REFLECTIONS
By Demitra Cascio
The Benefits of Being a Student Nurse Leader
Taking on the role of being a student nurse comes with immense responsibility . As we all know , we work tirelessly to achieve success in the classroom and in the clinical setting . At times , we may feel as though there is little time for anything other than our basic needs and studying . Because when you think about it , studying becomes the diagnosis that we treat , and the diagnosis we treat is our patient and their family . We study to save lives more than to achieve academic excellence . We strive for success not to meet academic standings , but to be able to treat our future patients to the best of our abilities . Being a student nurse leader gives you an abundance of skills and experiences to be able to utilize throughout the entirety of your future nursing career . We lead by example and thus our actions can be looked at upon those to come after us . Here are some benefits of making time to be a student nurse leader during nursing school :
n Communication Skills . As leaders we are tasked with coordinating with our colleagues , different organizations , and more . Whether this be via email or an in-person conversation , the experience of being a student nurse leader will allow you to become accustomed to professional language and interactions .
n Professional Accountability . It takes punctuality , professionalism , and the desire to do more than just study nursing to be a student nurse leader . We set an example for those who come after us in the way we hold ourselves and act towards others .
We are expected to be on time and prepared for the events we hold , conventions we attend , and so much more .
n Professional Growth . Being a student leader gives you a plethora of skills to utilize and add to your professional agenda . You learn early on what it means to have an open mind and learn to empower yourself and others .
n Become a Mentor . With some experience under your belt , you will more than likely be asked to be a mentor for those who come after you . This is such a great honor and can truly pave the way for those who follow you . With this , you can mentor others and guide them to do what is best for them in their academic , professional , and nursing leadership roles . Encouraging involvement is a large aspect of being a mentor !
n Learn About Continuing Education . We are taught early on about there being an abundance of nursing specialties , nursing advancements , and higher degrees of nursing education . Although , we aren ’ t really taught what this exactly entails . Being a part of student nursing organizations , allows for an in depth understanding and guidance on these different pathways that we can take . By being involved in these different organizations , we gain an additional wealth of knowledge .
Bio
Demitra Cascio is a senior nursing student at the Barbara H . Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Molloy University , in Rockville Centre , NY . She is the President of the Molloy Nursing Student Association and the STAT Editor for the Nursing Student Association of New York State .
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