Nursing students are given the opportunity to contribute to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs activities and committees. It is highly recommended that students participate.
Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program
The Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program is designed to enhance the educational experience and success of ALANA students enrolled in the nursing program. The Dotson program is the shared vision of Dr. Judy Beal, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and the Dotson Family. Phyllis Nickerson Dotson ’62 is an alumna of the Nursing Department at Simmons University. She and her husband George S. Dotson made the program possible through a generous gift.
The overarching purpose of the Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program is to enhance the educational experience and success of African American, Latina, Asian, and Native American (ALANA) students enrolled in the nursing program. Nursing literature has shown that there are both academic and nonacademic barriers to success for nursing students. The Dotson program seeks to help student identify and overcome these barriers.
The Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program provides academic, clinical, professional, and personal support to ALANA nursing students. The scholars are recommended to the program by faculty. Student may self-refer, but faculty support of their application is encouraged. The program is presently staffed by a full-time director and two part-time faculty members. There are 17 mentors who meet with their students at least once a week. Admission to the program is only for students who are already admitted into one of the Simmons nursing programs. The process includes:
- Faculty Referral Form/Self-Referral.
- Application
- Interview
- Participating Agreement Contract
- Learning Style Assessment
- Self-Assessment
- Image/Photo Permission
At the initial interview with the director, a participation agreement is reviewed so that potential scholars understand the commitment that is required. At the first mentor/scholar meeting, the scholar completes a learning assessment and may complete a learning inventory to identify her or his learning style. There will be a discussion of goals at this first meeting, and a goal contract will be agreed upon by both the mentor and scholar.
Student Nurses Association
The Simmons Student Nurses Association (SNA) is open to any and all Nursing students who wish to participate. The organization functions to bridge the gap between Nursing students, faculty, and administration, in the interest of stronger communication and understanding.
Throughout the fall and spring semesters, the SNA meets regularly to plan events, outreach, and fundraising, and discuss Nursing-related topics as they arise. Meetings are let by the elected board, but all Nursing students are open and encouraged to attend and participate.
Examples of SNA activities include: holding a fall and spring tea for all Nursing students; introducing Nursing to Boston Girl Scouts; representing Simmons by attending the National Students Nurses’ Association Annual convention; holding a CPR course for Nursing students to become certified; selling Nursing clothing and accessories; a discounted stethoscope drive; informing students about Nursing scholarship opportunities; and co-sponsoring the semi-annual blood drive with CAB and the PT-Liaison.
The president and treasurer are elected from the senior class and the vice president from the junior class in the spring, for the following year. The secretary is elected in September from the sophomore class.
SNA meetings are open to all who wish to attend and officers are available to speak with students on an individual basis. It is a great way to meet fellow students and become involved in the Simmons community and the nursing programs. To get involved in SNA, email [email protected].
Evaluation Committee
Involves activities related to the evaluation process. Issues of concern are: student evaluation, faculty evaluation, and course evaluation. The committee works with faculty and students at defining the need for evaluation. Faculty Committee Meets monthly to discuss: a) program teaching, policy, evaluation, b) faculty roles, responsibilities, scholarship, c) student satisfaction and issues, d) committee work, e) School of Nursing and university issues, f) professional issues. Students who attend are excused for discussions related to any individual student issue.
Curriculum Committee
Involves the discussion and evaluation of curricular issues, and makes changes necessary for short-term and long-term development. The committee engages in periodic review and evaluation of curriculum and makes recommendations to the faculty concerning ongoing changes in curriculum. Faculty who develop new courses seek review from this committee. National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) The purposes of the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) are: to assume responsibility for contribution to Nursing education in order to provide for the highest quality health care; to provide programs representative of fundamental and current professional interests and concerns and to aid in the development of the whole person, his/her professional role, and his/her responsibility for the health care of people in all walks of life. Membership and activities vary from year to year.
ALANA
The African Latino Asian Native American (ALANA) Student Nurses Association is a multicultural umbrella student organization which seeks to improve the success of Students of Color at Simmons by providing support and promoting an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and respected.