Structural changes threaten NSU's future.

THIS ARTICLE aims to highlight to all NZNO members the importance of maintaining the present structure of the National Student Unit (NSU). We would like to emphasise the value of NSU's work and the importance of its existence to students and nursing in the future.

Our vision is to be the leading voice for all nursing students of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Our mission states that_the NSU is committed to supporting, representing, promoting and advocating for the interests of nursing students. The NSU is accountable to members, works in partnership with Te Runanga O Aotearoa NZNO, fosters unity and fairness, and promotes professional and clinical standards and cultural safety in nursing education.

The NSU is a national body representing student nurses throughout Aotearoa/ New Zealand on a range of professional, academic, study-related and employment issues. All our members are undertaking the bachelor of nursing degree, many are working as part-time caregivers and a few are already qualified enrolled nurses.

The NSU's purpose is to serve the interests of all students belonging to NZNO. To accomplish this we need elected NSU and Tauira Aronui delegates willing to give their time to communicate with members, act as facilitators between students and nursing programme staff, and represent students at a national level. We are the voice of student nurses in New Zealand and this is exciting.

The NSU represents around 3000 students (out of a possible 4000) and is the major political voice for nursing students today. No other organisation has a structure where nursing students are represented solely by nursing students. We can attribute this success to an extremely supportive organisation, but most of all to dedicated delegates who give their time to make a difference in undergraduate nursing education.

At present the NSU has a structure of representatives for first, second and third year students in most schools of nursing. These representatives report to the elected delegate for the school. The delegates meet three times a year to discuss national student issues and at an annual meeting. They also liase with heads of schools throughout the year. This ensures that various issues, within schools and nationally, are addressed.

The NSU uses NZNO rules and NSU-specific rules, approved by the board of directors, to conduct its business. The NSU is answerable directly to the board.

The NSU submits papers in response to NZNO and Nursing Council consultation documents, has formulated a policy statement on student debt, is building portfolios on finance, membership, policies and procedures, and is developing a business plan. We are also working on ways to further support NZNO and its national campaigns, as part of our professional development and strategic plan.

Below is a list of some of the tasks delegates undertake every year:

[] Increase student membership of NZNO.

[] Publicise NSU and promote NZNO services to all nursing students and stakeholders.

[] Establish processes and systems and an infrastructure to ensure continuing and effective leadership and functioning of NSU.

[] Develop and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and organisations.

[] Advocate and lobby on issues affecting and relevant to nursing students.

[] Make submissions on political documents and policy changes affecting students and registered nurses (RNs).

[] Support all nurses in their issues. Many of these issues have the potential to affect all students and nurses.

One way student delegates and representatives link into NZNO's wider work is by attending regional council meetings. The three Tauira Aronui delegates also link into their local regional councils and into the Te Runanga national komiti. Without regional councils it is difficult to envision how and where NSU will obtain the relevant support and communication links that enable it to operate effectively.

In the NSU response to the questionnaire circulated in February about the proposed changes to NZNO's structure, many issues and concerns were highlighted:

* Without regional councils, there would be a significant loss in support/communication and the dissemination of information to and from the NSU and students.

* If the NSU were to have no seat on the board of directors, there would be a significant loss in support/communication and the dissemination of information to and from the NSU and students.

* The NSU has no workplace sites to link to for support or information as colleges and sections do.

* If we were to become a section, we would be severely disadvantaged due to the above. This would include little or no contact with others within NZNO.

* If our numbers attending annual conference were to reduce from a possible 20 to just two, NSU and student issues would not be effectively heard of addressed. (Please note, our present 20 at conference does not equate to 20 votes).

Historical facts also need to be taken into consideration. The NSU has been an active unit within NZNO since the early 1980s and a national body since 1937. Changing this has the potential to affect the overall numbers of NZNO members, with the potential loss of around 4000 student members. Changing our structure could result in a loss of confidence by students in NZNO and the NSU, if we are notable to assist/support/communicate and address student and new graduate specific issues in a timely and productive manner.

NZNO members have raised these concerns and as this is a membership-owned and operated organisation, it is important to maintain a level of confidence and transparency in decision making.

Due to NSU's unique nature, it is important to ensure its members are well supported. To retain these members post-graduation requires support and guidance throughout their undergraduate experience. The voices of these future RNs are important to nursing's future. Student delegates are also potential NZNO delegates in their future nursing careers.

--Report by NSU delegate Kaye Johnson and NSU rice chair Niki Swabey.