My name is Julie Matthews and I am serving as the 2009-2010 TNSA Editor. I am currently a BSN student at the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing. I will graduate in May 2010 and cannot believe I only have one year left of nursing school! I am originally from Houston and would like to return there to work after graduation. I look forward to the amazing year that lies ahead at school and TNSA.

 

 As Editor, my role is to connect nursing students throughout the state of Texas, using The Central Line. There will be three issues published this year, which will include information about TNSA activities, projects going on at a local level, nursing news, and much more. The Central Line will also be a place to gain information about the TNSA conventions, awards, and scholarships. I encourage all TNSA members to use The Central Line to communicate with nursing students throughout Texas. This year, all TNSA members are encouraged to submit articles to be published. Please contact me if you would like to submit an article or recommend ideas for future articles. 

 

This year I will also be serving as a TNSA representative on Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN). TPAPN offers nurses life-renewing opportunities for recovery from chemical dependency and mental illness, and integrates nurses back into the profession, thus protecting the public and promoting professional accountability. As a TNSA representative, I will attend TPAPN meetings and keep up to date about their activities and programs. I will also publish reports about the meetings in the Central Line to keep other members informed.

 

As part of the TNSA board, we are here to help you! So please, contact me if you have any questions or suggestions about The Central Line, TPAPN, or nursing in general. I wish everyone the best of luck on the upcoming school year!

Letter From the Editor

Julie Matthews

TNSA Editor

Hello all TNSA members!  My name is Noelle Appel and I am a senior nursing student at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas.  I graduate with a bachelor’s degree in May 2010 and cannot wait to jump into the exciting profession of nursing!  I previously attended Texas A&M University and obtained my bachelor’s in biomedical science in 2004.  My first profession involved administration at a health insurance company based in Houston.  Although that position taught me many things, such as learning how to prioritize and organize my work load, patient care has always been my true calling.  I have been active as a member of the local chapter of NSNA for the past year, becoming very involved with community service within the Temple/Belton area as well as events on campus.

 

I am very excited to be involved in TNSA this year as Nominations Chair.  Being a part of this wonderful organization is one way to further appreciate the role of nursing as a student and eventually as a professional nurse.  Getting involved is a great way to tackle important issues and present issues that may not be prevalent to most.   As NEC chair I hope to inform everyone of all the elected positions available and the duties they fulfill.  I will also direct those who want to run for office on how to become a candidate and the rules they must follow.  I will strive to make this year’s elections more organized and efficient. 

 

Come join us at the Council of Schools this September so we can give you the low down on all the positions up for election.  This is a great way to network with others and build relationships with nurses around the state.  Can’t wait to see you there!

Noelle Appel

TNSA Nominating Chairman

Appel Encourages Involvement