EDITORIAL
I
am so glad that you have joined the Imprint community and decided to read this very special issue of Imprint , “ There is No Plan B … I will be a Nurse !” Inside , you will find articles and resources on self-care and mental health which is vital for all nursing students ! Whether you consider your mental health in prime condition or struggle to find time for self-care , this Imprint issue is for you !
Mental Health is something I have always been inspired to promote as a student leader . I find that mental and emotional health is just as important as our physical health . Finding time for self-care in nursing school can be challenging , yet so rewarding . As a student leader , I find it hard to fit self-care within my tight schedule , yet have endured the consequences of neglecting self-care in nursing school . I urge you to find moments throughout your nursing school journey to properly recharge your battery .
There are so many wonderful mental health resources inside this edition of Imprint ! Make sure to check out our special Self Love and Mental Health section on page 49 or the Mental Health Check-In on page 27 . You can also flip to page 28 for professional strategies on Self-Care for Nursing Students written by a Psychiatric- Mental Health Nurse Practitioner , Dr . Diane Ackroyd . If you are looking for inspiration on finishing the school year strong , make sure to check out the “ Why I became a Nurse ” narratives on page 33 . These stories are so inspiring and encourage me to keep pressing on toward the goal of becoming a nurse !
Vanessa Suponch and Lori A . Sutton share the nursing student and nursing educator perspective on mental health , reminding us of the need to normalize self-care for nursing students to provide a solid foundation for when they enter the workforce as a registered nurse . Although some nursing schools do not emphasize the
Hello Wonderful NSNA Members !
importance of self-care , nursing educators should advocate for awareness of mental health within the challenging flight of nursing school .
Flip to page 36 for an inspiring story written by Daniella Rao on how her personal health journey allowed her to further understand a patient ’ s perspective of being in the hospital . She shares her perspective on the challenges of nursing school and what she has learned along the way . Through her experiences , we can learn the importance of the nursepatient relationship .
Interested in writing a Resolution for this year ? Check out our Resolution Section on page 20 and of course our wonderful NSNA Resolutions Committee . Our Annual Convention is right around the corner , so don ’ t miss out on getting involved !
I hope that you find this edition of Imprint helpful on your journey of Self Love and Mental Health ! If you have any questions or feedback , please reach out to me at imprint @ nsna . org . I wish you a rejuvenating winter break and Happy Holidays ! I encourage you to put these resources and tips into practice so that you can be the best nurse that you can be ! And of course , remember , there is no plan B … You WILL become a nurse !
MacKenzie Simmons Imprint Editor
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