event , all nursing graduates from December 2023 were recognized for their participation with NUSNA .
Outcomes
During 2024 , the NUSNA supported many events ; two were unique . First , the Knight- 2-Knight program , held in collaboration with the Office of University Advancement , connected nursing alumni with current nursing students at a networking event on campus . The room was energized as students connected every five minutes with alumni from varying backgrounds . The students gained valuable insights , fostered professional connections , and inspired them with real-world experiences and success stories . Nursing alumni generously shared their experiences of transitioning from student to professional nurse , including memorable events from their first year of practice . This information is particularly valuable for students interested in specialty practice . As they asked questions of the alumni , students experienced , firsthand , the meaning of professional identity and learned the value of self-care from experienced nurses in practice .
A second and newly minted event was the successful peerto-peer mentoring program that allowed intended nursing majors to experience basic skills and tools in the nursing labs with the program ’ s 200-level nursing student volunteers . These events directly increased nursing student participation , engagement , and a sense of professional identity .
Students proudly displayed leadership skills at all events , as their confidence , sense of belonging , and engagement increased . For nursing students participating in event planning , three “ in-action skills ” were needed : awareness of the environment and individuals , delegation to the right person at the right time , and orchestrating parts and people to present a seamless event .
Challenges
The journey was not without its challenges . The biggest hurdle we faced was securing a permanent home for the whiteboards . After trying lab spaces , we finally found a home in the lecture auditorium where all nursing students meet at least weekly for classes along with the ambulatory nursing lab . This process , though challenging , was a tribute to our team ’ s resilience and determination . For Neumann University , this journey and the grant dollars provided the energy and tools to sustain our initiative for future nursing students . This sustainability provides evidence of our commitment to the profession of nursing and our optimism for the future .
Conclusion
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Foundation of the National Student Nurses ’ Association and to the funders of the Bagwell Leadership Development Grant , for their invaluable support .
References
FNSNA . ( 2024 ). Marilyn Bagwell Leadership Development Grant , 3M™ Littmann ® Stethoscope Leadership Development Grant . www . forevernursing . org / leadership-development-grants . html
Bio
Theresa Pietsch , PhD , RN , CRRN , CNE , is the Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences , as well as Nurse Administrator , of the Undergraduate Nursing Program at Neumann University , Aston , PA . WV .
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