BYU College of Nursing is home to three major clubs that not only shape students’ view of nursing but offer them connections with others at varying stages in the program. Read below to learn more about these clubs and consider joining!
Student Nursing Association
BYU’s branch of the Student Nursing Association (SNA) works to provide BYU students with opportunities to showcase their professionalism on a national level. Membership in this club provides students with networking and leadership opportunities to succeed in their current schooling and future professions. The club also has a scholarship that only members of SNA can apply for.
“I love that the Student Nurses’ Association allows me to be involved in the nursing field while I am a student and make connections with students from every semester in the program,” said club president, Jenna Mundell. “To other students who want to join the association, I would say that it is an incredible opportunity to meet new people and be a part of something that enacts change in the nursing world.”
SNA also has a yearly end-of-year gala where members dance, have dinner, take pictures, and work on a service project together. The service project has taken the form of writing letters to veterans in honor flights put on by the College of Nursing. The gala is also when the winners of the SNA scholarships are announced.
Learn more about SNA and apply to become a member here.
Spanish for Nurses
As the population of Spanish speakers grows throughout the United States, the need for medical professionals who know Spanish increases. With a current shortage of Spanish-speaking nurses, the Spanish for Nurses club at BYU seeks to enable students to bridge that gap. Club members participate in service opportunities and conduct health screenings to practice their medical Spanish vocabulary.
“Spanish for Nurses has helped me develop a passion for serving in the community. There are so many ways to serve Spanish speakers in the area,” said club president Aubrey Smedley. “This club has helped me realize what's truly important in life, and that I want to dedicate my life to serving the community for the rest of my life. I also love how much medical Spanish I've learned from the club. Through my practice of teaching about diabetes, hypertension, and CPR, I feel confident in using my Spanish in my future nursing career. Knowing more Spanish helps me to break down the language barrier and help those with Spanish as their first language feel that they belong and are valued in a healthcare setting.”
Despite the load of her Nursing program, Aubrey has seen the benefits of learning Spanish in the club. “Sometimes it seems impossible to add in another extracurricular activity to our packed schedules but knowing a few sentences in Spanish could transform someone's experience,” said Aubrey. “Your Spanish knowledge shows that you are going out of your way to help your patients feel valued, understood, and celebrated for their culture and language. You have the power to make this difference.”
Dr. Matt Anderson recently conducted research on the benefits of practicing Spanish in a club-like setting. “Many universities teach about transcultural care but lack tangible practice arenas,” said Dr. Anderson. He argues that Spanish for Nurses acts as such a training ground.
Follow BYU Spanish for Nurses on Instagram, attend one of their club meetings every Tuesday (except for the second Tuesday of the month) at 5 in KMBL 490 or sign up at this link.
Nurses Empowering Women
Nurses Empowering Women is centered around strengthening women through the nursing profession. Their motto “Helping Women Heals the World informs their meetings teaching nurses to become informed advocates .Students gain the skills and abilities to empower women to speak up, reach out, and heal the world from the inside out They hold several activities and service projects aimed at connecting women in the program and teaching them how advocate for themselves and others in their future careers.
“I wanted to find a place dedicated to empowering women, where I could make a meaningful difference in my community and learn how to improve conditions for all women,” said Savanah Cripps, club president. “This club brings all sorts of people together and creates a supportive and inclusive environment where we can share experiences, encourage each other, and work together. The club’s activities and yearly conference not only empower us as individuals but also help us make a positive impact on the community.”
The club holds an annual conference where members listen to a keynote speaker and discuss solutions to different challenges women face in the nursing workforce. The conference focuses on empowering members to be a voice for positive change.
“Whether you're just starting your nursing journey, are well on your way, or are not a nurse and simply want to support women in any way, this club offers something for everyone!” said Savanah. “By joining, you'll be part of a community that’s dedicated to supporting and empowering women, making a difference both in and out of the nursing profession.”
Follow BYU Nurses Empowering Women on Instagram to learn more about club events and how to participate.