This event did not just bring students together for one day; it helped build a stronger community within the nursing program. By helping students feel connected early on, the UMANS is addressing the stress and isolation many new nursing students experience. Moving forward, we will keep refining our approach to make sure students feel supported and engaged as they start their nursing journey.
Acknowledgment
The authors express heartfelt thanks to Darice Morales and Eden Nur, BTN Chairs, and Georgi Anna Beharie and Jessa Monreal, our Community Chairs, for their commitment and leadership in organizing the Speed Friending and Mentor-Mentee events. Special thanks to Emily Farnham and Gabrielle Flordeliz, our Secretary Chairs, for keeping everything coordinated, and to Phoebert Cubangay and Marielle Therese Amigos, our PR Chairs, for helping spread the word and bringing students together. We also appreciate our Liaisons, Dennis Ramsey, Robin Canha, Alexa Mae Laurden, and Katia Calix Mejia, for their essential support in getting the word out to each cohort.
References
Jacobs, S.( 2017). A scoping review examining nursing student peer mentorship.
Journal of Professional Nursing, 33( 3), 212 – 223. https:// doi. org / 10.1016 / j. profnurs. 2016.09.004
McDonald, M., Brown, J., & Knihnitski, C.( 2018). Student perception of initial transition into a nursing program: A mixed methods research study. Nurse Education Today, 64, 85 – 92. https:// doi. org / 10.1016 / j. nedt. 2018.01.028
Zheng, Y. X., Jiao, J. R., & Hao, W. N.( 2022). Stress levels of nursing students: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine, 101( 36), e30547. https:// doi. org / 10.1097 / MD. 0000000000030547
Bio
Ruth Beyene, BSN, RN, is currently a Registered Nurse in the Progressive Care Unit at Adventist Health- Care Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville, Maryland. She graduated from the University of Maryland School of Nursing( UMSON), where she held multiple leadership roles within the UMSON @ USG NSNA chapter, the University of Maryland Association of Nursing Students( UMANS). She served as Secretary in Fall 2023, Vice President in Spring 2024, and Co-President in Fall 2024. Passionate about patient-centered care, leadership, and research, Ruth plans
to continue advancing her nursing career while remaining involved in professional nursing organizations and leadership opportunities.
Courtney Cohen BSN, RN, is a Registered Nurse in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit( CVICU) at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D. C. She recently graduated from the University of Maryland School of Nursing( UMSON), where she served as Co-President of the University of Maryland Association of Nursing Students( UMANS), a Peer Academic Leader, and a University of Maryland, Baltimore Senator. Backed by a strong interest in critical care and health equity, Courtney is a member of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses( AACN) and volunteers in community health efforts to support underserved populations.
Marisa Astiz-Martinez, MS, RN, CNE, is UMANS faculty advisor.
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