Health Education and Human Sciences | NewsNovember 06, 2025

Nursing Students Gain Experience in Little Rock

Written By: Ian Silvester

In October, eight nursing students from the Student Nursing Association (SNA) at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith spent two days in Little Rock, Ark., learning from healthcare leaders, networking, and strengthening relationships with fellow nursing students. 

The eight SNA officers attended the Arkansas Nursing Students Association State Convention on Oct. 16-17, at the Statehouse Convention Center. The conference was free of charge, as long as they had at least one semester of leadership experience or shadowing. 

“Seeing hundreds of nursing students gathered together was inspiring,” said Angie Ha, president of SNA and senior nursing major. “We talked about the meaningful changes that student nurses are capable of making, even before graduation.” 

She added that conferences like this help students gain perspectives beyond patient care. Angie said the state conference highlighted the political aspects of the healthcare environment, specifically state-level nursing issues that impact local providers. 

“It’s crucial for students—especially nurses—to stay informed because the work we do directly impacts the livelihood of our communities,” Angie said. 

SNA Vice President Isaiah Warnock, a senior nursing student, also attended the conference. He was most impressed by the multiple sessions he attended during the two-day event. Isaiah found a session about passing the NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Exam, a required nursing licensure test, to be among the most helpful as he approaches graduation. 

“Attending this event quickly made me realize how impactful these experiences can be beyond the classroom,” he said. 

Angie shared a similar takeaway from the conference. She earned her certification in administering naloxone (Narcan) for opioid overdoses and received a certification to stop an active bleed in the field. 

“These skills are incredibly valuable to me, especially since most of my nursing curriculum takes place in a hospital setting rather than in public,” Angie said. 

Both Angie and Isaiah agreed that the conference was inspiring and left them excited for their respective careers in nursing. 

• Tags:
• Nursing
• Professional Development
• SNA