A PUBLICATION

FOR NEW JERSEY

NURSING STUDENTS
VOLUME 60
ISSUE 2
JANUARY 2016

Seize the Moment

one of the best decisions I have ever

made. Had I not taken the chance to
join this organization, I would not be
its president today.
This years COSP theme reflects
the mindset of seizing the moment
and our speakers provided great advice
on how to apply that mindset.
They encouraged us to get involved
and seize that momentwhatever it
may be. Should an opportunity arise to
become a member of a nursing
organization, take it! Get involved!
Nancy Nunez
Try something new, network, and
President
stretch yourself by moving out of your
comfort zone. It was reassuring to hear
Thank you, students and faculty,
that joined us at this years Council of that it is acceptable to be unsure of
School Participants (COSP) workshop. taking on a new position, role, or
responsibility.
We had a wonderful turnout and I
We were encouraged to find a
especially want to thank New Jersey
mentor.
There is always someone who
Nursing Students, Inc. (NJNS) board
is willing to guide you on your journey
members who did an excellent job
and assist you in achieving your goals.
organizing the event. Id also like to
Last, but not least, we were
thank our speakers, Norma Rogers,
encouraged to pay it forward. Joining
BSN, RN; Louise Baca, MSN, RN;
organizations will open many doors,
Regina Adams, BSN, RN and our
help you advance in your nursing
many sponsors who donated the gift
career, and provide networking
baskets and their contents for this
opportunities. Why not do that for
event.
another student? Contacts made at
Last year, I attended COSP as a
representative from my school. At that events will help you and others along
the way. What will you do when asked
time I was the class president and
if you want to join an organization?
believed that it was a good idea to
Seize the moment and say, Yes!
attend this event and see what was
Another opportunity to network is at
involved. Not only did I bring back
our annual convention being held
valuable information regarding
March 3rd and 4th at Ballys in Atlantic
convention and scholarships, but I
City! I look forward to seeing you
came back to school as the new
there! For more information visit our
Breakthrough to Nursing director. I
had no idea what the role entailed, but website www.njnsinc.org.
I said to myself, Why not? It was

Opportunities for Nursing

Students

Paola Montesino
1st Vice President
The life of a nursing student
usually runs in a cycle of studying,
eating, studying, eating, and maybe
sleeping a little, just to study some
more. It is in the middle of this
draining routine that you must be
reminded how glorious it is to earn
those two letters after your name: RN.
Your struggles and sacrifices are not in
vain. You are fighting for the privilege
to shape the healthcare of tomorrow.
You are learning to champion patients
through illness and save their lives.
You are going to be a registered nurse.
As a new board member of New
Jersey Nursing Students, Inc. (NJNS) I
have learned so much about the
opportunities available to future
nurses. In October we hosted the
Council of School Participants (COSP)
where we had speakers with enough
stories, advice, and credentials to
inspire even the weariest. The students
that attended held expressions of
excitement and hope as they heard
about the experiences that awaited
them. We heard about the nursing
profession beyond the clinical floor

ISSUE 2

and in continuing education,

networking, research, professional
organizations, and so much more. The
life stories of our speakers described
how the finish line that all nursing
students labor to reach is merely the
beginning of an incredible journey.
The NJNS board is now
organizing our upcoming convention-a large-scale event that will be held in
Atlantic City on March 3rd and 4th.
Speakers will address a variety of
topics and exhibitors will be there to
speak with nursing students. They each
offer resources that will help you reach
your goals.
I am responsible for enlisting the
organizations that will exhibit at the
convention. The vendors I have been
meeting at various events are
prospective employers, schools, and
NCLEX preparation course
representatives. They each have so
much to offer the future nurses of New
Jersey and have expressed great
enthusiasm to meet all of you. Our
organization strives to provide you
with this support so that you can
become the best nurse you can be. We
are rooting for you to reach the finish
line and the beginning of your
profession.

My Visit to the Annual

NJSNA/IFN Convention

April Ancheta
2nd Vice President
The annual New Jersey State
Nurses Association (NJSNA)/Institute
for Nursing (IFN) convention, which
was informative and so much fun, was
held in Ballys Hotel and Casino in
Atlantic City, NJ from October 13thOctober 16th. This years theme was
Uniting the Past and the Present to

PAGE 2

Chart the Future. This was my first

time attending the NJSNA convention,
and NJSNA held several speaker
sessions for students only. I thoroughly
enjoyed attending sessions that were
geared toward pre-professional
development. Examples of sessions in
the student track were Adventures in
Nursing given by Lee Taylor-Vaughan,
MSN, RN, APN, CCRN-CSC and A
Walk on the Wild Side: A Nurses
Account of Lateral Violence, given
by NJNSs own staff advisor Regina
Adams, BSN, RN, CNOR.
Taylor-Vaughs session
was all-encompassing as he explained
everything a student may go through in
nursing schoolfrom trying to
navigate clinical laboratories, passing
the NCLEX the first time, and
providing tips and tricks to guarantee
success in landing your first job once
you graduate.
In addition to listening to speakers
during the student track sessions,
nursing students were also able to visit
the grand exhibition hall where many
colleges, hospitals, and various
healthcare/pharmaceutical companies
representatives had booths where
nursing students and professional
nurses alike could network. The New
Jersey Nursing Students, Inc. (NJNS)
had its own booth that was managed by
our president, Nancy Nunez, and our
first vice president, Paola Montesino.
If any of you were able to visit our
booth then maybe you met them!
But one of my favorite parts of the
NJSNA convention was that Miss
Colorado, Kelly Johnson, was in
attendance and spoke during the Health
Care Plenary Session! When I first saw
her, I admit that I was in shock. She
has single-handedly brought so much
positive attention to the nursing
profession and to what nurses actually
do that I think any nursing student
would have felt the same emotions I
did upon seeing her.
During her speech, Kelley spoke
about her own journey in becoming a
nurse, the impact nursing has had on
her and her personal growth, and how
it has become her mission to help
spread positive messages about nurses

around the world. Here are a few lines

from her speech: We must always
remember the little girls and the little
boys who fell in love with this job
before they really knew what this job
wasthats the same heart we can
serve with and look to on the days that
we struggle. I am honored to be a
nurse. I am thanking you today. I am
telling you that you are appreciated. I
understand your value and your
importance in all that you do each and
every day. I will continue to tell the
rest of the world the same things as the
opportunities are blessed onto me.
Everything Ive done is for you all
its not about me. Thank you for
having me today, and lets take care of
each other. Because after all, none of
us are just nurses. Kelley was truly an
inspiration.
If you were unable to attend this
years NJSNA Convention, there is no
need to fret! The NJSNA Convention is
held in Atlantic City every year around
the same time so there is always next
year. NJNSs own convention will take
place next year on March 3rd and 4th in
Ballys in Atlantic City so mark your
calendarsI hope to see you all there!

Thank You!

Subbashini Neelam
Secretary
Hello, everyone! First and
foremost, I would like to thank all
those who attended our Council of
School Participants (COSP) on
October 10th. Our event was a great
success thanks to your attendance and
it was made even greater thanks to our
guests and amazing speakers. I would
like to thank Louise Baca, MSN, RN;
Norma Rodgers, BSN, RN; and
Regina Adams, BSN, RN, CNOR for
providing us with words of wisdom,

ISSUE 2

experience, and insight into how

nursing as a profession has progressed
from the past to the current day. The
speakers shared valuable information
on the importance of getting involved
in your pre-professional organization
and shared the numerous advantages
and opportunities when taking an
active interest in participating in their
schools. Thanks to these speakers, our
guests learned so much!
If you were unable to make COSP,
there are other opportunities to attend
events! Our 64th annual convention will
be held at Ballys in Atlantic City on
March 3rd and 4th. Our theme for this
upcoming year is Nursing: Honoring
the Past and Shaping the Future. We
will have numerous speakers,
exhibitors, and exciting sessions that
will expand your nursing knowledge to
help you become an informed nursing
student. The annual convention is a
great way to network, meet potential
employers, and expand your
knowledge, so please plan to attend! I
look forward to seeing everyone at
convention. Please visit our website
www.njnsinc.org to register and find
more information!

New Role, New Opportunity

PAGE 3

great opportunity to network with other

nursing students, to learn more about
NJNS, and hear how NJNS
involvement helped former board
members, who are now registered
nurses, advance their careers.
Louise Baca, MSN, RN, Norma
Rodgers, BSN, RN, and Regina
Adams, BSN, RN, CNOR were the
speakers who provided advice on the
importance of getting involved with
organizations such as NJNS and
mesmerized us with stories from their
experiences. Being a nursing student
is not easy but this workshop eased my
anxiety and gave me confidence that I
can graduate just as the speakers did. I
am very happy that I attended COSP
because I met other nursing students
and I was elected as Fundraising
director for the 2015-2016 term.
All students should participate in
workshops and events by NJNS
because they contain information that
you cannot find anywhere else. The
speakers presented stories of when
they were student nurses, their first job
and how they were motivated to keep
climbing to the top. The best way to
learn is through personal experience
but I believe that hearing other nurses
experiences is extremely helpful for
nursing students. Take my advice, NJ
nursing students, network as much as
possible.
Overall, COSP was a great
workshop that helped open my eyes to
other options and allowed me to meet
nursing students from different
programs from around the state. More
nursing students will need to
experience this opportunity.

Aisha Mian
Fundraising Director
On October 10th, 2015, the New
Jersey Nursing Students, Inc. (NJNS)
held its annual Council of School
Participants (COSP) workshop. The
theme for this event was Student
Leaders: Then and Now. This
workshop was discussed during a
Nursing Student Organization (NSO)
meeting at Passaic County Community
College (PCCC). COSP presented a

Gearing Up For 2016

Christopher Puzio
Pulsebeat Editor/Public
Relations Director
Just like that another year has
come and gone. As for 2015, it has
been an amazing year for me, as I hope
it was for you. New Jersey Nursing
Students, Inc. (NJNS) has welcomed
new members to the board, including
me. I could not be happier being
accepted into this great organization. It
all started with my attendance at this
years Council of School Participants
(COSP) workshop.
This was my first time attending
COSP so I did not know what to
expect. What I found was a wealth of
knowledge and a source of guidance
from nurses that have already
established themselves as leaders
within the nursing community. I was
happy to be introduced to fellow
nursing students that were already
making strides toward leadership roles
in their schools and with NJNS.
What I came away with from this
event was the idea that to make change
in a community, you must be willing to
work with fellow like-minded
individuals. With a group of people
working toward a common goal, there
will be lasting change. This is why it
has been an invaluable experience; I
met, spoke with, and started
networking with COSP attendees. I
also made new friends which is always
a plus. I would recommend COSP to
everyone especially all student nurses
because the lessons learned from this
event are priceless. I hope to see you at
COSP next year.
Speaking of next yearour
annual convention is coming. The
theme for this years convention is
Nursing: Honoring the Past and
Shaping the Future. As student nurses
we know how fast time flies so mark
your calendars now for

ISSUE 2

March 3rd and 4th at Ballys in Atlantic

City. March will be here before you
know it!

How COSP Impacted Me

Katrina E. Taormina
Breakthrough to Nursing
Director
During a monthly meeting of the
Passaic County Community College
(PCCC) Nursing Student Organization
(NSO) , a discussion ensued about the
Council of School Participants (COSP)
which is an event held at the New
Jersey Nursing Students, Inc. (NJNS)
headquarters in Trenton. I was
immediately interested in attending
because I knew this would allow me to
meet individuals who are on the same
career path as I am. Additionally, I
knew it would be a great opportunity to
gain advice from the staff who are
nurses.
Upon arriving I was pleasantly
greeted by everyone. There were three
speakers who had served on the NJNS
board in the past and all had an impact
on me. Listening to these individuals
allowed me to realize that nursing
students have someone they can go to
for advice, and that its important to
have a mentor. The nursing curriculum
is extremely difficult, but with
persistence and perseverance anyone
can make it through. Listening to the
speakers also inspired me to become a
board member for NJNS; I hadnt
thought of before attending COSP.
During the lunch break I had the
opportunity to talk to some of the
NJNS board members about the
positions that were open and the
responsibilities of each. After lunch I
had the choice of staying for the board
meeting or leaving; I chose to stay.
While observing the board meeting I
became even more excited and decided

PAGE 4

to run for the Breakthrough to Nursing

director position and was voted into
the office!
I attended COSP for the
opportunity to learn and meet other
nursing students that have similar
visions as I do. Interesting enough, I
went in as a nursing student with little
knowledge of NJNS and left as a board
member. COSP has made a huge
impact on my life and I am so excited
to work with everyone on the board
this year.

Norma Rogers, BSN, RN, also

provided exquisite advice including
take a city council position, join your
specific professional organization, and
record yourself speaking in order to
improve public speaking skills. Lastly,
Regina Adams, BSN, RN, gave
beneficial advice about the field of
nursing; she educated the audience
about the nursing profession in todays
world. Adams broadened the views of
many individuals, as well as provided
encouragement about their future
careers.
My goal during my term as
community health director is to
Moving Forward
educate current and future nursing
professionals about the crucial health
aspects facing our world today. Many
issues and concerns regarding health
care are not taken into consideration,
thus I plan on bringing this information
to the table and addressing the
important factors of healthcare that are
so commonly overlooked. Challenges
that are currently being faced at the
Rachel Leitner
moment consist of lung cancer
Community Health Director
awareness, transgender advocacy, and
digital changeover among the health
Greetings, fellow New Jersey
care industry. I hope to serve as both
nursing students! My name is Rachel
an educator and an advocate, in order
Leitner and I am the New Jersey
to improve health care one step at a
Nursing Students, Inc. (NJNS)
time.
community health director for the
To learn more about community
2015-2016 term. The NJNS recently
health, be sure to attend the 64th annual
presented its Council of School
NJNS convention at Ballys in Atlantic
Participants (COSP) workshop where City this spring on March 3rd and 4th!
nursing students were able to meet and Feel free to contact me at
discuss important matters with fellow communityhealth@njnsinc.org to
nursing students from around the state. discuss community health issues.
A panel of nurses covered numerous
topics that are crucial to success in
nursing including discussions about
their educational paths, as well as
guidance for the eager attending
students.
The program, Student Leaders
Then and Now, included Louise Baca,
MSN, RN, who provided the attendees
with countless tips on how to become a
more successful nursing student. She
advised students to begin a curriculum
vitae (CV) and keep it updated, take a
leadership skills class, find a mentor,
and take advantage of every
opportunity that comes your way.

The 64th Annual NJNS Convention!

ISSUE22
ISSUE

PAGE65
PAGE

Nursing: Honoring the Past and Shaping the Future

March 3rd and 4th Bally's, Atlantic City, NJ
Register Online www.NJNSinc.org
as they have advanced their careers. In
a sense, being on the board helped
Join the NJNS Board
their career because their involvement
allowed them to grow as leaders and
taught them how to handle different
situations. It was an incredible
experience to hear their journey from
nursing school to what they each do
now and how being on the board
opened doors for them. Since COSP, I
have been trying to follow the multiple
tips they gave us to succeed, such as
recording everything you do and
always give yourself enough credit
Nikhila Manchikanti
when trying new things.
Membership Nominations
Being on the NJNS board is a
Director
valuable opportunity to push yourself
and test your limits. Nursing school is
On October 10th, 2015, New
difficult, making it hard to focus on
Jersey Nursing Students, Inc. (NJNS) anything but studying for the needed
held its annual Council of School
content for the next examination.
Participants (COSP) workshop. This
However, joining different
years theme was Student Leaders:
organizations, such as NJNS will help
Then and Now. The three speakers,
you to progress. By joining NJNS, I
Louise Baca, MSN, RN; Norma
managed to improve my leadership
Rodgers, BSN, RN; and Regina
skills including communication,
Adams, BSN, RN held a position on
organization, and networking. I have
the executive board of NJNS in the
learned how to do better in school
past and are now doing amazing things because NJNS involvement has taught

me how to organize my time

efficiently. After COSP, we had
numerous students who were inspired
by the speakers and wanted to join the
board.
I would like to congratulate the
four students who were elected:
Christopher Puzio as Pulsebeat editor,
Rachel Leitner as Community Health
director, Katrina E. Taormina as
Breakthrough to Nursing director, and
Aisha Mian as Fundraising director.
To learn more about how you can join
our board, please attend our monthly
meetings at the New Jersey State
Nurses Association (NJSNA)
headquarters in Trenton. If that is not
possible, register to attend our annual
convention at Ballys in Atlantic City!
At convention, you will hear multiple
speakers address a variety of subjects,
from surviving nursing school to
making pharmacology easier.
Consider applying for a scholarship
(see our website njnsinc.org) and
running for the 2016-2017 board. It is
never too late to get involved; it will
be an experience you will never
forget!

Nursing: Honoring the Past and Shaping the

Future

64th Annual Convention Thursday and Friday, March 3rd and 4th 2016
Ballys Atlantic City 1900 Pacific Ave Atlantic City NJ 08401
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Student Convention Registration Form

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_

DEADLINE for Advance Registration: Monday, February 22, 2016

Only one person may register per form. NSNA members or sustaining members must provide membership number
with registration at the convention. Lunch will be included on Thursday for pre-registrants ONLY!
Any registration received without payment will NOT be processed.
NO REFUNDS, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Advance registration is due before February 22, 2016 - mail this completed form and payment to the
address below or register online at njnsinc.org:
NSNA Members
Non-NSNA Members
Thursday only (Focus Sessions and Exhibit Hall)
$75.00
$90.00
First Night Dinner Party- Only $15.00 additional
$15.00
$15.00
Come attend the First Night Dinner Party on Thursday night!! Includes dinner, music, and photo booth

Thursday and Friday only $10 extra for either session

NCLEX Test Taking Strategies

$10.00

$10.00

$10.00

$10.00

OR

The Silver Line to Nursing School

Total Enclosed: $________________________

Please check: ( ) NSNA Member ( ) Sustaining Member

NSNA Membership #: ________________

Please type or print legibly:

First Name _______________________

Last Name __________________________Telephone # (_____) _______________

Address ______________________________________
E-mail address ______________________________

Apt # ______ City ____________ State ____

Zip ________

School Name _________________________ Campus ___________

Method of Payment: Check made payable to New Jersey Nursing Students

Money Order
Master Card
(NJNS, Inc. assesses a $35.00 administrative charge for all returned checks.)

VISA

Name as it appears on credit card ____________________________________________________ (please print or type)

Credit Card # ____________________________

Exp. Date __________

Total ___________

Authorized Credit Card Signature _______________________________

On-Site Registration (if registering after February 22, 2016, bring this completed form and payment with you to

convention.
Not eligible to attend First Night Party. Lunch is NOT included. NCLEX subject to availability.
NSNA Members
Non-NSNA
Member
and Sustaining Members
Students and
Visitors
Thursday only (Focus Sessions & Exhibit Hall)
$110.00

$125.00
Thursday and Friday - NCLEX Test Taking Strategies (Only $10.00 Extra)
$120.00
$135.00
or
The Silver Lining to Nursing School
$120.00
$135.00
(Only $10.00 Extra; $15 for non- members)

Hotel Accommodations
Hotel room reservations are the sole responsibility of the attendee. The NJNS, Inc. room rate is $59 or $69 plus tax. To reserve a room, call Ballys
directly at (609) 340-2000 and identify yourself with New Jersey Nursing Students, Inc. convention to receive the discounted rate. Use discount code
SB03NS6. Room rate is guaranteed through February 15, 2016. The hotel will request a deposit equivalent to the first nights rate plus taxes per
room. Check in time is 4pm. Early check in fees will be the responsibility of room occupants. Check with your dean/director regarding financial
assistance.Please mail completed form to: Convention Registrar NJNS, Inc. 1479 Pennington Road Trenton NJ 08618-2694
If you have any other questions, please contact Regina Adams, BSN, RN via email at staff@njnsinc.org.
Photography Release Waiver: By registering and attending the NJNS, Inc. convention I hereby give my permission for my name, photograph, or
likeness to be used by NJNS and/or NSNA within any media in which it appears without NJNS and/or NSNA incurring any debts or liabilities of
any kind. Persons under the age of 21 will be prohibited from the casino floor at Ballys Atlantic City while attending the convention.

ISSUE 2

PAGE 7

Nursing: Honoring the Past and Shaping

the Future
64rd Annual Convention Thursday and Friday, March 3rd and 4th
Ballys 1900 Pacific Ave Atlantic City NJ 08401

IMPACT Award
Due by January 20, 2016
New Jersey Nursing Students, Inc. (NJNS) members have the opportunity to recognize an individual who has had
an impact on their nursing education and/or career choice. This individual may be a dean, director, faculty member,
mentor or relative who demonstrates support to nursing students.
Purpose:
NJNS has created this award to honor individuals who demonstrate educating and/or supporting a students
professional development.
Awards:
Three awards will be presented based on the essays submitted. Decisions of the committee will be final. The
award will be given at our annual Deans/Directors luncheon on March 3, 2016. The recipient must be present at the
luncheon.
Criteria:
The nominee must have made a substantial impact on, and supported the student during nursing school.
An essay describing the activities involved with the student must be submitted by
January 20, 2016.
Download complete application at www.njnsinc.org.

Attention Nursing Students: In need of cash?

Download scholarship application on www.njnsinc.org
MUST BE POSTMARKED ON OR BEFORE MIDNIGHT
January 22, 2016
Late applications will NOT be considered.
Scholarships awarded at convention
Mail completed application to
Regina Adams, BSN, RN, CNOR
1479 Pennington Road, Trenton, NJ 08618
Email: Staff@njnsinc.org

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