Nurses Night In Connects Students with Future Careers

For aspiring nurses at D’Youville University, the path to a fulfilling healthcare career is paved not just with textbooks and clinical hours, but also with networking, mentorship, and a strong sense of community.  This was palpable at the recent Nurses Night In (NNI) on February 26, 2025, an annual event orchestrated by the university's Student Nurses Association (SNA), designed to bridge the gap between academic life and the professional world.

"Nurses Night In is all about opportunity," explains Michael Hayes, President of the SNA at D’Youville. Hayes emphasizes the event's core mission: "to give all DYU Nursing students the opportunity to network with healthcare organizations and recruiters from Western New York!"

A long-standing event, NNI is a cornerstone of the SNA's efforts to enhance the nursing school experience.  Hayes clarifies the broader purpose of the SNA, stating, "Most colleges and universities have their own individual 'SNA' which makes up the 'NSNA' or National Student Nurses Association."  He outlines the organization's goals as "to try to improve the school of Nursing for students and faculty by holding many different events, fundraisers, and meetings to make Nursing school more enjoyable and beneficial for the future."

Beyond the social aspect, NNI serves as a crucial professional development function. "There are so many great ways to use a Nursing degree," Hayes points out, “and NNI helps individuals find a place that they believe they can excel in post-graduation."  For Hayes, personally engaging with recruiters is a highlight. "I also love meeting the recruiters from all of the different organizations and introducing myself," he admits, revealing a passion for connecting peers with potential employers.  The hope, he adds, is that recruiters want to come back year after year, solidifying NNI as a key recruitment pipeline.

Guiding these future nurses and the SNA is Susan Arnold, RN, MSN, ACUE, the faculty advisor and recently honored with the Professor of the Year award.  For Arnold, her role is deeply rooted in a passion for nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.  "I chose to be the Faculty Advisor because I enjoy mentoring students and sharing my passion for nursing, helping them grow into leaders and advocates for the profession," Arnold states with evident enthusiasm.

Arnold's favorite aspect of her advisory role is witnessing this transformation firsthand.  "My favorite aspect… is the opportunity to mentor and empower future nursing professionals," she elaborates. "I enjoy sharing my experience, guiding students through challenges, and witnessing their growth into confident, compassionate leaders and advocates for patient care." She is a vocal advocate for student involvement in the SNA, emphasizing its multifaceted benefits: "I encourage all my students to join the Student Nurses Association, as it provides valuable networking opportunities, connects them with fellow nursing students, and offers fun events beyond academics."

Arnold underscores the critical role of faculty involvement in organizations like the SNA, arguing it's more than just guidance – it's about shaping the future of the profession.  "Faculty involvement in students' professional organizations is crucial because it provides mentorship, fosters professional growth, and strengthens the bridge between education and practice," she asserts.  This engagement, she believes, is a faculty responsibility.  "I believe it is our responsibility as faculty to serve as role models for our students, demonstrating professionalism, leadership, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Our engagement helps inspire and guide them as they develop their own identities within the nursing profession."

Through events like "Nurse's Night In" and the dedicated mentorship of faculty like Professor Arnold, DYU's Student Nurses Association is clearly cultivating not just skilled clinicians, but also engaged, community-minded leaders poised to make a significant impact on the healthcare landscape.  The connections brewed over coffee and conversation at NNI promise to extend far beyond graduation, shaping the careers and contributions of these future healers for years to come.

More information about D'Youville University's Patricia H. Garman School of Nursing