The Becker College nursing program announces that it has officially formed a chapter of the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA), a move that replaces the college’s Nursing Club.

“The activities are very similar,” says Becker College Professor Carole Howe, PhD, RN. “I remember being involved in NSNA through my nursing school; that was in the 1960s, so NSNA has a long history.”

With a membership of approximately 50,000 nationwide, the NSNA mentors the professional development of future nurses and facilitates their entrance into the profession by providing educational resources, leadership opportunities, and career guidance. A professional organization for nursing students, it is for those in Associate Degree, Diploma, Baccalaureate, generic Masters, and generic Doctoral programs.

“When I was at UMass Dartmouth,” continues Howe, “I reactivated a school chapter of NSNA that had not been active for ten years. That chapter is very active. In fact, one of my former students, Jenna Bristol, who joined the chapter as a freshman, is now president of the school chapter and the state. NSNA promotes leadership, and Jenna is an excellent example of a student who developed leadership skills through NSNA.”   

A student run organization, the faculty is there to guide students as part of the NSNA, and the faculty advisor is facilitator or mentor, which promotes independence among the students.

“I love working with the students and seeing their growth as leaders within the nursing profession,” says Howe. “I feel intense pride in the students as I watch the students grow personally and professionally. I am excited that we are implementing an NSNA chapter here. I have been gratified that so many other nursing faculty are excited about working with the students to build a strong Becker chapter.”