UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s chapter of the Student Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP) brought home an armful of awards from the association’s annual convention and awards banquet in November in Harrisburg.
The Penn State chapter won the Chapter Excellence Award, the most prestigious chapter award presented each year by SNAP. The Chapter Excellence Award recognizes those chapters that enhance members’ participation by demonstrating versatility in their programs and activities.
“Versatility is a key component in the development of a successful professional nurse,” according to the award criteria. “Versatility, defined as having knowledge and/or displaying characteristics in many different areas, can also apply to the successful management of a SNAP chapter.”
Chapters are judged on the basis of three criteria: (1) participation at meetings and chapter-sponsored events, (2) success of community projects and fundraising activities in promoting the nursing profession and encouraging student involvement, and (3) recruitment and retention of members.
Mary Ellen Yonushonis, senior lecturer in nursing and faculty adviser for the University Park SNAP chapter, won the Adviser of the Year Award, given annually to an adviser who (1) provides motivation and mentorship opportunities, (2) exhibits and teaches professionalism, (3) encourages leadership roles, (4) generates enthusiasm for SNAP involvement and the nursing profession, and (5) encourages students to continue their education and professional involvement after graduation.
“Mary Ellen has devoted so many years to the Penn State SNAP chapter and is very deserving of this award,” said Cindy Shingler, SNAP executive director.
De’Kia Dortch, a senior nursing major, received the Rena M. Lawrence Memorial Award for demonstrating outstanding achievement and commitment to nursing excellence through academics, personal and professional growth, leadership and citizenship. Dortch is serving her second term on the SNAP board of directors as south central regional coordinator. In this position, she serves as liaison between students and the organization, helps to cultivate students’ professional skills, and works to strengthen chapters in the region. Dortch has also served on SNAP’s community health committee.
Dortch and Bethany Shields, another senior nursing major, both received the SNAP Upperclass Member Scholarship, awarded to SNAP members on the recommendation of their faculty advisers.
SNAP, a constituent of the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA), is a student-run organization representing more than 5,000 nursing students throughout Pennsylvania. SNAP’s function is to have direct input into nursing education standards, influence the educational process, and promote a collaborative relationship with other health-related organizations. Members benefit from leadership opportunities, exam preparation courses, scholarships, career information and legislative representation.