( Continued from page 35 ) Mental health and well-being of members is reflected in the health of the SNA . Designing chapter activities to promote well-being include selection of wellness topics based on the needs of members and speakers who understand how to infuse inspiration and even humor into their presentations , speakers who can incorporate “ lightness ” into meetings with games like a nursing trivia contest that promote fun and friendship . When possible , include informal receptions before in-person or virtual meetings . Creation of mentoring “ families ,” matching small groups of incoming students with 2-3 experienced students and fund raising and service events that bring people together safely also promote friendships and wellness . For example , members of the University of Central Florida ’ s chapter prepared videos about school nursing for children when they were unable to visit in person . Even before the pandemic , a “ Knitting for Newborns ” project at Villanova University not only provided handmade caps for newborns but also served as a way for members to relax and connect .
d . Communicate with NSNA to share success and challenges . Connect with nursing students and chapters around the country . Zoom technology has shrunk the world , enabling speakers to come from any location with internet capability . For example , at separate meetings , speakers from Virginia , Washington state , and Montana inspired Villanova ’ s chapter members . Former SNA classmates and Board members , now alumni and clinical experts , continue their friendship as advisors and speakers .
4 . Evaluate : Evaluation is based upon the goals that were planned by the SNA and should include appreciation for what went right as well as what might have been done differently . Examples of questions for evaluation include : Were the outcomes identified in planning met ? Should the activity be repeated in the same way ? What was learned that can help for the next event ? In what ways did the activity promote members ’ and chapter well-being ? What resources are needed ? What resources are available in your own settings , and what resources can NSNA provide ?
Conclusion : Remain Connected Back to normal is not the normal lived before 2020 . Increasingly , attention is focusing on the health and well-being of members and SNAs . Living with uncertainty has become the new normal , and SNAs are communicating with each other to identify ways to focus on well-being , provide leadership , prepare for disasters , and undertake service in creative ways . Zoom and similar technologies remain essential means of communication and ways for nursing education and SNAs to continue to be successful when in-person meetings are not possible . Leadership , resilience , and the framework of the nursing process of assessment , planning , implementation , and evaluation are helping SNAs thrive during times of uncertainty and change . As a nursing student expressed so well , “ With so much going on , the ( SNA ) is the one thing that can be counted on to remain constant and connected .” •
Weingarten
Gomes
Carol Toussie Weingarten , PhD , RN , ANEF , is Associate Professor of Nursing and Advisor to Villanova University ’ s chapter of the NSNA and the Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania . Dr . Weingarten is the President of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation of the National Student Nurses ’ Association ( FNSNA ).
Caitlin Gomes is a senior nursing student at Villanova University . She is also president of Villanova University ’ s Chapter of the NSNA and the Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania and is undertaking a credit-bearing independent study in leadership , linked to the Student Nurses Association .
38 NSNA IMPRINT • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021 • www . nsna . org