How important is it to be involved in organizations during nursing school?

[lisianthus93]

I am currently in my third year of my BSN program. I understand the importance of volunteer hours, but how much do employers really look at participation in university organizations (like a Student Nursing Association, for example)? Will not participating in these types of things hinder me from finding a job after graduation? Thank you in advance!

[JoseQuinones]

Half of my SNA membership was non-trad students with families and work.

I'd get involved, if for nothing else than your own personal enjoyment and fulfillment. Student organizations provide services to the community via charitable contributions and volunteer days. Our SNA ran a flu clinic, served in the soup kitchen once a month, did BP and glucose screenings all over town, and visited dementia wards. Did it interfere with study or family time? Sure, but there's stuff out there bigger than ourselves.

Will it help get you a job? Probably not on paper, but the experiences you learn along the way will make you a stronger, more well rounded person. That's what will ultimately make you stand out in the interview process.

Those are all perfectly legitimate reasons to encourage involvement in student organizations, but the OP was asking specifically whether joining student activities would make their resume more attractive. I was not disparaging such activity - on the contrary, for all the reasons you list, I am a member not only of the student org at my school, but also a medical ministry to the homeless at my church.

[Jen_Loves_Nursing]

I have several nursing friends... some of which got their education at an expensive technical accelerated program and some through community colleges and some through university. I have three friends in particular who work together, their employer didn't give a rats A** about their education, just that they had one......