NSNA can be an exciting and key part of your experience as a student nurse. There are many reasons why we all decided to become nurses, and the same is true about being a part of an organization like NSNA. Some people join for leadership experience, others join to foster their professional development, while some join to expand their network and meet students from across the nation. No matter what your reason for joining, we are all here because we have decided to join the caring, rewarding, and challenging profession of nursing. There is so much to learn on this journey and plenty to reflect on along the way. NSNA has given me countless opportunities and paved the way for me to grow as a leader, develop my professional identity in nursing, and meet other students and future nursing colleagues along the way. NSNA provides an environment where you will create lasting memories.
NSNA Benefits Program
MEMBERSHIP
Megan Le, Vice President and Chair, Membership Committee vicepresident @ nsna. org
Strength in Community
NSNA offers a fantastic opportunity to network and foster relationships with nursing students, faculty, and nurse leaders from across the country. We pride ourselves on being a community where anyone can be a mentor or mentee. Finding someone who you can look up to and ask questions helps build confidence in yourself. Again, don’ t be afraid to ask questions! They have been in your position, and you are not alone. If you are an older student— look to your professors or other role models. They can guide you and help you on your journey through school. Having or being a good mentor now can
benefit you later in your career. If you are unsure, this person will provide you with support, encouragement, and direction. Making connections early on can help you during nursing school and as a novice nurse. Your nursing school experience and career is what you make it to be. What you bring to the table is valuable.
Be open and say yes to new opportunities.
Being a part of NSNA allows you to connect with different professionals in the nursing profession. This is just one of the many benefits of attending NSNA conventions, conferences, and online forums. You can also get connected with nurses from several different specialties such as critical care nurses, oncology nurses, pediatric nurses, nurse managers, nurse practitioners, and many more. The workshops that are provided at conferences and conventions make it highly accessible to network and exchange ideas. Make sure to attend, and maybe you will find the nursing specialty that you feel called to, or maybe you will get the advice you need to get through the semester. Always take any opportunity that comes your way, whether it is provided by a professor, school, work, or with NSNA. As nursing students, we are very busy and feel like we just don’ t have the time, but you don’ t want to look back on your time in school and think“ what if...” Step outside of your comfort zone, network and make the time to experience new things, it is well worth it in the end.
8 NSNA Imprint