There’s a new organization at NIU that’s an important addition to the university and the School of Nursing. In 2023, a group of nursing students – with the help of clinical nursing instructor Rhoda Jefferson – started the inaugural chapter of the NIU Black Student Nurse Organization.
For founding member Kayla Brooks, who serves as the organization’s president, creating this campus organization is important for many reasons.
“This is an important organization for NIU because not only will this help increase the retention rate of students in the program, but it will also allow students to gain a sense of belonging,” Brooks said. “It gives them a drive to continue to persevere when times are challenging by allowing them to know that they have a strong support system rooting for their success.”
Rhoda Jefferson, who serves as the organization’s faculty advisor, said the organization is an important resource for NIU students of color.
“BSNO will assist NIU School of Nursing with improving the retention rate of students of color (which) will help with diversity and enhancing the nature of medicine,” Jefferson said. “In addition, it will connect nursing students of color to resources and mentorship programs that will help them successfully navigate through nursing school and build bridges to their future.”
School of Nursing chair, Kari Hickey, shared the sentiment.
“Black Student Nurse Organization (BSNO) is not only connecting, empowering, and mentoring Black student nurses at NIU, but is also providing students connections for their academic success, personal growth, and emotional health,” Hickey said.
The Black Student Nurse Organization provides members opportunities to participate in social, academic, professional and networking activities that facilitate nursing students of color’s interests and issues in the nursing profession.
“We felt that it was important to bring this organization to the school to provide support to our black nursing students and to serve as a voice for students of diverse backgrounds,” said Kristen Selig, director of undergraduate studies, NIU School of Nursing.
The BSNO is designed to foster connections to resources that will help nursing students of color successfully navigate nursing school and build bridges to their future. To date, there are more than a dozen members and they expect that to continue to grow.
“This organization will serve as a mentorship (program), providing guidance to students on how to be successful in obtaining their nursing degree,” Brooks said. “Also, it will serve as a safe space to allow students to debrief how they feel their semester is going, and the steps they need to make to ensure they are successful.”
Deja Miles, nursing student and BSNO vice president, agrees, adding that the organization provides a much-needed resource for Black nursing students.
“I wanted to be a part of BSNO simply because I am a huge advocate for African Americans and minorities in healthcare and want to be able to educate others while learning myself,” Miles said. “It’s important for me to continue on my journey and help others like me get to where they want to be when all the resources they need are not there for them.”
Nursing student Paris Ware said that the organization provides an important space in the nursing school for students to feel welcome and supported. 
“It is wonderful to know that there is a community who accepts diversity and allows you to come as you are all while coming together to study and giving back to the community,” Ware said. “It is especially important that the minority students in the nursing school feel welcome and supported.”
Learn more about the Black Student Nurse Organization at NIU.
