Lakeview Student Inspired to Assist with National Needs

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Rhys Haydon, National Student Nurses' Association Director

DANVILLE , IL (08/27/2011)(readMedia)-- As Rhys Haydon of Gig Harbor, WA, begins his third semester as a nursing student at Lakeview College of Nursing he will also be representing thousands of nursing students through his role in a national organization. He was elected late last spring as the north territory director for the National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA).

Haydon says he initially had no plan to purse an elected office while attending the NSNA conference, but that's exactly what he ended up doing.

"Once I got there I really wanted to be involved with it," explained Haydon. "One of the greatest things about NSNA is to know that you have a say to make a difference," he added.

As north director Haydon focuses on assisting the organization's membership by giving presentations and helping to prepare school and state chapters of NSNA. His territory covers about a quarter of the United States.

Along with his director role, Haydon also serves on a variety of NSNA committees that allow him to be involved with the policy of the organization and its position on current issues. A few of the current issues he is working on include increased research in education for eating disorders, hazing, prevention of childhood obesity, and screening for a bleeding disorder. He is also the chairman of the Community Health & Disaster Preparedness committee.

Haydon says he is grateful to "translate the wants of the members into the reality of NSNA" and to have such wonderful opportunities to network. He mentioned meeting and dining with key representatives from the American Red Cross, the American Nursing Association, the National League for Nursing, and admission directors from several universities (some of which he is considering for graduate-level work).

At Lakeview College of Nursing Haydon serves as president of the Danville Campus Student Government Association and participates in the Men In Nursing club. He also recently completed an internship through the Valor Program at the VA Illiana Healthcare.

Haydon offers this advice to those considering a career in nursing: "Allow for opportunities." He explained that there are tremendous diverse opportunities in the profession. "I'm really pleased that nursing is the correct place for me," he stated.

Although he is not sure exactly where nursing will lead him he is planning some travel following his graduation from nursing school this spring. He is a born adventurer who enjoys skiing, cycling, rock climbing, sailing and surfing. After graduation he hopes to add cross-country motorcyclist to his list of adventures. He hopes to travel about 6,000 miles from his hometown near Seattle, Washington, to the East Coast, Mexico, and back up the west coast, even though he has yet to ever drive a motorcycle.

Haydon said nursing is a natural fit for him. "Nursing allows for a balanced life where I can enjoy all of those things and still care for people. Very few people get the opportunity to care for others."