SNAP’s Transition to the National Student Nurses Association

During the Spring 2016 semester, the Student Nurses Acting for Progress organization—better known as SNAP—changed its name to the Adelphi University Student Nurses Association (AUSNA).

Ever since Deborah Ambrosio Mawhirter ’81, M.S. ’95, Ed.D., Department of Nursing Foundations chair, created SNAP as a student in the late 1970s, the organization has mentored and assisted students in the College of Nursing and Public Health, with all aspects of the nursing curriculum, student life and professional development.

“This transition has come about because we wanted to associate ourselves with the National Student Nurses Association, or NSNA,” explained Marilyn Thomas ’16, who was AUSNA’s secretary in her senior year. Thomas also served as 2015–2016 secretary with the Nursing Students’ Association of New York State (NSANYS).

The move is more than just a name change. The organization is now connected to the NSNA as well as to the NSANYS. Both organizations provide access to a substantial network of future registered nurses and serve a multitude of educational facilities, including SUNY and CUNY schools. In addition, all 393 AUSNA members now have the chance to attend national and state conventions, gain access to more scholarship opportunities and take advantage of networking with a broadly expanded circle of connections.

Members of AUSNA will retain all the advantages and activities previously associated with SNAP, too, including the Jones Beach Breast Cancer Walk, Relay for Life, the Army Suture Clinic and alumni networking events. Thomas said, “Being part of AUSNA will allow for more unification among nursing schools, and more opportunity for our students.”