Organizations
Baptist Nursing Fellowship
Meeting needs where they occur is a foundational Christian principle role modeled by Jesus feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, healing the sick, and sheltering the homeless. Whether painting, framing, or roofing, students utilize interpersonal skills combined with novice building skills as student nurses work to meet physical needs through Habitat for Humanity.
Students also volunteer at the Stewpot (Feeding the Poor) Ministry and at various health fairs throughout the community, including giving flu shots. BNF students are also responsible for organizing the annual Blessing of the Hands, a sacred tradition for the healing hands of nursing.
https://www.baptistnursingfellowship.com/
Sigma Theta Tau
Another organization prominent in our School of Nursing is our honor society. The School of Nursing's local chapter, Omicron Lambda, is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. The vision of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International is to create a global community of nurses who lead in using knowledge, scholarship, service and learning to improve the health of the world's people. Impacting world health begins at the local level and opportunities for growth and participation are many. Members explore evidenced-based principles and practice, interact with other nurses, and learn from others by attending honor society meetings and events.
Membership is by invitation to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, and/or service/ministry and to nurse leaders exhibiting exceptional achievements in nursing. Senior students in the top third of their nursing class are invited to join. The induction ceremony is a highpoint of spring activity, welcoming new members and celebrating nursing. Many members hold leadership positions both at the local and international levels. https://www.sigmanursing.org/
Congregational Health Nursing
Congregational Health Nursing (sometimes called Parish nursing) is growing at a phenomenal rate for a relatively new health care specialty. The basic mission for congregational health nursing is to promote health and wellness within a Christian faith community using the disciplines of worship, service, and education.
A CEU certification program endorsed by the International Parish Nurses Resource Center and sponsored by Mississippi College, Baptist Health Systems, and Mississippi Baptist Convention is now offered yearly. This course may also be taken for 3 hours of college credit.
https://westberginstitute.org/international-faith-community-nursing/
Contact bolian@mc.edu for more information.
Student Nurses Association
All nursing students are members of the Mississippi Student Nurses' Association (MSNA), which is the student nurse professional organization. State convention is held each year in the fall (in conjunction with the Mississippi Nurses' Association Convention) and Mississippi College School of Nursing is always well represented in delegates and candidates for state and national office. The campus chapter meets once each month and is active in learning the professional nurse's role. The MCSON strongly encourages active participation in the annual MASN student convention. RN-BSN and MSN nurses are directed to the MS Nurses Association for scholarship opportunities and in-state training opportunities.
Events
Health Fairs
Students have opportunities to teach about health promotion and disease prevention and to do health screenings at the community level. They also are invited to bring health education programs into the schools.
Research Foundation and Integration
Students undertake a nursing research course to learn more about implementing Evidenced Based Practice. Students also have the option to strengthen their research understanding by completing the research honors track that will allow them to earn an honors designation on their diploma. The research honors also enables students to earn advanced standing in the MSN plan of study. As a synthesis piece, in semester 4 the community course allows students an opportunity to complete a community research project. Student groups create poster presentations that are informed by a review of the research and present their findings within the SON and the wider nursing community. This activity also reinforces professional behaviors and presentation skills.