Preamble
We, the student nurses of Arizona, believe there is a common need to organize, to represent ourselves to the consumer and health disciplines, and to assume our rightful place in the profession of nursing.
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We believe every citizen has a right to the highest quality of health care,
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We believe in the development of the whole person toward his/her professional role with its rights and responsibilities,
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We believe every right bears inherent responsibility,
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We believe responsibilities are participatory, not purely philosophical or ideological, and
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We believe the quality and quantity of participation are not exclusive, but bear the responsibility of participation.
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We believe that students have a right to a sound education,
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We believe that students have a right to due process and a right to and responsibility for ensuring peer review and self evaluation,
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We believe that students have a right and responsibility for:
- having a creative educational opportunity;
- having the highest quality practitioner/teacher;
- achieving input into curriculum planning;
- achieving self-directed learning;
- achieving equal participation in all areas of clinical practice;
- participation in interdisciplinary activities;
- participation in an organization directed toward achieving professional goals;
- facilitating change in health care delivery through various channels;
- assembling and exploring fundamental and current professional issues and concerns;
- organizing in a flexible structure to encompass and represent the diversities within nursing;
- fostering a better correlation between nursing education and practice.
Article I - Name of Organization
The name of this organization shall be the Student Nurses’ Association of Arizona (SNAAz).
Article II - Purpose and Function
Section 1. Purpose
A. To assume responsibility for contributing to nursing education in order to provide for the highest quality of health care.
B. To provide programs representative of fundamental interests and concerns to nursing students.
C. To aid in the development of the whole person, his/her professional role, his/her responsibility for health care of people in all walks of life.
D. To advocate for nursing students in preparing for their professional roles as nurses.
Section 2. Function
A. To have direct input into standards of nursing education in order to provide the highest quality of health care.
B. To influence health care, nursing education and practice through legislative activities as appropriate.
C. To promote and encourage participation in community affairs and activities towards health care and the resolution of social issues.
D. To represent nursing students to the consumer, to institutions, and other organizations.
E. To promote and encourage students’ participation in interdisciplinary activities.
F. To promote and encourage recruitment efforts, participation in student activities, and educational opportunities regardless of a person’s race, color, creed, sex, lifestyle, national origin, or economic status.
G. To promote and encourage collaborative relationships with nursing and health-related organizations.
Article III. - Members
Section 1. Constituent Associations
A. SNAAz shall be composed of at least two constituent chapters of NSNA.
B. Constituent chapters shall submit to SNAAz one copy of their chapter bylaws annually.
Section 2. School Constituent
A. School constituent membership is composed of active or associate members who are of the NSNA and the state association, when one exists.
B. Individual school constituents shall be composed of at least ten members from the school enrollment; if it is less than ten, with 100% of their enrollment as NSNA. There shall be only one chapter on each school campus.
C. For yearly recognition as a constituent, an officer of the school association shall submit annually the official application for NSNA constituency status, which includes the following areas of conformity: purpose and function, membership, dues and representation.
D. A constituent association which fails to comply with the bylaws and policies of NSNA shall have its status as a constituent revoked by a 2/3 vote of the NSNA 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.
E. Each school association is an entity separate and apart from NSNA and its administration of activities, with NSNA and SNAAz exercising no supervision or control over their immediate daily and regular activities. NSNA and SNAAz have no liability for any loss, damages, or injuries sustained by third parties as a result of the negligence or acts of the school association or the members thereof. In the event any legal proceedings are brought against NSNA and SNAAz, the school association will indemnify and hold harmless NSNA and SNAAz from any liability.
Section 3. Categories of Constituent Membership
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 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 a program leading to an associate degree, diploma or baccalaureate degree in nursing.
2. Associate members shall have all the rights and privileges of membership except the right to hold office as president or vice president at state and national levels.
C. Individual Members:
1. Individual membership shall be open at the state and national levels to any eligible student when membership in a constituent association is not available. Individual members shall have the privileges of membership as prescribed in NSNA and SNAAz bylaws.
D. Sustaining Members:
1. Sustaining membership shall be open at the state and national levels to any individual or organization interested in furthering the development and growth of SNAAz.
2. This membership category is not open to those eligible for active or associate memberships.
3. Sustaining members shall have none of the obligations or privileges of membership.
E. Honorary Members:
1. Honorary membership shall be given to those persons who have rendered distinguished services or valuable assistance to the student nurses in Arizona.
2. Recommendations for honorary membership will be accepted to any member of SNAAz.
3. Honorary membership shall be conferred by a vote of the Board of Directors.
4. Honorary members shall have none of the obligations of privileges of membership.
F. Active, associate and individual membership shall be renewable annually.
Section 4. Membership After Graduation
Active, associative, and individual memberships may be extended six months beyond graduation from a student’s program in nursing, providing membership is renewed while the student is enrolled in a nursing program.
Article IV - Dues
Section 1. Terms
A. The annual NSNA dues for active, associate, and individual members shall be $30.00 per renewal member, plus $7.00 state dues, and $20.00 per new member, plus $7.00 state dues, payable with the national dues. The dues year for membership shall be a period of twelve (12) consecutive months.
B. NSNA dues for active, associate and individual members joining for two (2) years shall be $50.00 per member, plus $14.00 state dues. The dues years for these members shall be a period of twenty-four (24) consecutive months.
C. NSNA and SNAAz dues will be payable directly to NSNA. NSNA will remit to SNAAz the dues received on its behalf. Neither NSNA nor SNAAz shall collect or remit school constituent dues.
D. All checks written to SNAAz and returned for Non-Sufficient Funds will be subject to a $25.00 return check fee.
Article V - Board of Directors
Section 1. Board of Directors
A. The duty of the Board of Directors shall be to carry out the business of SNAAz as outlined in these bylaws and the SNAAz Policies and Procedures.
B. The Board of Directors shall consist of the officers, directors, state constituent presidents, advisors, and consultants.
C. It is expected that the members of the Board will:
1. Attend all meetings of the Board of Directors.
2. Serve as resources for the newly elected Board of Directors.
3. Transfer all materials to the new Board of Directors within one week of elections.
4. Elect one member of the outgoing Board to serve as consultant to the new Board.
D. The Board of Directors shall create and maintain the SNAAz Policies and
Procedures. The purpose of this document is to summarize the major policies
and procedures of the SNAAz which have been adopted over the years by the
members and the Board of Directors. This document allows the Board the
flexibility to make decisions and take actions affecting SNAAz business
without a majority vote at the Annual Convention by the membership.
Changes to the Policies and Procedures document may be made as required by
the Board through majority vote as deemed necessary to carry out the business
of the SNAAz. A current copy of this document will be maintained on the
SNAAz website, and modifications shall be posted within one week of the
approval.
Section 2. Officers
The officers of the Board of Directors shall be president, vice president, treasurer and secretary.
A. The President shall:
1. Preside over all meetings of the Association .
1. Serve as chairperson of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.
2. Appoint special committees and chairpersons as needed.
3. Represent SNAAz in all matters to professional and student organizations.
4. Serve as an ex officio member of all committees.
5. Coordinate the Council of Presidents meeting at least once per year. The purpose of which is to address the ideas and concerns of the constituent schools.
6. Have such other powers or perform other duties assigned by the Board of Directors.
B. The Vice President shall:
1. Assume the responsibilities of the office of President in the event of vacancy.
2. Preside over meetings in the absence of the President.
3. Assist the President as delegated.
4. Serve as a chairperson for the annual state convention.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by the President.
C. The Treasurer shall:
1. Prepare and submit written financial report at each regularly scheduled meeting.
2. Act as custodian for SNAAz funds, maintaining these funds in a bank that has been approved by the Board of Directors, and maintain permanent records of the flow of these funds.
3. Prepare a budget and make monetary disbursements with the approval of the Board of Directors.
4. Serve as a member of the fundraising committee.
5. Submit all books for audit at any time when requested by the Board of Directors.
6. Perform other duties assigned by the President.
D. The secretary shall:
1. Record and distribute minutes of all meetings of SNAAz, including fifteen copies to NSNA or one electronic copy within one week of the meeting.
2. Maintain all necessary correspondence.
3. Take and record attendance at all meetings of SNAAz.
4. Keep on file, in the secretary’s book and the president’s book, as a permanent record, all reports, correspondence, and other documents.
5. Perform other duties assigned by the President.
Section 3. Directors
The Directors shall include all committee chairs, Director of Publicity/Advertising, Legislative Affairs Directors, School/Education Director, Newsletter Director, Membership Director, Community Outreach Director, Director of Fundraising, Website Director and Directors at Large. It is expected that directors attend all meetings of the Board. Directors shall perform such duties as assigned by the President in accordance with the priorities and needs of the Association. The specific duties of the Directors are outlined in the SNAAz Policies and Procedures.
Section 4. Constituent Presidents
Presidents of each Arizona constituent or their representative shall be a member of the Board of Directors.
Section 5. Eligibility
A. Members of the Board of Directors shall be enrolled in an accredited Arizona school
of nursing for at least six (6) months of their term of office and agree to fulfill their
commitment to the SNAAz Board of Directors throughout their term of office
B. Members of the Board of Directors shall be active members of NSNA/SNAAz
throughout their term of office.
C. No member may hold more than one elected office at any one time.
Section 6. Term of Office
- The official term of office shall begin at the adjournment of the annual meeting at which elections are held and will conclude at the adjournment of the following annual meeting at which their successors are elected.
- Outgoing officers shall serve as active consultants to their newly elected counterpart through the first scheduled meeting of the new Board.
Section 7 Vacancies
- Vacancies in any office except President will be filled by a two-third vote of the Board of Directors.
- Vacancy in the office of President shall be filled by the Vice President.
- Candidates for any vacant office must meet all eligibility requirements.
Section 8. Abuse/Neglect of Duty
- A member of the Board of Directors who has missed more than two regularly scheduled meetings without prior notification to the officers and who offers no valid reason (as determined by the Executive Committee) for such absence s may be removed from office by a Board vote at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
- A member of the Board of Directors who has missed more than three regularly scheduled meetings may be removed from office by a vote of the Board if that officer is deemed negligent in the function of his/her office as stated by the bylaws.
- A member of the Board of Directors may be removed from office by a vote of the Board if that officer is deemed negligent in the function of his/her office as stated in the bylaws.
- The member in question will be notified at least two weeks in advance of any action.
Article VI - Committees
All committees shall be responsible to the Board of Directors for reporting committee activities on a regular basis. Committee members may be appointed by the Board from a group of volunteers. It is the responsibility of each committee chair to coordinate committee meetings apart from the monthly SNAAz meetings.
Section 1. Executive Committee
A. The Executive Committee shall consist of the officers of SNAAz (President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary) and one advisor or consultant.
B. The Executive Committee is responsible for SNAAz business that cannot wait until a scheduled meeting and shall report such business at the next regular meeting. Such business may be conducted by telephone, mail or electronic information transfer.
C. A quorum for the Executive Committee shall consist of three (3) officers and one advisor or consultant.
Section 2. Nominations and Elections Committee
A. This committee shall consist of three (3) elected members. These members will appoint one to serve as chair.
B. Duties include:
1. Provide members with information regarding the election and duties and time commitment required of the positions to be elected.
2. Solicit candidates and provide them with nomination applications.
3. Verify membership requirements and obtain written consent to run for all candidates prior to the State Annual Convention.
4. Present nominations and elections committee report and official slate of candidates at the Annual State Convention.
5. Prepare and distribute ballots and oversee voting process at the Annual State Convention.
6. Inform and assist the membership regarding nominations/elections for national office.
C. Any nominations and elections committee member nominated as candidate for
office for the following year shall resign from the committee.
Article VII - Advisors/Consultants
Section 1. Advisors
A. There shall be two advisors, one representing a baccalaureate program and the other representing an associate degree program.
B. The term of office shall be one year.
C. There is no limit to the number of terms an advisor may serve; however, the Board must vote on the appointment each year.
D. Advisors shall be appointed by the Board of Directors
1. Advisors shall be approved and appointed by the Board of Directors.
E. Duties of the Advisors shall be to serve as resource persons, attend meetings,
and consult with Board members.
E. Advisors are not eligible to vote on SNAAz business.
Section 2. Consultants
A. There shall be two consultants to SNAAz, one from a professional nursing organization and the other an outgoing member of the SNAAz Board of Directors.
B. The term of office shall be one year.
C. There is no limit to the number of terms a consultant may serve; however the Board must vote on the appointment each year.
D. The Consultant who is a former SNAAz Board Member is limited to one term of office.
E. The Consultants shall be appointed by the Board of Directors from nominations received by a Board member.
F. The duties of the Consultants shall be to serve as resource persons, attend meetings, consult with Board members, and serve as liaison between student and professional nursing organizations.
G. The Consultants are not eligible to vote on SNAAz business.
Article VIII - Delegates
Section 1. Representation to NSNA Convention
A. The delegate to the NSNA National Convention shall be the state president whenever feasible. If the state president is unable to serve in this capacity, a designated representative and alternate shall be elected by the Board of Directors.
B. Any active member of SNAAz who has been nominated and elected by the Board of Directors is eligible to hold the position of delegate or alternate.
Section 2. Duties
A. To serve as spokesperson for SNAAz at national conventions.
B. Present to the national organization proposed resolutions or amendments to bylaws.
C. Keep informed as to all current and proposed resolutions at the state and national levels and report this information at regularly scheduled meetings of SNAAz.
D. Make available to members updates, explanations, and copies of current and proposed state and national resolutions.
Section 3. Constituent Delegates
A. Official NSNA school constituents shall be entitled to one voting delegate and alternate at the NSNA House of Delegates, and in addition, shall be entitled to one voting delegate and alternate for every 50 members.
B. The official NSNA school constituent delegate and alternate shall be members in good standing in the chapter and be selected and/or elected by members of the school constituent at a proper meeting.
Article IX - Meetings
Section 1. Meeting Schedule
A. Board meeting dates shall be established at the first meeting of a newly elected Board.
B. Board meeting location and times shall be established no later than the previous meeting of the Board.
C. The President has the authority to call a special meeting for such item as it is deemed necessary.
D. The annual meeting of SNAAz membership shall occur at the Annual State Convention and be held at such time and place as determined by the Board of Directors. The purpose of the annual meeting shall be for the purpose of holding the election and conducting other such business that requires the full body of members.
Section 2. Voting
A. The privilege of making motions and voting shall be limited to the Board of Directors. Each Board member shall have one vote in each issue.
B. A simple majority vote shall be required in all matters unless otherwise specified in these bylaws.
C. A quorum is required and shall consist of 2/3 of the number of elected members that constitute the Board of Directors. If any elected positions are vacant, that position shall not be counted in the determination of a quorum.
D. A maximum of three proxy votes per meeting will be allowed. The proxy must provide the Board with a written statement from the absent voting member. This document will be archived by the Secretary.
E. Proxy must be an active member of NSNA.
Section 3.
All meetings of the Association shall be open unless otherwise voted upon by the Board.
Section 4.
All meetings of SNAAz shall be conducted according to the parliamentary law as set forth in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised where the rules apply and are not in conflict with the bylaws.
Article X - Election
A. The nomination and election process shall be overseen by the Nominations and Elections Committee.
B. Election of Officers, Directors and Nomination and Elections Committee members will be held at the Annual State Convention.
C. Nominations may be made from the floor or by prior application.
D. Candidates shall be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to the membership during the Annual State Convention.
E. Election shall be by secret ballot.
F. Each active, associate and individual member of SNAAz shall be allowed one vote.
G. A simple majority determines the outcome. In the event of a tie, a re-vote will be held.
Article XI - Amendments
Section 1. These bylaws may be amended only upon 2/3-acceptance vote by the membership present at the Annual State Convention or a special meeting called for that purpose.
Section 2. Any proposed amendments must be distributed to the membership and constituent chapters at least four weeks prior to the vote.
Section 3. Amendments shall become effective upon the voting deadline.
Section 4. A current copy of these bylaws shall be maintained at the SNAAz website. Amendments shall be incorporated to the website copy within one week of approval by the membership.
