The 64th annual Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania convention was held in Lancaster, PA on November 16, 2016. More than 750 students from across the state participated and engaged with one another to broaden their understanding of today’s nursing environment, to elect new officers and to present awards.

 

SNAP, one of the largest state constituents of NSNA, is a student-run organization representing more than 5,000 nursing students throughout Pennsylvania. SNAP has direct input into nursing education standards, influences the educational process, and promotes a collaborative relationship with other health-related organizations. Among the member benefits are leadership opportunities, exam preparation courses, scholarships, career information, legislative representation and the annual conference. “I’ve always valued the chance to meet with other nurses during conventions like SNAP,” Graff explained. “SNAP offers a great opportunity to really expand one’s horizons and learn from the experience of others,” offered CNHP student and award recipient Tori Graf.

 

This year, 26 outstanding Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions students attended the convention with two elected to state office positions—Jenna Kessler as the director of the Southeast region and Anne Wooley as vice president. In addition, for the second year in a row, a CNHP student received the Leader of Tomorrow award. Graff was recognized and awarded a scholarship for being a student who exemplifies leadership and achievement both in the class room and around her community. “I was incredibly honored and surprised to be awarded the Leader of Tomorrow award. I love nursing with every bone in my body and to be recognized as a future leader who could help improve the field meant so much to me,” she said. Last year, the honor, the first time it was ever awarded, went to CNHP’s Katerina Raiser. “For two Drexel students to win this award speaks to how Drexel, in my opinion, makes the profession of caring more than just your job. It becomes a lifestyle,” Graf added.

 

The topic of this year’s convention was “increased awareness of the importance of patient participation in decision making with the Alzheimer’s population.”

 

For students interested in becoming more involved with SNAP, email dsosnap@gmail.com.