Angela Cooper Brathwaite
If you think about it, RNAO membership is one of the best ways nursing students can launch their professional careers. It literally prepares today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders. Students become members simply by joining on their own or through automatic enrollment in a university program that offers RNAO membership as part of its tuition fees. Membership provides access to numerous opportunities for career development and advancement, including leadership in governance and policy advocacy at the chapter, region, interest group and board level.
RNs and NPs who serve on their local executives appreciate the enthusiasm and ideas nursing students bring to the table. Membership in RNAO is a ticket to success. For example, members of local executive committees mentor and coach nursing students in a variety of leadership roles: governance, policy advocacy, membership recruitment, financial management, and communications. Students can become more engaged by attending meetings, taking part in the association’s Queen’s Park on the Road, Queen’s Park Day and Take Your MPP To Work events. And, they can help shape the future of RNAO by developing, submitting and defending resolutions at our annual general meetings (AGM).
"By mentoring and coaching nursing students, we are investing in their future and ensuring the long-standing success of RNAO by engaging in succession planning to develop future leaders."
During the 2018 provincial election, several second- and third-year undergraduate nursing students in my home chapter of Durham Northumberland helped the executive network officer (ENO) for policy and political action draft a set of questions on health and nursing issues. They distributed these questions to members of the public prior to the political debate, so they were able to ask the candidates about these issues during an all-candidates meeting. This experience enhanced their knowledge of the political process as well as their advocacy skills.
But the benefits don’t stop there. RNAO also has a wide network of interest groups, and undergraduate nursing students who join RNAO get free membership in many of them. Students can become engaged with such groups as the Nursing Students of Ontario (NSO), Diabetes Nursing Interest Group (DNIG), Gerontological Nursing Association (GNA), Nursing Research Interest Group (NRIG), Maternal Child Nurses’ Interest Group (MCNIG), the Nursing Leadership Network of Ontario (NLN), and more.
Another example of student engagement in RNAO takes place at the executive level, where the president of NSO serves as an active voting member on the board of directors. This student learns governance through role modeling, mentoring and coaching from other board members. They also enhance their knowledge, skills and abilities by taking part in the board orientation program and educational activities offered throughout the year to all board members. The NSO president also engages in governance activities by contributing to board decisions, and reviewing and providing input on current board policies. Bradley Manuel, who is our current NSO representative on the board, also serves as leader to the organization’s undergraduate nursing associate members.
Many former nursing student associates who have served on RNAO’s board of directors in the past are currently serving as board members, and others have taken on leadership roles in their local chapter or region. As well, some have assumed executive roles with interest groups that appeal to them.
Each year during Nursing Week, RNAO organizes its annual career expo, which is a fantastic opportunity for nursing students to get their resumes reviewed by staff and volunteers, get tips on how to prepare for job interviews, and meet with potential employers.
By mentoring and coaching nursing students, we are investing in their future. We are also ensuring the long-standing success of our own organization by engaging in succession planning, important for any organization when it comes to developing future leaders. I encourage you to continue this tradition. If you know a student who is not a member, urge them to join now.
Membership is a rewarding experience for students and we, in turn, reap great rewards by helping to prepare these future leaders.