Every month on a Monday in Carlson Tower, a group of nearly 50 students meets to network, study, and enjoy each other’s company. Student Nursing Association (SNA) is North Park University’s chapter of the National Student Nurses’ Association, which encourages students interested in nursing to get involved in local healthcare and hospital settings.

“Being a nursing major can be difficult at times, and it’s nice to have a group of people to keep you grounded and bond with over hard classes,” said Matthew Bonto, fourth-year nursing student and head of public relations for SNA.

The group pairs first- and second-year students with third- and fourth-year students for mentorship and develops relationships with local hospitals and nonprofits such as Vitalant, Endeavor Health, and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Through these relationships, SNA hosts blood drives, coordinates alumni panels, and recommends internships and positions to nursing students.

In October, SNA partnered with Lurie Children’s Hospital to organize and promote a donation drive for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

“North Park is all about community, which helps our members see what careers are available to them in the nursing field,” said Mary Elizabeth Guilbert BSN ’25, former SNA president.

In addition to outside partnerships, the group values time together to relax and focus on things other than academics. Each year, they host holiday parties and other outings to ensure members avoid burnout in their rigorous degree program.

“We hold each other accountable for our learning,” Bonto said. “If you’re struggling in a certain area, there’s going to be someone in SNA who aced that subject and is willing to sit and explain it to you.”

Both Bonto and Guilbert said these internal relationships and external partnerships broaden their perspectives on what nursing can look like post-graduation, and they look forward to SNA sharing that with North Park nursing cohorts to come.