Statewide student nursing group to convene at Radford University

VNSA-art

Radford University will host the 64th annual state convention of the Virginia Nursing Students Association (VNSA) on Feb. 6.

More than 400 aspiring nurses from across Virginia will gather on the Radford campus for a full day of presentations and networking and professional development activities, hosted by the RU School of Nursing (SON) and the Student Nurses Organizations (SNO) from the Radford and Roanoke campuses.

The VNSA is a student-managed organization representing future nurses from the 75 nursing education programs throughout Virginia. The VNSA fosters the professional and personal development of student nurses by providing educational resources, leadership opportunities and career guidance.

“We are eager to show what Radford can offer as a campus and as a rich place of opportunity for nurses to advance their careers,” said SON Director Tony Ramsey. “Our faculty and students are excited about this important professional conference and the chance to welcome our colleagues.”

The conference will feature a keynote and endnote speech, along with almost 40 breakout sessions on topics ranging from NCLEX test preparation to professional development to technical topics such as nurse midwifery, oncology nursing, pediatric nursing and military nursing. Among the presenters will be Radford University SON faculty Ellen Birx and Linda Ely, who will be joined by colleagues from UVa, George Mason, JMU, VCU, Shenandoah and Longwood Universities, Lynchburg College and various community colleges.

The Red Cross will host a blood drive during the event and guests will be able to browse the conference exhibition hall featuring sponsors and prospective employers.

The conference, titled “Inspiration Today for a Healthier Tomorrow,” will also include a faculty workshop, two sessions of the VNSA House of Delegates and the announcement of the VNSA 2016-17 Board of Directors.

“It has been a remarkable experience working with the VNSA board to prepare a conference that will offer a wide spectrum of health care and nursing presentations that range from novice to expert,” said Kemberly Campbell, nursing instructor and faculty adviser to the two Radford University SNO’s whose 70 members will serve as organizers and hosts. “This is an important opportunity for future nurses at all levels to come together in an event that will encourage them to be active, engaged members of a professional organization.”

Jan 28, 2016