The Michigan Nursing Student Association is a non-profit constituent of the National Student Nurses Association, representing nursing students throughout the state of Michigan.

Mission

Through its members, the Michigan Nursing Students Associations works to create environments where nursing students can achieve their full potential. MNSA provides leadership to its members and the public as the voice of nursing students within the State of Michigan. MNSA is committed to providing the highest quality resources to our members.

Vision

The Michigan Nursing Students Association’s vision is to be the undisputed source of information and leadership development for nursing students in the State of Michigan. The vision also includes a place for nursing students to feel supported in their development towards becoming a professional registered nurse.

Core Values

1. Advocacy – Advocates for nursing students in State of Michigan and MNSA
2. Integrity – Acts with integrity through honest communication, keeping promises and promoting loyalty in all relationships
3. Excellence – Committed to quality and excellence in the organization
4. Leadership – Provides leadership for nursing students in local, regional and national areas
5. Stewardship – Embraces stewardship through fair and responsible management of resources

History

Mary Nielsen
First MNSA President

The Michigan State Student Nurses Association (MSSNA) came into being April 25, 1951, at a luncheon to which all schools had been invited to send representatives.

Officers and their schools of nursing are: President, Mary Nielsen, University of Michigan (Ann Arbor); vice-president, Arlene Buckle, Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids; secretary, Mabel Wesson, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit. Miss Nielsen is a graduate of Brown City High School and is a freshman in the five-year degree program.

A May meeting of the officers and their advisors has been planned to work out details of organization. Harriet Russell, RN, chairman, and other members of the Michigan State Nurses Association (MNA) Advisory Committee on Activation of a State Student Association, continue their counsel to the new organization.

Source: Michigan Nurse, May 1951, p. 107.

The Michigan Nursing Students Association was organized as a non-profit Association on August 15, 1951. The National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) was founded in 1952. MNSA changed to a domestic non-profit Corporation as of November 19, 1987.