Imprint 2021 November/December November/December 2021 | Page 42

Happenings

By Emily Williams 2021-2022 Imprint Happenings Reporter
Student Nurses ’ Association of Arizona Every summer , the Student Nurses ’ Association of Arizona ( SNAAZ ) holds a hydration event at Camelback Mountain in Phoenix . This August , SNAAZ Executive Board members partnered with park rangers and provided bottled water and snacks to the many hikers there . They also utilized the event as an opportunity to educate hikers on the importance of hydration in the sweltering Arizona heat , as well as the consequences of heat-related illnesses .
Student Nurses ’ Association of Virginia at the University of Virginia Students at the University of Virginia ( UVa ) spent the first weekend of October filling backpacks with school supplies for low-income K-12 students . This was done in partnership with Backpack Buddies , a nonprofit organization founded by UVa student Lucia Hoerr when she was nine years old . Over the years , over 4,300 backpacks have been filled by Backpack Buddies . UVa ’ s SNA was able to add 100 more to this total ! There are plans to continue this partnership well into the future .
West Virginia Student Nurses ’ Association ( WVSNA ) On October 1 , WVSNA hosted a state-wide virtual conference featuring a variety of subjects and speakers . Among those speakers was Dr . Robin Lewis , member of the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses . She informed students on the process of obtaining licensure and fulfilling continuing education requirements , as well as highlighted the many certifications RNs can obtain to further their marketability to employers . Dr . Andrea Watson expanded on Dr . Lewis ’ discussion to include graduate degrees and explained how preceptorship operates within the context of online graduate schooling . Dr . Theresa Poling led a conversation about the role of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic , including the responsibility to spread scientifically accurate information and practice strict evidence-based practice . She also highlighted the long-lasting implications of the pandemic on mental health , especially in nurses . The conference concluded with a call for leadership and action within WVSNA , and encouraged students to apply for open positions on the WVSNA board . The conference was a resounding success , and students gained a wealth of information .
40 NSNA IMPRINT • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 • www . nsna . org