Columbia State Community College Student Nursing Association (SNA) leaders recently attended an event supporting the nursing industry on a statewide level. 

Columbia State students and faculty represented the college at the Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA) Nurses Day on the Hill event in Nashville.

The event offered the opportunity for nursing students to meet with state legislators and healthcare leaders to discuss critical nursing issues and lobby for legislation impacting the nursing profession. Presentations included advocacy for keeping nurses safe in the workplace and the need for de-escalation training at the earliest stages of nursing education.

“By sharing their experiences and insights, our Columbia State SNA leaders not only amplified the voice of nursing students but also contributed to the broader dialogue about nursing education, patient safety and professional development in Tennessee,” said Michele Marbet, Columbia State assistant professor of nursing. “We are so proud of their performance and representation.”

The Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association (FNSNA) Marilyn Bagwell Leadership grant was vital in enabling students to participate in the advocacy event and being able to share their experience of VR simulation with de-escalation and the importance of protecting nurses. 

Columbia State SNA leaders that attended included:

• Taylor Reaves from Maury County
• Cecilia Gomez from Maury County
• Leandra Harrington from Maury County
• Brittany Ebey from Williamson County
• Lauren Gilbert from Giles County
• Grace DelaBruere from Maury County
• Leah Ashworth from Maury County
• Lucy Ballinger from Lawrence County
• Hassie Bigbie from Lewis County

Columbia State SNA faculty that attended include Shania Dubbert, instructor of nursing; Michele Marbet, assistant professor of nursing; and Vonda Tew-Clouse, instructor of nursing.