Graduate Nurse Organization Gives Back to the School
Published May 1, 2020
Among all of the changes in response to UB’s transition to online learning, the Graduate Nurse Organization (GNO) was left with a unique opportunity to give back to the school.
From left to right: Angelyn Brown, Terra Galvano, Erica Homme, Maura Seitz. Not pictured: Laura Underwood.
Traditionally, GNO’s funds—which are generated from tuition fees—cover event speakers, meeting supplies, an end-of-the-year celebration and other necessary fees and resources.
The executive board—compromised of Angelyn Brown, Terra Galvano, Erica Homme, Laura Underwood and Maura Seitz—realized they did not what the money to go to waste, and instead decided to gift it in a way that could be used for years to come.
With an account balance of roughly $2,500, the student leaders, led by Brown, approached Gale Klinshaw, MSN, RN, clinical lab coordinator, to determine what items the nursing lab needed.
“Philanthropy is natural for nurses,” Klinshaw says. “We are a group of caregivers who think of others before ourselves. Giving and caring are part of a nurse's personality. As president, Angelyn has been a positive influence and a wonderful role model for all the students she worked with. I was so touched that she and her associates wanted to donate these teaching aides to the undergraduate students.”
Together, they were able to identify $2,064 worth of supplies and equipment:
- Advanced four-vein venipuncture training aid and case
- Five-pack life form VenaTech IV trainer (light skin)
- Five-pack life form VenaTech IV trainer (dark skin)
- Life/form special needs infant mannequin
- Life/form Surgical Sally bandaging simulator
- Pitting edema trainer
“This generous donation from the Graduate Nurse Organization allows us to have some new simulation items we would not normally have,” Klinshaw says. “These items will enhance the students’ learning with basic skills such as IVs, wound care and pediatric care. Not only is this equipment more realistic, but it will better prepare our students to practice in the hospital setting.”
The group will use the remaining funds to benefit another area of the school.
“I am incredibly proud to be a student here at UB and am thankful for the opportunities they have given to me over the last three years,” Brown says. “I believe that the items bought will help improve not only the educational experience of the nursing students, but also improve their confidence in their skills. I hope that this donation can be used for years to come and help enhance the learning experience of the nursing students to come.”
