Since 2018, the Black Student Nurses Association (BSNA) is not only connecting, empowering, and mentoring Black students at Pitt Nursing but is also providing students connections for their academic success, personal growth, and emotional health.
“The four pillars of our organization are Mentorship, Community Outreach, Educational Advancement, and Social Connection,” says Sabella Prime, BSN’23 and BSNA President. “Every month, we have one general body meeting, one community-based volunteer event, and one social activity for club members.”
The group is about 30 members strong, which Marlorie Pierre, BSN’23 and BSNA’s Vice President, describes as a “personal community.” Each year, new members are paired with a mentor within the club. “Mentees and mentors meet at least once a month to discuss and reflect on their month and plan goals for the future,” says Sabella. “This year, some organizations we have volunteered with are Pitt’s Community Engagement Center in Homewood and Sojourner’s House. Likewise, we have also collaborated with the Pre-medical Organization for Minority Students, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at UPMC Western Psychiatric, and other minority-focused nursing organizations at schools throughout the Pittsburgh area.”
The group provides members with leadership opportunities, mentorship, and membership in both Pittsburgh Black Nurses in Action (PBNIA) and the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA), study tips and/or tutoring from fellow students, travel and lodging to the annual NBNA Conference, connection to Pitt faculty members, job recommendations and fellowship in the community with Black peers.
Sabella says the group receives support from Pitt Nursing associate professors Dr. Willa Doswell and Dr. Betty Braxter but says they are looking into ways that the school of nursing can financially support the association.
“Hopefully, BSNA and the School of Nursing can work together to build a healthier collaboration in the near future,” says Sabella.