By: Nora Carroll

A group of twelve passionate future nurses from West Virginia Wesleyan College recently took their education beyond the classroom, traveling over 2,00 miles to Seattle for the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) conference. 

The Student Nurses of Weselyan, or S.N.O.W., is an active organization on campus that get the nursing students more involved outside of the classroom. Wesleyan’s School of Nursing prides itself on preparing students for real-world success, and this trip offered a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. 

The NSNA conference is an annual gathering of nursing students from all across the country. This year’s conference featured keynote speakers, workships, networking, and career development opportunities. Attendees are exposed to national issues in healthcare, are able to learn from leaders in the field, and have opportunities to expand professional networks. 

“The thing that stuck out to me the most and that will definitely stick with me for a long time is all that I learned about inclusivity in nursing, and how it is important to give patients equity instead of equality to cater to the needs of each individual patient,” stated Kathleen Carson, a S.N.O.W member, “One workshop that stood out to me the most was one about the importance of having women’s health nurse practitioners and the vital role they play in the health care system.”

“Attending a national conference like NSNA provides invaluable exposure to the broader nursing profession beyond the classroom and clinicals,” says Noah Jordan, the outgoing S.N.O.W. President, “These connections and insights can open doors to future job opportunities, specialty areas, and advanced education pathways. It also instills a sense of professional identity and motivation that continues to shape their careers long after graduation.”

In his term as S.N.O.W. president, Jordan had the opportunity to not only attend the conference, but lead his peers through it. Jordan described the experience to be “both challenging and incredibly rewarding.” He went on to explain “It required a lot of coordination, communication, and adaptability, especially with logistics and keeping everyone engaged. But seeing our group grow more confident, inspired, and united throughout the conference made it all worth it.”

For anyone interested in S.N.O.W. or attending NSNA events in the future, Jordan left this piece of advice: “Don’t hesitate—get involved early! Organizations like SNOW and events like NSNA are more than just résumé boosters; they’re opportunities to learn about leadership, advocacy, and the nursing profession on a national level. Step out of your comfort zone, ask questions, and take advantage of workshops and networking. It’s easy to underestimate how powerful these experiences can be until you’re in the middle of them, feeling inspired and excited about your future in nursing.”

This unforgettable trip to Seattle didn’t just broaden the horizons of Welseyan’s nursing students, it strengthened their passion, deepened their knowledge, and connected them with a national community of future healthcare professionals.

From @snow.wvwc on Instagram