One part of student nurse’s life on the Grambling State University campus is to become an active member of the Student Nurses’ Association (SNA). This organization is one way to gain not only the community service hours required by the Louisiana State Board of Nurses, but also a means to network with other future nurses. This is highlighted by active membership in the Louisiana Association of Student Nurses (LASN) and the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA).
On the state level, the school of Nursing participated in the 55th Annual LASN Convention last fall. The department now holds prizes for the Best Community Health Project, Best Image of Nursing Project, third place for Best Overall Scrapbook, Best Dance Moves (in a friendly dinner party competition), and Largest Increase in Membership by Percentage. Membership increased by 140 percent from last year.
During the LASN Board of Directors 2010 election, GSU’s SNA attained three seats – Vice President Solange Sayers, Secretary Ivory LaCour and Break-Through-To-Nursing Melanie Horton.
SNA hosts general body meetings every third Wednesday in the student lounge in the School of Nursing. Membership is open to all students who are passionate about serving the community through various health-focused drives.
The major event for this semester will be the first Tequita Bryant Memorial Scholarship Walk on April 17. Bryant was a gifted nursing student who died two years ago.
SNA members believe that it is only fitting to celebrate her life because it was through efforts such as hers that the organization thrives today. All are encouraged to march in her honor.
The 2009-2010 executive council members for the organization are: president Racquel Killion, vice president Solange Sayers, secretary, Ivory LaCour, treasurer Terrin Ramsey, historian Stephanie Fomenky, Break-Through-To-Nursing Melanie Horton (December 2009 graduate), and community service coordinator Leslie Smith, with Jamil Norman and Tara Haskins.