A Pipeline to Nursing Leadership

Villanova’s chapter of the Student Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania prepares students to lead in their field

By Kristen Ziegler

In its more than four decades, Villanova’s chapter of the Student Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP) has built a reputation for making an impact at the local, state and national level and developing leaders in the nursing profession. Established by the late M. Louise Fitzpatrick, EdD, RN, FAAN, during her tenure as Connelly Endowed Dean of Villanova’s College of Nursing, it has grown to become one of the most active chapters in the United States. It has earned recognition multiple times as the top chapter in Pennsylvania, as well as a number of awards for students, the chapter and the faculty adviser.

“Through activities focused on the chapter’s pillars of education, professional development,  service and the building of networks and friendships, SNAP-Villanova is essentially a practicum for leadership,” says Carol Toussie-Weingarten, PhD, RN, ANEF, faculty adviser and associate professor. 

Chapter members gain knowledge and expertise by engaging with guest speakers, attending state and national Student Nurses’ Association conferences and preparing publications, presentations and independent studies on leadership that are linked to their involvement in SNAP through these activities that help them prepare for successful nursing careers.   

One of the chapter’s longest-running service projects brings dozens of Villanova Nursing students and faculty to Philadelphia for a large-scale vision screening event for schoolchildren in partnership with Philadelphia school nurses. Children who do not pass the vision screening are then referred by school nurses for free follow-up care from other community partners. Over the years, thousands of students have been screened with the help of Villanova Nursing students and faculty.

 “Being able to see well has a huge impact on life and learning,” says Dr. Weingarten. “The Villanova Nurses also learn about the school, the children, school nursing, teamwork and community partnerships.”

In addition to their hands-on work in the local community, Villanova chapter members are highly engaged with SNAP at both the state and national levels. These experiences help to sharpen students’ skills in leadership, public speaking, fiscal responsibility, organizational management, communication and collaboration. 

Many SNAP-Villanova members serve in the state and national offices of the Student Nurses’ Association. Cody Mitchell ’24 FCN is the first student in the Second Degree Accelerated BSN program to serve as SNAP-Villanova's president, and he was also elected as director of the National Student Nurses’ Association board for 2023–24.

“Since joining SNAP-Villanova, I’ve been able to grow tremendously as a professional and a leader,” says Cody, who came to Villanova's with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and is enrolled in the program’s new 23-month FLEX track . “The skills I’ve developed and the professional connections that I’ve made along this journey will forever affect the way I think, act and lead as a nurse.”