UAH students win big at state nursing conference

UAH Association of Nursing Students participate in the 2017 "Be The Match" bone marrow drive.

Courtesy | UAH ANS

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) chapter of Association of Nursing Students recently attended the 2017 State Conference in Hoover, AL, and brought home a number of awards.

Several UAH nursing students attended the convention, which attracted hundreds of student leaders from across the state for professional development sessions, workshops, networking and poster presentations.

"Being a member of your pre-professional nursing association is a privilege and honor because its focus is centered on the professional and personal development of each nursing student member. I am particularly pleased with how successful our Association of Nursing Students (ANS) has been. The members are strong student leaders that I expect will transition into the professional nursing leaders of the future," said Dr. Marsha Howell Adams, Dean of the College of Nursing.

"We are very proud of the UAH ANS board. They understand how important it is to collaborate with other students and faculty not only at our school but all over the country. Our students are very active in our local chapter benefiting our school and community and they have reached out across the country to bring back ideas to advance our local chapter even further," said Tracy Thornton RN, MSN, ACNS-BC Assistant Clinical Professor of Nursing and ANS Faculty Advisor. "The College of Nursing had three students serving on the executive board on the state level for 2016-2017, and for 2017-2018 there are four students. This is the first time UAH has had nursing students on the local, state, and national boards. We have been very fortunate to have students that are willing to be a part of this influential, professional organization."

UAH awards include:

• Top State Project - donation of the most items (kitchenware, clothes, and diapers). All items collected donated to a local women's shelter in Hoover, AL.
• Outstanding Chapter President | Recipient: Kristina Faw, (Senior) - This award is to recognize the school chapter President for outstanding leadership skills and accomplishments during their term. Successfulness in increasing membership and implementing worthy community, legislative, and Breakthrough to Nursing projects are a few of those activities desired for an outstanding leader.
• Leader of Leaders | Recipient: Tracy Thornton (RN, MSN, ACNS-BC and UAH Assistant Clinical Professor, ANS Chapter Advisor) - This award is to recognize the school chapter Advisor for outstanding service to the school chapter, the AANS, and the NSNA. Successfulness in increasing membership, implementing worthy community, legislative, and Breakthrough to Nursing projects, promoting attendance at state and national conventions, and promoting membership in ASNA for nursing graduates are a few of those activities desired for an outstanding advisor.
• Outstanding Fundraiser - This award is given to honor an outstanding fundraising student chapter project throughout the 2016-2017 year. Lamar University Hurricane Relief **Apple Watch raffle, raised over $300.
• Outstanding Community Health - This award is given to honor an outstanding community health chapter project throughout the 2016-2017 year. "Be the Match" - placed more than 100 new people on the bone marrow registry during a one-day drive.
• Chapter of Champions - The Chapter of Champions Award is given each year to the school chapter that has "demonstrated exemplary commitment to and involvement in the Alabama Association of Nursing Students."
• Outstanding Executive Member Chapter Level | Recipient: Linda Hanson (Senior) - This award is to recognize the local chapter officer who has demonstrated leadership and camaraderie among the officers and students within their school. An officer who has performed the designated task of the office beyond their office duties and responsibilities will be acknowledged, in addition to personal accomplishments during their term.
• Outstanding Executive Member: State Level | Recipient: Frederick Richardson (Senior ) - This award is to recognize the AANS officer who has demonstrated leadership and camaraderie among the officers and students within the state. An officer who has performed the designated task of the office beyond their office duties and responsibilities will be acknowledged, in addition to personal accomplishments during their term.

**EDITOR"S NOTE: Apple Watch donated by UAH College of Nursing Dean Marsha Howell Adams.