No one thought becoming a nurse was easy. Classes and clinical work are time consuming and challenging. Kent State University at Trumbull nursing students take their education to another level as they learn how to care for patients as well as the community.
This fall through their Student Nurses Association (SNA), they raised money to purchase Sleep Sacks for new parents at Trumbull Memorial Hospital to counteract high infant mortality rates in Ohio, installed smoke detectors in homes in the community for veterans, families in domestic violence situations, and the elderly, and most recently, packed shoeboxes with toys, personal hygiene items, clothes and other small items for children in the name of Operation Christmas through the Samaritans Purse.
“We are in a great place,” said Emily Trunick, nursing student and president of the SNA. “As we go through classes together, we become a family. And we all want to help make the Valley a better place. It’s a great feeling to be part of something so worthwhile and positive.”
Students plan to raise more money for the community at their 2nd Annual Craft Show on March 10 at Kent State Trumbull.
“Our Student Nurses Association is one of the hardest working groups. We are proud of their dedication to this community and to the profession of nursing,” said Alice Colwell, one of the SNA faculty advisors. “They have worked tirelessly to make their organization a success.”
The newest class of graduating nurses will be recognized on Thursday, Dec. 14 as more than 20 nursing students will receive their nursing pins. The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. and will be held at Vernon's Cafe, 720 Youngstown-Warren Rd, Niles, OH 44446.
Picture Caption: For this year’s “Make A Difference Day,” nursing students collaborated with the American Red Cross (ARC) and the county to help install smoke detectors in over 17 homes in the community. Pictured are (left-right) Loni Nyako, Brittany Courtney, Margaret Graben, ARC volunteer, Danielle DeCristofaro, and Emily Trunick (SNA president)