SNA Members Write "Open When" Letters to Encourage and Support Undergraduate Nursing Students
Students at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing go above and beyond to serve others both in the community and within the College. In her role as service coordinator for Student Nurses Association (SNA), undergraduate nursing student Lindsey Snider brainstorms ideas to give back every month.
“What we did this month was actually our backup idea – we got it from Alphi Phi Omega, a service fraternity on campus,” says Snider.
For February, members of SNA stayed after their meeting and wrote “Open When” letters that target students during particular times in their nursing school journey. The goal was to provide a new way to support students who might be stressed in balancing the rigor of nursing school.
“I think every one of us struggles at times and we need to remember that we’re all in this together. We’re here to support each other,” says Snider. “Anything you can do to make someone’s day even a little bit better is always a good thing.”
The letters are located at one end of the student lounge, placed against the window for students to easily access these words of encouragement. From inspirational quotes from The Office, to serious words of advice, students are sure to find letters that relate to them in some way.
“Lindsey has been active in SNA for about a year and a half, recently taking over the service coordinator role this January. She hit the ground running and is motivated in engaging SNA members with activities during and outside of meeting times,” says Julia Hall, PhD, RN, lecturer and faculty adviser for SNA. “I’m excited to see what she does next.”
In the past, SNA has made brown bag lunches for the Hope Center, made blankets for Wrap Up America and hosted a shoe-cutting party for Sole Hope. In January, the students made valentines for patients in the DanceBlue clinic. Snider says the students are excited to work on these projects again this year.
Snider is from Crestview Hills, northern Kentucky, and is expected to graduate in May 2018.
