LCON Students Attend National Nursing Student Convention in Seattle

April 14, 2025

Several students from the Loewenberg College of Nursing (LCON), representing both the Memphis and Lambuth campuses, recently traveled to Seattle, Washington, to attend the 73rd Annual National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) Convention. This premier event unites nursing students from across the nation for education, networking, and professional development, providing a platform for future healthcare leaders to showcase their research and expand their expertise.

This year, LCON was proud to have three research teams selected for poster presentations, highlighting the innovative work of its students on a national stage.

Christian Majors, Antonio Davis Jr., and Jaelen Gatewood presented their abstract titled, “The Effects of Convenient Preventative Health Services on Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates.” Their project explored how accessible preventative health services could improve colorectal cancer screening rates and enhance patient outcomes. The presentation attracted significant interest from students and faculty, reflecting the high level of scholarly excellence fostered at LCON.

Also representing LCON were Jerobeon Cole, Zaria Raglin, and Tamara Rucker, who presented their research, “Studying the Effects of Lectures vs. Game-Related Studying.” Their project analyzed the impact of game-based learning on student test scores compared to traditional lecture-based instruction. Their data included feedback from a game night organized by the Lambuth SNA chapter, where course content was delivered through interactive gaming rather than conventional PowerPoints or recordings. The findings demonstrated how gamified learning could enhance information retention, sparking discussions on innovative teaching methods in nursing education.

Mateo Flores and Selenne Gomez also took the national stage with their project, “Silent Unseen Battles: Honoring the Struggle Behind the Uniform.” Their powerful presentation shed light on the mental health struggles many veterans face post-deployment. The research aimed to raise awareness of the invisible scars of military service and to break the stigma surrounding mental health challenges among veterans. Through their work, they hope to encourage the use of mental health resources and foster a sense of hope and community for those silently battling these issues.

LCON students also participated in a series of educational sessions covering specialty areas in nursing, test-taking strategies, and a live NCLEX-RN review, equipping them with critical skills for their future roles. Workshops on leadership, patient care, and emerging healthcare trends provided valuable learning experiences outside the classroom.

“It was empowering to share our research on a national stage and to connect with other student nurses who are equally passionate about advancing the profession,” said Christian Majors. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to represent LCON and to grow as future healthcare leaders.”

In addition to the academic sessions, LCON students engaged with recruiters and representatives from healthcare systems, academic institutions, and NCLEX prep companies in the vibrant exhibit hall. They received hands-on advice for résumé building, interview strategies, and further educational opportunities, strengthening their professional networks.

LCON faculty in attendance participated in a specialized faculty program that offered contact hours and sessions tailored to nurse educators, underscoring LCON's commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

No trip to Seattle would be complete without exploring the iconic city. In their downtime, students visited the Space Needle, explored Pike Place Market, and enjoyed local cuisine, making memories that extended beyond the convention.

Participation in the NSNA Convention reflects LCON’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and student engagement. Congratulations to our remarkable students for proudly representing the University of Memphis and Loewenberg College of Nursing on a national platform!