MAC Nursing Students Present at National Conference

Alicia Williamson and Jacob Baker

From left to right: Abbey Barton; Alicia Williamson; Esther Blum; Dr. Kenya Williams; Ashley Yoder; Jacob Baker

The 71st NSNA annual convention, held in Nashville, Tennessee had the theme of a catalyst for change and that’s exactly what delegates Jacob Baker and Alicia Williamson did while presenting their resolution. These students had the courage and confidence to present a resolution to implement a change for Covid-19 patients which was entitled, “In Support of Raising Awareness for Suicide Assessment in Post-COVID Patients”. They were successful in explaining to the house of delegates how important the resolution was for promoting better patient care.  The house of delegates voted to pass the resolution. Other SNA club members, Ashley Yoder and Abbey Barton, attended and assisted with networking and discussing the resolution with other nursing schools’ delegates.

MAC Professor, Esther Blum, MSN, RN explained why presenting a resolution was so important; “it is a way that nursing students can be a change agent in promoting nursing care and having a voice while still in nursing school. The resolutions are researched based and require a rigorous process before being authorized by the NSNA resolution committee to present”.

Throughout the week the convention held learning sessions for the attendees on specific topics, talk groups, and NCLEX prep reviews.  Some of the focus sessions included discussion on Emergency nursing and the role of the ED nurse, and multidisciplinary nursing licenses (compact licensure). 

While the basis of the convention was education, the opportunity to network and meet other student nurses from all over the United States was beneficial.  The engaging conversations promoted growth and sharing of ideas about the scope of nursing practice.  

The students had the honor of meeting Dr. Kenya Williams, who was the first African American woman that was president of the NSNA organization and a former Missouri resident.  Recently, she was named the Executive Director of the NSNA organization. 

Overall, the convention experience provided positive benefits for the attendees toward planning and preparation in becoming a nurse.