fresh , and filled with unwavering support . She has mastered coordinating meetings to be virtual , hybrid , and in person safely , and the adaptability of the chapter is what she ’ s most proud of . “ Despite unprecedented hybrid meetings and altered events , our chapter has continued to keep steady membership numbers and our members have remained engaged .” She continues to come up with bright and new ideas to increase and stimulate involvement , drawing in more nursing students to be a part of a greater community- which is what she loves most about being a Villanova Nurse . “ There ’ s always someone to help you whenever needed , whether it ’ s for different courses or student activities . Especially in SNAP , everyone is eager to do their part to make the semester the best it can be .” Recently , Caitlin helped to organize a “ Midterm Week Study Break ” in the Villanova nursing building , Driscoll Hall . Snacks , music , and conversation allowed for a change of pace in our hectic week filled with a plethora of exams . The community of nursing students gathered to decompress – showcasing the supportive community at its prime . Caitlin was at the forefront , serving as the familiar face that everyone knows .
Caitlin ’ s leadership has lifted the Villanova SNAP Chapter to greater heights , and her accomplishments will impact the chapter for years to come . Caitlin ’ s original and continued hope throughout her presidency has been to “ help lift up the people around [ her ].” When I asked her how she wanted to influence the nursing field , she explained that she would “ like to create lasting change that will continue to influence suture student nurses .” She hopes that through the Villanova chapter she inspires other Villanova nurses to become leaders as well , especially within the National Student Nurses ’ Association .
Student leaders today are undoubtedly the future leaders of the nursing world . Each one of us is finding our own meaning to nursing and how we , as individual nurses , can contribute to the greater good . I asked Caitlin what nursing means to her , and her response was what fully captures her as a leader . “ Throughout the pandemic , nurses have shown the world how strong and resilient the profession has always been . I am proud to be entering the world of nursing where the main job description is to help those in need . Nursing is all encompassing . To me , nurses are advocates , leaders , emotional support , and so much more .” Caitlin ’ s passion and dedication to the Villanova SNAP Chapter and to the National Student Nurses ’ Association have greatly impacted the nursing community for the better . Hearing from her has been enlightening , and I am more than proud to call her my SNAP Chapter President and a friend . •
42 NSNA IMPRINT • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 • www . nsna . org