Student Nurses Make Connections During State Conference

Thirteen Clarkson College students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) option and members of the Student Nurse Association (SNA) attended the Nebraska State Student Nurse Association (NSSNA) conference on Feb. 8 in Omaha, Neb. to connect with student nurses from across the state, learn more about the profession and take on leadership roles within the organization.

Undergraduate Nursing student Hannah Smith was voted President of the organization’s Board and Mariah Orduna was voted the Breakthrough to Nursing Chair. Both students have been active members of the Clarkson College SNA since enrolling at the College. As members of the state Board, they will have the opportunity to attend the national SNA conference in Orlando, Fl. this spring.

The Clarkson College SNA was recognized during the conference with the Image of Nursing Social Media Award, which honors chapters who promote a positive image of student nurses and the nursing profession through social media efforts. Orduna and her fellow nursing student Lauren Gilbert are responsible for maintaining the Clarkson College SNA Facebook and Instagram pages and promoting the organization’s efforts and goals through social media.

Along with pursuing leadership roles, conference attendees had the opportunity to hear from several nursing professionals. Nebraska Medicine Chief Nursing Officer Sue Nuss, PhD, spoke to attendees about her career path and how today’s nurses can utilize their talents to help combat the nursing shortage. Attendees also heard from Kate Buehler, BSN, RN, CEN, a sexual assault nurse examiner, and Morgan Shradar, BSN, RN, a member of the Biocontainment Unit team.

Clarkson College alumna Raven Lance (’19), BSN, participated in the new nursing graduates panel. During the session, current student nurses had the opportunity to ask Lance and other panelists questions about transitioning to the work force, taking board examinations and practicing in health care.