Nursing Student Group Receives National Chapter Award

ECANS members, from left: Luis Flores, Ava Maritato, Morgan Pullium, Jamie
Williams, Leah Shannon, Corrie Hansen, Sydney Howard and Charles Moseley. (Contributed photo)

The East Carolina Association of Nursing Students has been named a Stellar School Chapter by the National Student Nurses Association.

The award, given to just five schools nationwide in 2015, recognizes chapters that demonstrate strong commitment to shared governance, professional development and ongoing involvement in NSNA.

Eight ECU nursing students traveled to Phoenix to receive the award at the 63nd Annual National Student Nurses Association Convention April 8-12.

“This student organization exemplifies the excellence and commitment that is worthy of national recognition,” said Gina Woody, professor of nursing and the group’s faculty advisor.

With more than 230 members, ECANS is the largest constituent member of NCNA in North Carolina. The group, which also earned accolades in 2014, promotes leadership and career development through ongoing membership meetings and a host of community service activities. Organizations served this year include the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, Habitat for Humanity, Operation Sunshine and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

One of ECANS’ keys to success is reaching out to students even before they officially join the College of Nursing. ECANS board members participate in pre-nursing “RX for Success” workshops, which share academic tips for intended nursing majors. The group holds two on-campus meetings each semester for pre-nursing students to learn about the organization. Its members also help intended nursing majors move into the Future Pirate Nurse Living and Learning Village each fall.

Current ECANS President Jamie Williams, a senior nursing student, said that networking with fellow students, faculty and nurse leaders from all across the country has been a memorable part of her education.

“It has been a pleasure to work with an enthusiastic, hardworking board of directors,” she said. “I am proud to have been a part of an amazing pre-professional organization, and to be a part of the Pirate Nurse family.”

Stellar schools are recognized on the NSNA website. Stellar School status is awarded for five years and is renewable with resubmission of an application and supporting documents that demonstrate the chapter continues to meet program criteria.

– Elizabeth Willy