Bylaws
BYLAWS FOR THE STATE OF NEVADA STUDENT NURSES’ ASSOCIATION
PREAMBLE
REASONS FOR BEING
We, students of nursing, believe there is a common need to organize, to represent ourselves to the consumer and other health disciplines, and to assume our rightful place in the profession of nursing.
We believe every citizen has a right to the highest quality of health care.
We believe in the development of the whole person towards his/her professional role with its rights, responsibilities and ideals.
We believe every right bears inherent responsibility.
We believe responsibilities are participatory, not purely philosophical or ideological, and
We believe the quality and quantity of participation are not exclusive, but bear the responsibility of participation.
Rights/Responsibilities
Students have a right to a sound education:
a right to and a responsibility for having a creative educational opportunity;
a right to and a responsibility for having the highest quality practitioner teacher;
a right to and a responsibility for achieving input into curriculum planning;
a right to and a responsibility for achieving self-directed learning;
a right to and a responsibility for achieving equal participation in all areas of clinical practice;
a right to and a responsibility for participating in interdisciplinary activities.
Students have a right to due process:
a right to and a responsibility for insuring peer review and self-evaluation.
Students have all the rights and privileges of self-governance.
Students have a right to and a responsibility to organize and participate in an organization directed towards achieving professional goals;
a right to and a responsibility for facilitating change in health care delivery through various channels;
a right to and a responsibility for assembling and exploring professional issues and concerns;
a right to and a responsibility for organizing a flexible structure to encompass and represent the diversities within nursing and be representative of the fundamental and current professional issues and concerns;
a right to and a responsibility for fostering a better correlation between nursing education and practice.
ARTICLE I: Name
The Name of this organization shall be the Nevada Student Nurses’ Association, hereinafter referred to as NVSNA. This organization is a constituent of the National Student Nurses’ Association, Inc.
ARTICLE II: Purpose and Function
A. The purpose of the NVSNA is:
1. To assume responsibility for contributing to nursing education in order to provide for the highest quality health care.
2. To provide programs representative of fundamental and current professional interests and concerns.
3. To aid in the development of the whole person, and his/her responsibility for the health care of people in all walks of life.
B. The functions of the NVSNA shall include the following:
1. To have direct input into standards of nursing education and to influence the education process.
2. To influence health care, nursing education and practice through political education as appropriate.
3. To promote and encourage participation in community affairs and resolution of related social issues.
4. To represent nursing students to the consumer, to institutions and other organizations.
5. To promote and encourage students’ participation in interdisciplinary activities.
6. To promote and encourage recruitment efforts, participation in student activities, and educational opportunities regardless of person’s race, color, creed, sex, lifestyle, national origin, age, or economic status.
7. To promote and encourage collaborative relationships with the Nevada Nurses Association and Nevada League for Nursing as well as other nursing and related health organizations.
ARTICLE Ill. Members
Section 1: Constituent Associations
A. School chapters whose membership is composed of active or associate NSNA members, and who have submitted the Official Application for NSNA Constituency Status, and whose bylaws conform to NSNA requirements and upon meeting such other policies as the Board of Directors of NSNA shall have determined, shall be recognized as a constituent.
B. A school chapter shall be composed of at least 10 members from a school. There shall be only one chapter in each school.
C. The state association shall be composed of at least two school chapters in Nevada. School chapters shall belong to the state association. There shall be only one state association.
D. For yearly recognition as an NSNA constituent, constituent associations shall be required to submit annually the Official Application for NSNA Constituency Status which shall include the following areas of conformity for active and associate members: purpose and function, membership, dues and representation.
E. A constituent association which fails to comply with the bylaws and policies of NSNA shall have its status as a constituent revoked by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors, provided that written notice of the proposed revocation has been given at least two months prior to the vote and the constituent association is given an opportunity to be heard.
F. School chapters and state associations are entities separate and apart from NSNA in their administration of activities with NSNA exercising no supervision or control over these immediate daily and regular activities. NSNA has no liability for any loss, damages or injuries sustained by third parties as a result of negligence or acts of school chapters or state associations, or the members thereof. In the event any legal proceeding is brought against NSNA as a result of such acts or commission by a school chapter or state association, said school chapter or state association will indemnify and hold harmless the NSNA from any liability.
Section 2: Categories of Constituent Membership
Members of the constituent association shall be:
A. Active members:
1. Students enrolled in state approved programs leading to licensure as a registered nurse.
2. Registered nurses enrolled in programs leading to a baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing.
3. Active members shall have all the privileges of membership.
B. Associate members:
1. Pre-nursing students, including registered nurses enrolled in college or university programs designed as preparation for entrance into an undergraduate program leading to an associate degree, diploma, or baccalaureate degree in nursing.
2. Associate members shall have all of the privileges of membership except the right to hold office as president and vice president at the state and national levels.
C. Individual members:
Individual membership shall be open at the state and national level to any eligible student when membership in a constituent association is not available. Individual members shall have the privileges of membership as prescribed in Article III, Section 2, items A and B.
D. Active and associate membership. shall be renewable annually.
Section 3: Length of Membership
Active and associate membership may be extended six months beyond completion of a student’s program in nursing, providing membership was renewed while the student was enrolled in a nursing program.
Section 4: Dues
A. 1. The annual NSNA dues for active, associate, and individual members shall be $30.00 per renewal member, plus $10.00 state dues, and $20.00 per new member, plus $10.00 state dues, payable with the national dues. The dues year for membership shall be a period of twelve (12) consecutive months.
2. NSNA dues for active, associate and individual members joining for two (2) years shall be $50.00 per member, plus $20.00 state dues. The dues years for these members shall be a period of twenty-four (24) consecutive months.
B. NSNA and NVSNA dues shall be payable directly to NSNA. NSNA shall remit to each state constituent the dues received on behalf of the constituent. Local dues shall not be submitted to NSNA.
C. Any member who fails to pay current dues shall forfeit all privileges of membership.
D. The state dues for NVSNA shall be determined by a 3/4 vote of the NVSNA board of directors.
ARTICLE IV. Officers and Directors
Section 1: Officers
The officers of the NVSNA shall be the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, northern region vice president, southern region vice president, membership director, community health director, Communications Director and newsletter editor. Executive Officer positions include the president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.
Section 2: Eligibility
A. Any member in good standing of NVSNA meeting the following qualifications shall be eligible to be a candidate for office:
1. Candidates shall be chosen from among those members who have been nominated by a member of NVSNA according to the procedure outlined in these bylaws.
2. Only members who shall be nursing students throughout at least 3/4 of their term of office and have the privileges of active membership shall be eligible for the offices of president and vice president.
3. Associate members are not eligible to hold the office of president or vice president.
4. Only members who shall be nursing students throughout at least 6 months of the school year during their term of office and have the privileges of active or associate membership shall be eligible for the offices of secretary, treasurer, northern region vice president, southern region vice president, membership director, community health director, newsletter editor, and nominating and elections committee members (3).
5. Only members present at the annual meeting may be nominated from the floor.
6. When absent during the annual meeting, only members who filed as candidates for office or called by telephone prior to the convention may be elected to office.
Section 3: Term of Office
The term of office shall be one year from the adjournment of the annual meeting at which officers and directors are elected to the adjournment of the annual meeting at which their successors are elected.
Section 4: Duties of Officers
A. The President shall:
1. Preside at all meetings of the NVSNA and the Board of Directors.
2. Appoint special committees with the approval of the Board of Directors.
3. Co-sign checks (or designate another officer to do so) for fund disbursements as provided by bylaws and policies.
4. Serve as ex-officio member of all committees, except the Committee on Nominations.
5. Chair the committee on bylaws, policies and resolutions.
6. Submit annually to NSNA the Official Application for NSNA Constituency Status for (state) by the cutoff date.
7. Perform all other duties pertaining to the office and shall represent the Association in all matters relating to the NVSNA.
8. Remind schools through regular correspondence to submit the Official Application for NSNA Constituency Status to NSNA by the cutoff date.
9. Appoint the Tellers Committee at the annual meeting to count ballots and report the results.
10. Serve as the main public relations
B. The Vice President shall:
1. Assume the duties of the President in the absence of the President.
2. Coordinate the annual convention of this Association, in addition to proposing the meeting site for the succeeding year’s annual convention, with Board approval.
3. Be the chairperson of the Committee on Convention Planning.
4. Serve as an advisor for the succeeding Vice President, not to exceed six months.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by the president.
C. The Secretary shall:
1. Keep on file an accurate list of the names and addresses of all constituent associations to be used for correspondence purposes.
2. Notify Board of Directors and nominating co-chairpersons of time and place of all meetings of the Association at least 2 3 weeks prior to the next Board meeting.
3. Keep records of all organization correspondence.
4. Conduct the general correspondence of the Association as requested by the President or Board of Directors.
5. Record the minutes of all meetings of the Association and of the Board of Directors and also be responsible for the distribution of the minutes to the Board of Directors and nominating co-chairs, and to send 15 copies of all minutes to NSNA headquarters.
6. Keep on file as a permanent record all reports, papers, and documents of the Association.
7. Refer to duly appointed committees the necessary records for the proper performance of their duties.
8. Sign with the President such organization papers as come into their executive and administrative spheres.
9. Review the policies and be responsible for recommendations of policy changes.
10. Deliver to the newly elected Secretary all records, papers, and other property belonging to the Association within one month after the annual convention.
D. The Newsletter Editor shall:
1. Publish NVSNA regular newsletters.
2. Set deadline dates.
3. Obtain and edit articles.
4. Lay out rough draft.
5. Obtain printer.
6. Communicate with printer about newsletter layout.
7. Proofread galley before final printing.
8. Set publication dates.
9. Serve as an advisor to the succeeding Newsletter Editor, not to exceed six months.
10. Solicit advertising to try to cover cost of official publication.
11. Obtain mailing labels for members from NSNA.
12. Mail newsletters.
13. Be in charge of the convention program booklet.
E. The Treasurer shall:
1. Act as custodian of organization funds and deposit these funds in a bank approved by the Board of Directors.
2. Co-sign checks for fund disbursements as bylaws and policies provide.
3. Prepare a budget and make monetary disbursements with the approval of the President and as authorized by the Board of Directors.
4. Keep accurate entries of acquisitions and disbursements of organization funds.
5. Using documents received from NSNA, keep an accurate record of all members who have paid national and state dues.
6. Prepare a report of the transactions of the Treasurer’s office to be submitted at the annual meeting.
7. Submit a financial report to the Board of Directors at all scheduled meetings.
8. Serve as chairperson of the Committee on Fundraising.
9. The outgoing Treasurer shall, within one month after the close of the convention, deliver to the newly elected Treasurer all money vouchers, books, and papers of the Association held in custody.
10. When directed by the Board of Directors, shall be responsible for an outside audit of the association’s financial records.
11. Shall chair the Committee on Fundraising.
The Membership Director shall:
1. Appoint members to and serve as chairperson of the Membership Recruitment and Retention Committee.
4. Devise, with Board approval, membership recruitment and retention projects for state implementation.
5. Conduct other membership recruitment and retention activities as directed by the Board of Directors.
G. The Community Health Director shall:
1. Appoint and serve as chairperson of a Committee on Community Health.
2. Serve as a resource person to local chapters to provide information on workshops, health fairs, screening clinics, and other community health projects they may wish to undertake.
3. Become informed about current events related to community health via news media and appropriate newsletters, and provide information to the Board of Directors of the NVSNA regarding these events.
4. Conduct other community health activities as directed by the Board of Directors.
H. Northern and Southern Region Vice Presidents
1. Communicate with area school chapter Presidents, Faculty Advisors, Administration, and/or members in their region.
2. Report to the State Board on the happenings of their region and schools.
3. Making sure the chapters in their region maintain constituency status.
4. Work with the Membership Director to make sure regional membership initiatives are implemented within the different Schools
5. Work with the Community Health Director to make sure regional community events are adequately implemented
6. The Northern Region Vice President shall Act as the legislative liaison. Keep the organization informed as to governmental activities of interest within the state legislature. Meet with lawmakers as necessary.
I. The Communications Director Shall:
1. Notify all schools of their state constituency status, the number of voting delegates, and the date, time and place of the annual meeting at least 30 days prior to the meeting.
2. Assist the President and Vice President with publicity and promotion of the convention of this organization.
3. Keep the media contacted as to special events of the organization.
4. Serve as a resource person to local chapters to provide information on membership recruitment and retention.
5. Work with the Membership Director to become informed about current membership recruitment/retention projects sponsored by NSNA and communicate this to schools in the state.
6. Correspond and serve as a contact to community agencies in order to assist them in dissemination of important health related information to student nurses and the public.
Section 5: Vacancies
A vacancy on the Board of Directors, other than the President, shall be filled by 3/4 vote of the Board of Directors or as specified in these bylaws.
Section 6: Attendance Policy
A. Three unexcused absences of an officer from meetings during the year shall constitute a resignation.
B. Excused absences shall be:
1. Attendance at a NSNA or NVSNA meeting.
2. A written or verbal explanation of reason of absence, which then will be decided excused or unexcused by the Board of Directors.
C. After two unexcused absences from two Board of Directors meetings, notification shall be sent stating that an additional absence shall constitute a resignation.
D. A resignation resulting from three unexcused absences may be appealed to the Board of Directors in accordance with its policies and procedures.
E. In the event of an absence from any Board of Directors meeting, a written report of the month’s activities shall be sent to the President prior to the meeting, except in the case of an emergency, at the discretion of the President.
ARTICLE V. Nominations and Elections
Section 1: Nominating Committee
A. A Nominating Committee shall be composed of three elected members. The chair of the Nominating Committee shall be the person who receives the highest number of votes.
B. Nominating committee members are not eligible to run for state office in the year that they serve in this capacity.
Section 2: Duties of the Nominating Committee
A. The Nominating Committee shall receive names of proposed candidates submitted in writing by any constituent association. The Committee shall consider the qualifications of these proposed candidates, but Shall not be limited or controlled by these nominations. The Committee will be responsible for verifying the membership and other credentials of each nominee.
B. The Nominating Committee shall prepare a ticket with candidates for the offices. The consent of all proposed candidates shall be obtained in writing before placing their names on the ticket. Candidates must also obtain and submit a written support of their dean/director or an explanation of why the support was withheld.
C. A copy of the ticket shall be published at least 30 days prior to the convention. The report of the Nominating Committee shall be presented on the first day of the annual convention. Further nominations may be made from the floor at this time. Candidates nominated from the floor shall immediately present their written consent to serve and shall meet an other qualifications for nomination.
D. The Nominating Committee will provide an accurate final slate to the Tellers Committee at least 3 hours prior to the voting.
Section 3: Elections
A. The officers and elected consultants must be present to be elected at each annual meeting by the House of Delegates.
B. The election shall be by ballot. A plurality vote shall elect. A tie vote shall be decided first by a re-vote and, if necessary, by casting or drawing lots.
C. The Tellers Committee should.
1. Be composed of at least 3 members who are not from schools where there are candidates (if this is possible).
2. Be appointed by the president.
3. Designate one teller to chair the committee and to report the results of the election.
4. Be responsible for preparing, distributing, collecting, and counting the ballots.
ARTICLE VI: Annual Meetings
Section 1
The annual meeting of the association shall be held at such time and place as shall be determined by the Board of Directors. The annual meeting shall be for the purpose of holding an election, receiving reports, and conducting such other business as may properly come before the House of Delegates. Notice of the meeting shall be sent to the president of each constituent association and other members of the voting body.
Section 2
The House of Delegates shall be the governing body of the Association and shall be composed of delegates from the constituent associations and members of the Board of Directors. The business of the annual meeting shall be conducted by the House of Delegates. Notice of the meeting shall be sent to all school constituent presidents at least 30 days prior to the meeting.
Section 3: Delegate Representation
A. Each school constituent shall be entitled to seven voting delegates and two alternates; in addition, shall be entitled to one voting delegate for every ten members per school constituent.
B. The school chapter delegates and alternates shall be active or associate members in good standing in the chapter and shall be selected and/or by members of the school chapter at a proper meeting.
Section 4
The privilege of making motions and voting shall be limited to the House of Delegates. A voting member shall have but one vote in any election of question.
Section 5
All meetings of the Association shall be open unless voted otherwise by the House of Delegates. Student members other than voting delegates may attend the annual meeting but shall not be seated with the delegate body, and may speak once on each issue before the House of Delegates.
Section 6: Quorum
A quorum at meetings of the NVSNA shall consist of at least one representative from 50% of the constituent associations, the President, or Vice President, and 2 other officers or board members.
Section 7: Special Meetings
A. A special meeting may be called by the Board of Directors, and shall be called by the President upon written request of one-third or more of the constituent associations. Notice of time, place, and purpose of the meeting shall be sent to all constituent associations not less than 5 days prior to the meeting.
B. The voting body shall be the same, insofar as possible, as that in the annual meeting. Other members may attend and shall have the privilege to speak once to each issue.
C. The quorum shall be 1/3 of the constituent associations and at least four members of the Board of Directors, including the President, First Vice President, or Second Vice President.
ARTICLE VII: Board of Directors
Section I
The Board of Directors shall consist of the elected officers and chapter presidents. The consultants shall serve as ex-officio members without a vote.
Section 2
All the powers of the Association are vested in and shall be exercised by the Board of Directors during the interim between meetings of the Association, except that the Board shall not nullify nor modify any action taken by the House of Delegates in the annual meeting and subject to the provisions of these bylaws.
Section 3
The Board of Directors shall not be responsible for any contract claim, or obligation of any kind incurred, or for any position taken by any officer or member of constituent unless the same was authorized in writing by the Board of Directors.
Section 4
Management by the Board of Directors shall include the following duties:
A. Review and approve the terms of official relationships with other organizations singly or in coalition.
B. Approve any commitment in the form of action, statement of policy or position, or financial obligations involved in NVSNA relationships with other organizations.
C. Approve the budget and provide for an annual external audit of accounts at the close of the fiscal year.
D. Have the power by two-thirds vote to declare an office vacant.
E. Have the power by two-thirds vote to fill vacancies for the unexpired term unless otherwise specified in these bylaws.
F. In case of an emergency, votes by referendum may be taken by the Board of Directors, provided the material is sent in the same words to each member.
Section 5: Board Meetings
A. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately before and after the annual meeting, and at such other times deemed necessary by a majority vote of the Board. The President shall determine the date and place of meetings.
B. The quorum shall be a majority of the voting members of the Board, the President or Vice President, and at least one consultant.
Section 6: Executive Committee
There shall be an Executive Committee of the Board of Directors composed of the President, the Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and a consultant This committee shall have the power to transact business only of an emergency nature which cannot wait until the next scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors. All transactions of the committee shall be reported in full at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee may conduct such emergency business by telephone or mail.
Section 7
All members of the Board of Directors shall be required to submit to the Treasurer expense vouchers within 30 days after expenditures. Each board member’s expenditures may be subject to approval by the entire Board of Directors. The Board reserves the right to deny reimbursement.
ARTICLE VIII: Consultants
Section I
There shall be three consultants. One consultant shall be appointed by each of the Board of Directors of the Nevada Nurses Association (NNA) and the Nevada Organization of Nurse Leaders (NONL), in consultation with the (student nurses association) Board of Directors to serve for a two-year term, or until their successors are appointed. These consultants may serve no longer than three consecutive terms. These consultants shall be appointed in alternating years. The third consultant shall be a graduate nurse or a graduating senior who was a member of the NVSNA the previous year with experience on the state Board of Directors. This consultant may be appointed at the discretion of the Board of Directors and shall serve for one year or until a successor is elected and is not eligible for appointment. Additional Consultants may be appointed by the Board of Directors as needed.
Section 2: The Consultants shall:
A. Be responsible for providing for interchange of information between the Board of Directors of the state nurses’ association and NVSNA.
B. Attend meetings of NVSNA.
C. Foster problem solving, objective analysis and goal centered planning in the pursuit of the objectives and activities of NVSNA.
D. Serve as a resource person in planning, deliberations, implementation and evaluation of NVSNA activities.
E. Identify potential resources and expertise needed for the NVSNA in decision-making and program planning.
F. Assist, as necessary, in providing direction and assistance in operational aspects.
G. Communicate and objectively interpret major issues and concerns for the nursing profession.
H. Stimulate and encourage personal and professional growth and skill development of officers and other members of NVSNA.
ARTICLE IX: Standing Committees
Section I
Standing committees shall be composed of members of the association and shall assume such duties as are assigned by the President and specified in these bylaws.
Section 2
The standing committees shall report to the Board of Directors when requested to do so and shall submit a written report of their activities at the annual meeting.
Section 3
There shall be the following standing committees which shall consist of at least three members each (with the exception of the Committee on Nominations) appointed by the chairperson of the respective committee and submit to the approval of the President:
A. Committee on Bylaws, Policies, and Resolutions
B. Committee on Fundraising
C. Committee on Program Planning
D. Committee on Community Health
E. Committee on Membership
ARTICLE X: Official Publications
The NVSNA newsletter shall be the official publication of the association, and shall be distributed to members as one of the benefits of membership.
ARTICLE XI: Parliamentary Authority
All meetings of the association shall be conducted according to parliamentary law as set forth in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised where the rules apply and are not in conflict with these bylaws.
ARTICLE XII. Amendments
Section I
Unless otherwise stated in these bylaws, these bylaws may be amended at the annual meeting by a two thirds vote of those present and voting provided that notice of the proposed amendments has been sent to the presidents of the constituent associations at least four weeks prior to the meeting.
Section 2
Proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing, carrying proponent’s signature, to the Board of Directors for review at least eight weeks prior to the annual meeting. Proposed amendments may be submitted only by the Board of Directors, the Bylaws Committee, or a constituent association.
Section 3
These bylaws may be amended at the annual meeting by 99% vote of those present and voting, provided previous notice shall have been given at an earlier meeting of the same session, and provided that the proposed amendment shall have been presented to the presiding officer and parliamentarian before the meeting where previous notice is given.
Section 4
Amendments to the bylaws of the NVSNA adopted at the annual meeting which directly relate to the business of the constituent association in the areas of conformity shall automatically and immediately effect the necessary amendments to bylaws of the constituent associations and shall promptly be incorporated into their bylaws.
