Professional Organizations
Mississippi Nurses Association
Several local chapters of the Mississippi Nurses’ Association and the American Nurses’ Association are located in the Delta State area and function as the professional organizations for Registered Nurses.
Delta State University Nursing Alumni Association
Nursing students may participate in the Nursing Alumni Association as honorary members until they graduate. The Delta State University Nursing Alumni Association often sponsors events for students and alumni.
Mississippi Association of Student Nurses (MASN)
The Mississippi Association of Student Nurses (MASN), a constituent of the National Association of Student Nurses, has the following purposes:
1. To assume responsibility for contribution to nursing education in order to provide for the
highest quality health care;
2. To provide programs representative of fundamental and current professional interest and
concerns; and
3. To aid in the development of the whole person, his or her professional role and his or her
responsibility for health care of persons in all walks of life.
Delta State University Chapter of the Mississippi Association of Student Nurses (MASN)
The Delta State University Student Nurses’ Association, which is a chapter of the Mississippi Association of Student Nurses and the National Student Nurses’ Association, functions as the student professional organization for undergraduate nursing students. The organization elects a president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. The organization holds meetings where students are introduced to nursing as a profession in a manner consistent with the School of Nursing philosophy. Various social, community and fund raising activities are planned during the year. State and National conventions are held annually, and students who are in satisfactory academic standing are encouraged to attend. Students are allowed time away from school each year to attend the state/national conventions.
This organization is a formal network through which students may have input in curriculum and policy matters in the School of Nursing.
NSNA/MASN/SNA
NSNA ‑ National Student Nurses' Association
MASN ‑ Mississippi Association of Student Nurses
SNA ‑ Student Nurses’ Association
Delta State University Chapter
The NSNA (national level) and MASN (state level) are nursing students' professional organizations. The student organizations may be compared with ANA (American Nurses' Association) and MNA (Mississippi Nurses' Association) for registered nurses.
SNA is the DSU local or school chapter of MASN/NSNA. If a student joins the DSU chapter, the student will become a member at the state and national level (MASN/NSNA). The student may join/participate in these organizations in several combinations:
1. DSU Chapter, MASN, NSNA
2. MASN, NSNA
3. NSNA
Involvement in the DSU Chapter is similar to the District Nurses' Association (RN's local meeting of MNA, ANA). On a state level, students are eligible to attend MASN convention each fall and participate in the organization activities on a state level.
The SNA and nursing faculty strongly encourage students to join the DSU Chapter (MASN & NSNA). Membership in the student's professional association helps to build the foundation for the student's transition into the professional world. The student’s membership indicates a commitment to the advancement of the profession of nursing.
The student may obtain NSNA brochures and further information about dues from SNA officers or the SNA faculty advisor. By joining the DSU Chapter of MASN (#1 above) the student can be more active at the local level.
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Pi Xi Chapter
The purpose of this society is to recognize superior academic achievement, recognize development of leadership qualities, foster high professional standards, and encourage creative work and to strengthen commitment to the ideas and purpose of the profession. Candidates for membership are selected from the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs on the basis of academic achievement. A candidate for membership from the undergraduate nursing program must have a 3.0 grade point average and rank in the upper 35 percent of the class. Candidates for membership from the graduate nursing program must have a 3.5 grade point average and have completed one-fourth of the required curriculum. For membership consideration, candidates must be endorsed by at least two current faculty members of the society.
Each student is assigned a faculty advisor to assist them with academic concerns, planning the program of study, and assisting with graduation requirements. The student and advisor can meet as frequently as necessary, but must meet once each semester to review progress. Appointments may be requested by either faculty or student; however, it is the responsibility of the student to schedule the regular semester appointment.
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