When you get involved with a nursing organization at Concordia, you open yourself up to all kinds of possibilities: connections with fellow Concordians who share your same interests, opportunities to practice and apply what you’ve learned in the classroom, and the chance to serve others in ways that match the unique skillsets you’ve been given. Check out some of the health professions student organizations you can look forward to joining at CUW, and visit our Student Government Association page to see more of our student organization offerings.
Student Nurses Association of Concordia University Wisconsin
With a membership of 60,000 nationwide, the National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA) mentors the professional development of future registered nurses and facilitates their entrance into the profession by providing educational resources, leadership opportunities, and career guidance. Refer to this web page for more information.
All CUW nursing students are considered members of the Concordia SNA. Students may also choose to join the Wisconsin Student Nurses Association (WSNA). During the spring semester of each academic year, nursing students elect representatives for the sophomore, junior and senior classes for the following academic year. Student representatives are elected during a designated nursing class, and serve for a period of one year with the right to be re-elected.
Representatives have the following responsibilities:
- Identify and communicate students’ academic needs and concerns to faculty at their meetings, with potential ideas for improvement.
- Report back to their class regarding discussions from the faculty meetings. SNA officers are elected each year by the SNA membership. The officers are president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, projects director, promotions director and projects/ promotions committee. A faculty advisor is selected annually by the program director and faculty.
Special events
In addition to mentoring students in their professional development, the Student Nurses Association (SNA) provides a social outlet for students. From the Nursing Olympics to bake sales, SNA gives students opportunities to have fun and provide service to others. All CUW nursing students are considered members of the Concordia SNA. Students may also choose to join the Wisconsin Student Nurses Association (WSNA).
There are two special events of note in the SON – one in the sophomore year and one in the senior year just prior to commencement. Other events are also celebrated with students, faculty and staff.
Sophomore dedication: At the start of the second semester of the sophomore year, students will be called to the CUW Chapel of Christ Triumphant for a special ceremony. This point in the curriculum was chosen because students will begin working directly with patients during the second sophomore semester. At this ceremony, students will recite the following Nurse’s pledge together. The chapel service will be followed by a small reception. Students may invite family to the ceremony and reception, if they wish.
Senior pinning ceremony: At the end of senior year, the SON hosts a Pinning Ceremony for graduating seniors and their families. This event is held off campus, and is an occasion for celebrating the student's completion of a rigorous program and their entrance into the field of nursing. Students will recite the Nurse’s Pledge together, and receive their nursing pins. (Order forms for purchasing nursing pins will be distributed to students about 6-8 weeks prior.) The ceremony also includes presentation of the Nightingale and Spirit of Nursing awards to a graduating senior.
Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society Phi Beta Chapter #480:
As one of the most prestigious organizations in professional nursing, the Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Honor Society influences and changes the health of people by engaging the intellectual capital of nurses around the globe. Founded to advance the knowledge, learning and service of nurses, the society focuses on scholarship and leadership in its social and ethical commitment to excellence. Students who possess academic excellence, integrity and demonstrate leadership potential and who meet the criteria outlined on the STTI website are eligible for membership. Refer to this web page nursingsociety.org for more information.