THE KANS CONNECTION

The KANS

CONNECTION

December 2012

KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF STUDENT NURSES

The 60th

Annual KANS Convention turned out to be a fun and captivating event for everyone involved. This year was especially exciting because the Kansas Association of Nursing Students paired up with Kansas State Nurses Association for a joint convention. By joining conventions, KANS members were provided an excellent opportunity to connect with professional nurses from all over Kansas.

After the KANS Opening House of Delegates, students were able to visit with exhibitors from universities, hospitals, and other various organizations or companies to learn about educational and professional opportunities in nursing. There were raffles, prizes, and useful promotional items offered to students. Keynote speaker Cindy Balkstra, First Vice President of ANA, gave an exceptional and inspiring speech at the Dean’s Lunch and Opening Celebration. Students were then able to attend 3 different Focus Sessions. There were many options for each session available with interesting subjects like Pharmacology

Made Insanely Easy, Nursing Career Planning Workshop and even a session on Forensic Nursing. After the focus sessions were over students could then meet the candidates running for 2012-2013 board positions.

On the second day, our new KANS executive board members were voted into office and state awards were given out at the KANS Closing of the House of Delegates. Students then had one last chance to visit with the exhibitors before closing keynote speaker Mary E. Foley, Immediate Past President of ANA, gave her thought-provoking and inspirational speech for KANS and KSNA attendees. Afterwards, students were invited to participate in a Red Cross Health Services Response Workshop and the new KANS board members had their first meeting. Please take the time to read through this issue of The KANS Connection and get to know your new officers as they are excited and honored to serve you in this upcoming year.

Meet the new KANS board members throughout this issue.

KANS Executive Board meeting between 2011/2012 & 2012-2013

boards

Wrap Up of the 60th Annual Nursing Convention

By Erika Adams, Newsletter Editor/Historian

THE KANS CONNECTION | Kansas Association of Student Nurses 2

KANS President, Christopher Robinson

The KANS Connection is pleased to introduce our new president, Christopher Robinson. He just got back from the NSNA Mid-Year Conference in San Diego, CA and is excited to take over his new role as KANS president.

Name: Christopher Robinson

School: Pratt community College

KANS board position: President

Goals for KANS: To bring more people and schools into KANS and again receive the excellence award from NSNA.

Why nursing: It’s a passion of mine to help people. More importantly, I want to be that rock for them that they can lean on in their time of need. I want my patients to know that when they need help they have people like all of us who want to help.

Plans for the future: Continue with school until I finish my master’s degree and work in the ER or somewhere in trauma.

Outside interests or hobbies: I love cars and working on cars, I'm somewhat of a gear head.

The Kansas Association of Nursing Students had its beginning in 1947 when an interested group of about 100 students attended the Kansas State Nurses’ Association Convention at the Allis Hotel in

Wichita. There they formulated plans and organized KANS with KSNA as their “parent”

organization. Six years later, in 1953, they held their first annual convention in Topeka. Beginning in 1996, KANS began coordinating its convention with KSNA in order to promote togetherness and to allow greater networking with current professionals. KANS continues to have members statewide and has the continued support of KSNA. KANS members are important; they are the professional leaders of tomorrow.

Kansas Association of Nursing

Students

THE KANS CONNECTION | Kansas Association of Student Nurses 3

MEET THE KANS BOARD MEMBERS

KANS Vice President of

Convention Name: Kristin Baker - I usually go by Kris

School: Pratt Community College

KANS board position: Vice President of Convention Goals for KANS: I hope to make the 2013 Convention an entertaining, educational, and memorable event for all the future nurses of Kansas. Why nursing: My mom was a nurse and if I can only become half the nurse she was then I will be blessed in taking care of many different people and making a difference their lives. Plans for the future: I plan on working in occupational nursing and eventually travel nursing. Outside interests or hobbies: My husband and I own Stanley Steemer. This keeps us pretty busy along with our two kids. Lauren is 19 at Newman University and Cody is a freshman at Derby. I like to bowl, travel, and spend time with family.

Name: Cylas Brooks

School: Pittsburg State University

KANS board position: Vice President Parliamentary

Goals for KANS: I will to strive to keep members involved, feel like they are a part of KANS, and also have a say in what is going on year round versus just during convention time. I will also do my best in helping the meetings go as smooth as possible by obtaining further knowledge in my position at the NSNA mid-year conference.

Why nursing: I love people. I've never met a stranger and I get along with everyone I meet. I aspire to help people and I believe a career in healthcare is one of the best ways to accomplish this. There is a lot of diversity in the field of nursing as to where you can work and what skills you are utilizing. Medicine is continuously changing at a rapid rate and I am fascinated by the amazing advances that surface daily. Overall, like many of my fellow nursing students, I want to make a difference.

Plans for the future: I would like to gain experience in the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, or Critical Care Unit, and eventually become a flight nurse.

Outside interests or hobbies: Outside of nursing I enjoy playing basketball and any form of music. I was in choir for five years, band for six years, and also took tap and hip hop dance. Along with these things, I like to spend time with my family and I love getting the chance to spend time with my little sister Lyric, who is a beautiful and intelligent young woman.

KANS Vice President of Parliamentary

Did you know that The KANS Connection has a facebook page?

Find us at facebook.com/TheKansConnection

THE KANS CONNECTION | Kansas Association of Student Nurses 4

KANS Legislative Chair

Name: Madeline Baumgartner School: Bethel College KANS Board Position: Legislative Chair Goals for KANS: My main goal for my time as Legislative Chair for KANS is to listen. I want to listen

to the concerns other nursing students have and use my voice to make those concerns heard. I have some pretty big opinions, but what is the use of advocating for me when there are so many people whose voices aren't being heard? I encourage you to contact me if there is something you would like the larger KANS board to address concerning legislative matters. Why nursing: I chose to get into nursing after realizing how great the need is for the care of those in our society’s margins. I began with the intent of elder-care and mental health nursing, but quickly grew to love and appreciate all

aspects of nursing. Plans for the future: Eventually I would like to get into nurse lobbying so I can make sure that our voices as nurses are heard by those writing and implementing laws on both state and federal levels. Closer to the future, I plan on graduating from Bethel College with my BSN, spend some time doing service with the Mennonite Mission Network, and end up in the southwest. Outside interests or hobbies: I am an avid knitter, reader, and jewelry maker. I will graduate with an Art Minor from Bethel College.

The 2011-2012 KANS board of directors had an extremely successful year. Not only did KANS have the largest membership growth, but they were also presented with the 2012 NSNA Excellence Award. Thank you to all the previous board members for all of your hard work and dedication.

KANAS ASSOCIATION OF NURSING STUDENTS

2011-2012 Student Executive

Board of Directors

Saying Goodbye to the Old Officers By Erika Adams, Newsletter Editor/Historian

Previous KANS President, Liem Halim

THE KANS CONNECTION | Kansas Association of Student Nurses 5

KANS Projects Chair

Name: Brook Kendall School: Pittsburg State University KANS board position: Projects Chair Goals for KANS: Actively work together to facilitate successful fundraisers, projects and events throughout the year. Further increase NSNA membership within our school chapters. Promote a positive outlook on the image of nursing through our participation at conventions and other events. Why nursing: I have a passion for working with people. To me, nursing isn't going to be a job. It will be a career that I can enjoy because I'll be using my knowledge and ability to help others. I know that I will always have job security, and I'll be able to move around to different areas within the field to gain more experience. Nursing is an open door for anyone who chooses this career. I wouldn't have chosen anything else! Plans for the future: After I work for a few years and gain experience, I would really like travel around the country and outside of the United States. Eventually I also want to attend

graduate school and obtain my Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Outside interests or hobbies: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, volunteering, watching movies, working out, and playing with my puppy! Since a lot of my extra time currently is spent studying, I'm excited for when I graduate and will be able to pick up new hobbies and interests!

KANS Breakthrough to Nursing

Name: Miranda Wayman

School: Emporia State University

KANS board position: Breakthrough to Nursing Chairperson

Goals for KANS: Connect current nursing students to resources to make it through nursing school and connect future students with knowledge to guide them to the nursing profession. Why nursing: I love to serve, and what better way to serve people than to provide the care nurses do! Plans for the future: After graduation I’d like to work in an ED or ICU environment for two years and then go back to school to pursue the field of nursing

anesthesia. One day I hope to teach nursing students! Outside interests or hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my husband playing ultimate Frisbee. Playing piano is a hobby of mine; I really enjoy playing Brahms, my favorite probably being Brahms Rhapsody in G minor op. 79, no. 2. I love sharing my faith and serving others passionately.

KANS Treasurer

Name: Lauren Kuefler School: Pittsburg State University KANS board position: Treasurer Goals for KANS: To obtain the Treasurer certificate during Mid-year, to be as involved as much possible and serve the board to my best ability. Why nursing: I have always wanted to become a nurse because I love taking care of and helping people and this is the best way for me to do that. Plans for the future: To graduate in May of 2013 and get a job in a cardiac or NICU unit. Outside interests or hobbies: Drinking coffee with my husband and entertaining friends in our home.

THE KANS CONNECTION | Kansas Association of Student Nurses 6

KANS Secretary

Name: Markie Townsend

School: Kansas Wesleyan University

KANS board position: Secretary

Goals for KANS: I would like for KANS to obtain a second State Excellence Award and continue to advance within NSNA. I will also continue to advance as a student nurse within these organizations.

Why nursing: I have a life science degree but I did not feel my talents were being utilized to the potential that I have. So after talking and do some soul searching, I realized that nursing was an excellent avenue of science while caring for others with a sense of reward at the end of the day. Nursing allows you to go different directions with the same degree, obtain a graduate degree, or travel the world through this profession while helping others.

Plans for the future: I hope to work in the ICU for a few years and then go back for a Ph.D. in nursing research with an

emphasis on education of student nurses.

Outside interests or hobbies: I enjoy jogging, swimming, teaching gymnastics at the local YMCA, and getting together with friends. I have an amazing husband who has been very encouraging throughout my second degree; he is my #1 support group.

KANS Nominations and Elections Committee Chair

Name: Jordan Argo School: Emporia State University

KANS board position: NEC Chair Goals for KANS: My goal for KANS is to improve the communication by providing various means of connections between KANS and future nurses. Why nursing: I have always dreamed of being in a profession that gives back and helps people, but it wasn’t until my high school days that I decided nursing was my aspiration. This all began in the obstetrics department when I had to volunteer 100 hours of

service for a club that I participated in. Noticing the passion and dedication of these nurses has not only rubbed off on me, but has made a lasting impression. Since then my love of caring for people has blossomed and become everything that I have ever imagined.

Plans for the future: After school, I anticipate going back to my hometown to work at the hospital in the obstetrics department. I also look forward to continuing my education, and hope to one day become a nurse in the NICU.

Outside interests or hobbies: I’m kind of a boring person outside of nursing, but I do teach private and public swimming lessons. I also work as an intramural referee at the university. I like to play volleyball and swim in my free time, as well as cheer on the ESU Hornets!

MEET THE KANS BOARD MEMBERS

THE KANS CONNECTION | Kansas Association of Student Nurses 7

KANS Membership Chair

Name: Kristan Chester

School: Pittsburg State University

Goals for KANS: My major goal is to substantially increase KANS participation among nursing schools throughout the state. I plan on doing this by contacting schools that are either struggling with KANS involvement or that may be willing to start a local chapter. I also want to help nursing students understand the benefits of being involved in an organization such as ours.

Why nursing: Because it gives me the opportunity to impact lives and make a positive difference on a daily basis. It has always bothered me when people refer to their jobs by saying “at least it’s a paycheck.” I never want to dislike my job enough to say that and I honestly believe it’s impossible to have that perspective in nursing. I’ve always wanted more than just a job and nursing gives me the chance to earn a paycheck while doing what I love.

Plans for the future: After graduating with my BSN, I plan on working in the critical care setting for a few years and then returning to school to earn my DNP. My ultimate goal is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner and establish my own clinic.

Outside interests or hobbies: While I have a wide variety of hobbies, they all center around racing. I began drag racing at the age of 14 and I’m the third generation driver in my family. Currently, I drag race a 1970 Chevrolet Nova which runs 11.13 seconds in the ¼ mile. This isn’t nearly as fast as I would like, but nursing school has put a bit of a halt on my finances so that bigger motor will have to wait until after graduation! I also have a great interest in classic cars and am constantly searching for a restoration project.

KANS Newsletter Editor/Historian

Name: Erika Adams

School: Neosho County Community College

Goals for KANS: To raise awareness of KANS within nursing programs throughout the state.

I’d also like to see an increase in KANS members at the state convention, along with more delegates actively representing their school.

Why nursing: I gain personal fulfillment from helping others, especially those in need. Nursing will provide me with an excellent opportunity to speak out as a patient advocate for disadvantaged groups and help them attain the care and respect that all patients deserve. Not only will I be able to make a positive impact in someone’s life, but also in society.

Plans for the future: I’d like to gain experience working in a VA hospital while furthering my education with a Master’s or Doctorate in nursing. I plan to continue my involvement with nursing organizations so that I can have a voice in the policies and procedures of nursing. If I allow myself to think big or have ambitious expectations of my future, I’d like to help facilitate a positive change in how healthcare is provided to the elderly, particularly in nursing homes or long-term care type settings.

Outside interests or hobbies: I love to knit, garden, read, and cook. Most of all, I enjoy spending time with my bright and compassionate 7 year old daughter, Ivy. She motivates me to be resilient when times are tough and inspires me to be the kind of person that will make her proud.

THE KANS CONNECTION | Kansas Association of Student Nurses 8

Hello everyone! I hope that you

have enjoyed reading through the

December issue of The KANS

Connection and getting to know

your new KANS Executive Board

of Directors. I’d like to thank you

for giving me the opportunity to

take over for Elizabeth Wendling

as Newsletter Editor/Historian.

Elizabeth did a great job of getting

the newsletter out, updating the

website, and creating a KANS

facebook group. In the short time

that I got to know her I could

already tell that she had many

great qualities that would make

her an excellent nurse. Thank

you, Elizabeth. I wish you all the

best of luck as you finish school

and pursue a career in nursing.

I’m really excited for this

upcoming year and have many

new ideas that I have already

started to implement, including

reaching out to pre-nursing

students by inviting them to read

our newsletter and keep in touch

with our facebook page. Applying

to nursing school can be a long

and exhausting process but it is

well worth the journey. Just as

the nurses in our clinicals assist us

as nursing students, we need to

reach out to the pre-nursing

crowd to provide them with

encouragement and support.

We’re all in this together.

This is why I would like The KANS

Connection to help us connect

with each other. If your school is

having a fundraiser or an event,

then tell me about it, I’ll put it in

the newsletter. Also, I encourage

all of you to tell me what you feel

strongly about in nursing. If there

is an issue in nursing that you

want to raise awareness on or

learn more about, then we can

work together to include it in the

newsletter.

I want to provide students with

the opportunity of having a voice

and I will do everything I can to

make it easier for you to get what

you have to say out there for

people to hear. We can all work

together to make a difference by

providing a positive impact on the

future of nursing. With that said,

I’m aware that nursing school

demands considerable dedication

and hard work, which is why

many of you might not be able to

be as involved as you would like

to be. Hopefully The KANS

Connection will serve as a way to

keep you informed with what is

going on and help you feel

connected within the KANS

organization.

Warmest regards,

Erika Adams

KANS Newsletter Editor/Historian

erika.adams@student.neosho.edu

The

CONNECTION

The KANS Connection

THE KANS CONNECTION | Kansas Association of Student Nurses 9