The UNMC West Nebraska Division in Scottsbluff recently received the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) Stellar School Award at the association’s annual convention in Orlando, Fla.
The NSNA Stellar School Chapter Recognition Program demonstrates ongoing involvement in NSNA, including a strong commitment to shared governance and professional development of students and faculty.
Nursing student Raven Darnell, past president of the Scottsbluff Nebraska Student Nurses Association (SNSNA), said being selected as a stellar school impacts students tremendously.
“It is a direct reflection of the faculty and staff here in Scottsbluff,” said Darnell, who graduated in May. “We could not have become a stellar school without the support, guidance, encouragement and most importantly mentoring from our faculty here. The award reflects the success and confidence that each student walks away from nursing school with. Having the opportunity to attend state and national conventions really impacts a student. It allows us to see just how extraordinary becoming a nurse is.”
Sue Wilhelm, Ph.D., assistant dean of the UNMC College of Nursing West Nebraska Division, said being involved in the association promotes professionalism of students. “Involving our students in the NSNA helps with leadership development and prepares them for transitioning into their role as a professional nurse.”
Eight nursing schools received the award this year.
“It’s a very prestigious award given only to the most active student nurse associations in the nation over a period of at least five years,” said Trina Aguirre, Ph.D., faculty advisor and assistant professor, UNMC College of Nursing West Nebraska Division. It shows that our students are the nurse leaders of tomorrow and have demonstrated this by active involvement.”
She said students attend national conferences each year, serve as delegates in the NSNA House of Delegates, develop and pass resolutions that are forwarded to National League of Nurses and the American Nurses Association for consideration of the most crucial health care and nursing issues. They also run for national offices.
“I could not be more proud of our students,” Aguirre said. “They are true community servants.”
Wendy Wells, co-advisor for SNSNA and instructor at the college, said the chapter also enjoys a status of total school membership, which offers national membership to all students and gives students a discount on membership. Membership of students in the chapter averages between 50 to 90 percent each year.
During the convention, nursing student Anna Hughart was elected to serve as the northern representative chair on the NSNA Nominating and Elections Committee.