Joining the Michigan Nursing Students Association (MNSA)
To become a member of MNSA, you must first join the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA). NSNA is the national pre-professional organization for nursing students. NSNA defines its membership as nursing students in Associate Degree, Diploma, Baccalaureate, generic Masters and generic Doctoral programs preparing students for Registered Nurse licensure, as well as RNs in BSN completion programs.
To apply on-line for NSNA membership, click here
A hard copy of the membership application and more information is available here.
Once you have become a NSNA member, you are considered a member of MNSA and your local school chapter, if they are registered as a constituent member with NSNA.
Starting a Local Chapter:
You'll find a lot of information about starting and maintaining your NSNA chapter on the NSNA website. Or go directly to these pages on the NSNA website: how to start a chapter and a list of student resources.
Shown below is an initial checklist to help you get started:
- Establish a team of students and a faculty advisor to work together and
create the official NSNA chapter. Sign up ten students at your school for NSNA membership (see above for membership application links).
- Read NSNA Bylaws, Policies and Procedures Guidelines. Read through "Section III: How to Manage A School Chapter" in the NSNA Handbook. This will give you areas of focus for your new school chapter including community health projects, recruitment, image and breakthrough, financial responsibility, etc.
- Conduct a mass meeting to officially create NSNA and officially appoint a Bylaws Committee.
- Elect officers. For a listing of potential officer positions, refer to the MNSA Board of Directors . It is not necessary to have all of these positions as part of your chapter.
- Prepare proposed chapter bylaws. Many local chapters want to formalize their structure through the creation of bylaws. Refer to the MNSA bylaws for an example.
- Conduct a mass meeting to approve the newly formed chapter's bylaws, and to elect officers.
- Using the newly adopted bylaws as a guide, officers appoint various committees as per bylaws.
- The officers establish policies and procedures as per bylaws.
- Establish a method to mentor future officers and committee members.
- Send a copy of your by-laws to the MNSA and submit the Official Application for Constituency Status form.
NOTE: This form must be submitted annually to retain your constituency status. Eligibility for participation in the MNSA House of Delegates is based on NSNA records; consequently it is very important to make sure your paperwork is up to date.
- Plan on attending the MNSA State Convention to network with other schools, report on your activities, and be represented in the MNSA House of Delegates. Don't forget to apply for one or more of the MNSA awards.
While the actual procedure to start a local chapter is fairly easily (steps 1 and 2), many schools have questions that can be answered through e-mail, phone calls and face-to-face visits. The MNSA Membership Chair, Colleen Zahs is available by e-mail (membership.mnsa@gmail.com) or phone (248.661.3137) to help start your new chapter and answer your questions.
Helpful Links
NSNA Handbook – Getting the Pieces to Fit
Guidelines for Consultants/Advisors
Chapter Development Resources
Chapter Toolbox
