MEMBERSHIP
Cody Mitchell , Director and Chair , Membership Committee • Directore @ nsna . org
Paving the Way with NSNA
The nursing profession needs us — the next generation of nurses — now more than ever . As student nurses , we have the chance to shape the future of healthcare . With passion , drive , and commitment to our values , we can pave the way to success for ourselves and the profession . This journey starts today .
Deciding to become a nurse is noble , but the road ahead will have obstacles . Self-doubt , burnout , knowledge gaps are all normal . We must remember why we started this journey and hold on to our vision through the challenges . For every student nurse , the path is unique , but the destination is the same — becoming the best nurse we can be . This takes resilience , resourcefulness , and community . We must lean on each other when times are tough . The connections and support we build now will uplift us throughout our careers .
This is where NSNA comes in . As the voice for nursing students , NSNA provides the community and resources to help us learn , grow and thrive . By joining together , we gain strength and knowledge from each other ’ s diverse backgrounds and perspectives . We are empowered by our shared experiences and passions . NSNA offers a wealth of opportunities to develop ourselves personally and professionally , through conventions , publications , scholarships , competitions , grants and more . This support system will prove invaluable long after graduation .
The core values of NSNA — caring , integrity , diversity , and excellence — mirror the foundations of nursing . By living these values during school , we cement them as the guiding principles for our practice . With caring and compassion at our center , we build trust with patients . With integrity , we earn respect as professionals . Honoring diversity makes us more effective , culturally sensitive nurses . Striving for excellence keeps us learning and improving our craft . NSNA activities teach us to enact these values gracefully and authentically .
School prepares us with clinical skills and knowledge , but NSNA prepares us for the realities of nursing . We gain insights into leadership , policy , research , and informatics . We find our voice to speak up constructively and advocate for change . We realize that self-care and work-life balance are essential . The lessons NSNA provides are not found in textbooks but will prove invaluable in our careers .
After graduation , NSNA helps support the transition into practice . The network connects us to nurse leaders and peers nationwide . Mentorship programs , special interest groups , grants and discounts smooth our entry into the workforce . NSNA ’ s Career Development Center at NSNA meetings provides resume review service that help optimize our resumes to stand out . No matter our chosen nursing path , NSNA has resources to set us up for success .
The world needs more nurses like us — caring , dedicated and ready to make a difference . Patients and the profession are counting on us . But we cannot do it alone . Rosa Parks once said , “ To bring about change , you must not be afraid to take the first step . We will fail when we fail to try .” Progress requires courage and initiative . It starts with one bold step , then another and another . NSNA empowers us to take these steps forward together .
There will always be challenges in nursing , but each generation must pave the way for the next . Everything we do now is practice for the nurses we will become . Our journey is just beginning . Let ’ s pave this road together . I look forward to seeing everyone at the NSNA 72nd Annual Convention in Lake Buena Vista , Florida !
February / March 2024 9