Thoughts on Nursing Students Association

nynursey_ · Jul 16, 2012

At my college, we have the Student Nurses Association (SNA). It's a club on campus and involvement is usually by nursing students, although due to our Student Government bylaws, it is not exclusively limited to student nurses. We do a variety of activities from fundraising to having clothing drives, blood pressure clinics, hosting blood drives, going to local lobby days, etc. I'm not an active participant because frankly, a lot of the students in my nursing program are less than friendly and I'd rather not be in an uncomfortable environment in a place that's supposed to be enjoyable, but having that listed on part of your transcripts or resumes only shows that you were able to engage in extracurricular activities while maintaining a good GPA and passing your courses. It also helps to show your future employer/university that you're committed to the field and look for ways to leave your mark and make a difference. :) I hope this helps!

jjrodriguez, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2012

It probably couldn't hurt, especially if you take on an officer position. It may show your ability to take on leadership roles. I personally am not active in any of our student organizations, as I have other leadership/scholarly activities to focus on, but see what opportunities they have for you - volunteering would be a great addition to your experience.

Katie71275 · Jul 16, 2012

We have the Student Nurses Association here as well. I am a member...We do all sorts of community service which looks great for your resume(b/c it's not just community service, usually it is community service regarding health issues such March of Dimes, St. Judes, etc)....There's also state conventions(Im going to one this Fall and there will be a Hurst review so it's definitely beneficial).

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2012

We have the SNA at our school and they tend to be pretty involved. They do clothing drives, the BLS-CPR classes for incoming students, uniforms, student mentoring, and fund raising. They have a meeting one day a month where they have free lunch. Many members only show up for the lunch and don't participate while others are actively involved. I am older with two kids and simply don't have time to donate and the membership fee is $100. I really can't see spending it. Perhaps it looks good on a resume and maybe I should join to just having that but I really don't want to part with that $100. lol

purevintage · Jul 16, 2012

I am a member of the National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA), serve on the board of directors for the Michigan Nursing Students' Association (MNSA), and serve on the executive board of my local chapter's (my school's) SNA also. I believe that every state has an Association that is a constituent of the NSNA, and many school chapters are constituents also.

With that, I would strongly recommend that you join (and then think about running for office, if it suits you). Being an active member of an organization will show a potential employer that you possess leadership abilities and have a desire to work toward a better future.

To help you decide whether joining is right for you, you should take a look at the benefits of membership. The NSNA website describes many benefits ranging from a Decision Critical account, to a discounted rate on nursing student Liability Insurance, to scholarship opportunities, and more. I'm not sure what the Florida NSA has as far as benefits, but the MNSA has more scholarship/award opportunities, and events to help students gain an edge in their careers. As a leader with the MNSA, I have had the opportunity to work with students from across the state as we work toward our goals.

In my opinion, benefits of membership/leadership outweigh the costs, but the choice is yours. Good luck!

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Jul 16, 2012

I'm currently a member of my school's Student Ambassadors and plan on joining our SNA as well. I think anything extracurricular that can be added to a resume to show involvement in the field is a good thing.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jul 16, 2012

I doubt it would help you get a job, but it might. I am a member of the Nurse's asso in my state and find it valuable because I learning about lobbying, new laws pertaining to my practice, and am able to network with other nurses who appreciate the "professionalism" of nursing. No knowledge is ever wasted.

BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2012

I wasn't able to be active with our nursing club last year due to work and family obligations. This year I am unemployed and absolutely plan on being active. I have been a student ambassador and the secretary for our student government. While I am older, 32, and have LOTS of other work experience, I think it will help show that I made the most of my school experience and took the chance to have leadership opportunities whenever possible.

dsf43 · Jul 16, 2012

Thank you all for your input! I have decided that I am going to participate. This can only benefit me for my future so why not? :)

SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN · Jul 16, 2012

It's fun! I am also a member of the NSNA and am also on the board of our colleges SNA! We do the above mentioned activities as well. I have so much fun being part of it!

SC APRN, DNP, APRN, NP · Nov 21, 2012

One of our officers graduating next month, had an interview and the person mentioned she was very impressed with the fact that she was SNA officer. We don't have dues at the school level, I think we would have less participation if we did. The networking is a huge bonus!!