Nursing Students win state office

Nursing students win state office in GANS

By Julianna Hunt
Staff Writer

Georgia Highlands College had three candidates elected to the GANS Executive Board at the 50th annual convention of the Georgia Association of Nursing Students (GANS), in Augusta, Ga, Oct. 10-13.

Gina Hulsey, a second year nursing student, was elected as the Legislative Director. Her goals for the next year include educating and getting nursing students actively involved in political issues.

Mistee Graham, a second year nursing student, was elected as the North District Director. Graham said she wants "to assist each school in her district in establishing and achieving individual chapter goals." The schools in the North District are Brenau University, Georgia Perimeter College, Emory University, Georgia Highlands College, Kennesaw State University, North Georgia College and State University and Piedmont College.

Julianna Hunt, a first year nursing student, was elected as the Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC) North.

Her goals include making sure that all of the colleges and universities in her district are well informed about elections for the GANS and NSNA Executive Boards.

"I also would like to have at least 10 people from the North District run for a GANS office and five from the state to run for a NSNA office," she said.

With the theme "Nurses only a Heartbeat Away," the convention was held partly in conjunction with the Georgia Nurses Association (GNA) so that the two groups would have a chance to meet and talk with one another. The convention consisted of focus sessions and House of Delegates meetings.

Focus sessions included test taking strategies for the NCLEX-RN (the nursing licensure exam for Georgia), women and heart disease and nursing in the military.

At the convention the House of Delegates dealt with issues such as nominating candidates for the Executive Board, a new dress code for the House of Delegates and adoption of official colors for GANS.

The convention was not all hard work though. Thursday night there was a Mardi Gras themed dinner which was followed by dancing. Friday night there was a Luau themed dinner with karaoke singing.

Saturday night was the night for awards presentation. Awards and scholarships were given out and the new board members were announced.

Hulsey received the Virginia Harmeyer Scholarship of $500. The scholarship is awarded to a member of GANS based on academic achievement, financial need, student leadership and involvement in community activities related to health care. The award is also based upon personal goals to be accomplished in pursuit of a professional career in nursing.