from staff
The University of North Florida School of Nursing and the UNF Student Nurses’ Association are among 10 nursing programs across the country to receive Stellar School Chapter Recognition by the National Student Nurses’ Association.
UNF is the first and only Florida nursing program to receive the national recognition.
UNF nursing students were recognized at the 59th Annual NSNA Convention in Salt Lake City. The Stellar School Chapter Recognition is awarded to schools that demonstrate and exemplify leadership as well as professionalism among nursing students and is awarded for five years.
“This is such a great testament to the dedication of students and faculty in the School of Nursing,” said Dr. Li Loriz, director of the UNF nursing school.
Fourteen UNF nursing students, all partially supported by Charles and Doris Nevaiser Endowed Nursing Scholarship, were represented at the convention, including Harris Zeliff, president of the UNF Student Nurses’ Association, and UNF nursing instructor Dr. Judy Comeaux.
UNF had the highest number of posters selected for presentation at the convention. Presentation of posters is a scholarly way for students to present the outcomes of their projects.
The application process for Stellar School Chapter Recognition showcased accomplishments by students during the past five years, including the Platinum School Community Award in 2007 for community education programs. Between 2000 and 2009, nursing students at UNF completed 337 community projects.
Nursing students are assigned to a home base at the beginning of the nursing program and remain in that home base throughout their nursing school experience.
The goal is to provide education and learning resources regarding relevant health issues tailored to the specific needs of each individual population.
One of the projects led by UNF nursing students is the Panda Project, a partnership with Wolfson Children’s Hospital. It uses methods to decrease fear, anxiety and pain in children who undergo painful procedures.
The association raised funds to purchase toys, books and games to fill a “Panda Box” for pediatric patients and continues to provide supplies as needed.
Additionally, in recent years students from the chapter have held a number of statewide offices, including president, vice president, secretary and treasurer, to name a few.
The School of Nursing at the Brooks College of Health offers programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.
The college offers degree programs and specialized certifications in community and public health, rehabilitation counseling, nutrition, health administration, nursing and nurse anesthesia, exercise physiology, athletic training and physical therapy.