Nominating and Elections Committee
NSNA Leadership : RE-Shaping the Future
Akins
Taylor Akins NEC Chair and Western Election Area Representative 2021-2022 Nominating and Elections Committee NECwest @ nsnainc . org
Iinvite you all to reflect on the last year and a half for a moment . How much have our lives changed considering the COVID-19 pandemic ? The masks , the vaccine , nursing school , and our social lives look entirely different . Many of us lost our jobs , family members , and friends , but this “ new normal ” doesn ’ t have to be a bleak one . We have hope . Nurses are constantly changing , growing , and adapting to the world , and so are nursing students ! There are many ways to get involved in leadership at the local , state , and national levels . As a nursing student , you can impact future leadership by taking advantage of the opportunity to run for a national position within NSNA .
What changes do you wish to see both in the healthcare profession as well as in yourself ? I was not a part of my Student Nurses Association until halfway through nursing school . After serving as the Vice President of my local chapter , I wished to evolve to be the person that elicits and encourages growth in my peers . I have never been a leader , but I work extremely hard , like my peers , to improve myself every day .
The NEC ’ s mission is to seek out , encourage , and assist the most qualified NSNA members in their quest to serve in leadership positions at the national level of NSNA . The NEC theme is “ NSNA Leadership : RE-Shaping the Future ” because we believe that NSNA members across the county can help re-shape the future of nursing leadership . We are always looking for individuals who possess integrity , accountability , and honesty to be the future nursing leaders in this “ new normal .”
Now many of you may be wondering , what would the benefits be of running for national office ? As a member of NSNA leadership , you will gain leadership experience , professional skills , and personal connections and have a plethora of resources and opportunities to contribute your talents . Holding an NSNA position allows you to build meaningful relationships with other student leaders , faculty , NSNA staff , and other health professionals who can serve as your mentors . NSNA encourages teamwork and cultivates confidence by providing multiple opportunities for you to experience as an officer . The roles and responsibilities of the NSNA Board of directors and the NSNA Nominating and Elections Committee are found in the “ How to Run for National Office ” page on the NSNA website at
www . nsna . org / how-to-run-fornational-office . html .
If you would like to run for national office , please refer to the “ Digest of Information for Candidates ” on the NSNA website . There you will find information related to eligibility as well as important information about elections . Next , make plans to attend the
NSNA ’ s 39th MidYear Conference , held virtually in November . The NEC looks forward to the opportunity to speak with you there ! The NEC is excited to answer your questions at the NEC hosted workshop How to Run for Office . Additionally , the NEC will host an activity table and a roundtable discussion to answer any questions that you may have .
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