Alabama Association of Nursing Students

Alabama Nurse, Jun-Aug 2003 by Williams, Jackie, Hendricks, Rochelle

In the many years that I have worked with the student nurse organization, I have never met a more committed and dynamic group of young students than the 2002-2003 Alabama Association of Nursing Students (AANS) officers. Each month since elected in October, the officers have met faithfully in Birmingham, a central location for the diverse geographic group. The AANS officers meet to discuss a strategic plan to implement the 2003 Leadership Workshop in September, community service projects and the annual AANS State Convention in October. The officers have been outstanding in their tireless efforts to ensure each nursing student across the state will have the opportunity to learn about the organization's 2003 events and the multiple benefits in membership.

The enthusiastic officers are encouraging nursing students to become members of an illustrious organization. A fantastic quarterly magazine with all of today's career topics of interest to the student nurse, low interest rate credit card, low premium liability and health insurance coverage, discounts on nursing textbooks, and much more, are available to members through the organization.

In addition to membership, the AANS is sponsoring 'must be there' activities this year, starting with the Leadership Workshop at Samford University and the 54th state convention at University of Alabama at Birmingham. The Leadership Workshop will feature Dr. Darlene Mathis, Assistant Professor at Samford University, and Charlene Roberson, Director of Leadership Services for the Alabama State Nurses Association. During this workshop, students will receive motivational information about leadership and running for AANS office. Election of officers will take place at the state's convention in October.

The officers have been relentless in spearheading the most memorable convention in the history of the AANS. Having it at Lester Hill Center, one of the most popular convention sites in Alabama, speaks for itself. More than 50 vendors have been invited. Keynote speakers in specialty areas such as biological warfare, trauma and burns, AIDS, and Sylvia Rayfield Associates, will conduct a two-hour NCLEX-RN Review. More information will be available in May on the newly enhanced Web site www.alabamanursingstudent.org.

I look forward to introducing these extraordinary officers to fellow Alabama students, faculty, Deans and Directors, during this year's events. You, too, will be amazed at their accomplishments through their concerted effort and dedication to strive for excellence in fulfilling their office responsibilities. I am very proud to be a part of this industrious and highly motivated group of nursing students. You will be proud of their state leadership as well. Please begin to make plans to participate in the upcoming events. Please check the AANS Web site. Please refer to Margaret Booth's article for a listing of officers.

by Jackie Williams, MSN, RN-C, AANS Advisor Rochelle Hendricks, MSN, CRNP, AANS Consultant