The School of Nursing encourages students to participate in student organizations to foster supportive curricular and co-curricular learning experiences. Learn more about the DUSON student organizations below that are recognized and supported by the Office of Student Services, the University Activities and Events Center, and the Graduate and Professional Student Council (GPSC) of Duke University. GPSC is the umbrella student organization for Duke's nine graduate and professional schools.
Are you interested in starting a new student organization? Start here!
Recognition of your organization by the School ensures that it will benefit from the following:
- Access to printing and faxing services.
- Opportunities to request monetary support through Duke University’s GPSC fund request process.
- Publicity via the DUSON website and bulletin.
- Assistance in creating DUSON affiliated social media sites.
- Access to operational services such as a mailbox, a phone line and an email account specifically for the organization.
Student Organization Recognition Process
To obtain recognition for your organization, follow these steps:
- Recruit a DUSON faculty advisor who will support the creation of the group and assist with building and mentoring the organization’s leadership team.
- Submit the DUSON Student Recognition Form.
- Review the Graduate and Professional School Government (GPSG) Affiliation process.
- Review the GPSG Resources for Student Groups webpage
- Become a member of Duke Groups. Organizations must become a member to be recognized by GPSC and to be eligible for funding. This process includes submitting a copy of the group's constitution, by-laws and mission statement, and accurate information for your president and treasurer.
This step is not required for organizations tied to national nursing associations.
- Review Graduate Student Organization Finance Training
- Review the Student Organizations Policies
Once all steps have been completed, Student Services will contact the organization to confirm that recognition by DUSON has been granted.
Maintaining DUSON Recognition
To maintain DUSON recognition, the organization president must:
- Maintain good academic standing
- Complete the GPSC Affiliation process
- Become a Duke Groups member
- Notify Student Services of any changes in organizational leadership and advisor.
Contact Student Services with questions at SONStudentServices@dm.duke.edu.
Duke School of Nursing Student Organizations
Active Minds: Nurses for Mental Health Awareness
Active Minds is an organization leading change within the world at large, and now within the medical world, by pushing forward a movement that reaches more than 400 schools serving more than 5.1 million students in 50 states and 17 countries with suicide prevention training and mental health education. We have already begun this here at Duke and will continue as we move forward. Join us on Facebook!
Aesthetic and Dermatology Nursing Students (ADNS)
The Aesthetic and Dermatology Nursing Student organization is an inclusive group for individuals interested in the aesthetic and dermatology roles of nursing. The mission of ADNS is to encourage and promote the teaching of the aesthetic and dermatology fields to aspiring nurses while promoting interactive activities for students to connect with professionals. We provide educational sessions, community outreach, and support students wanting to precept and work in aesthetics and dermatology.
Duke Chapter of the American Association for Men in Nursing (DAAMN)
This organization is an assembly of nurses and affiliates within the Duke University Health System (DUHS) who are interested in increasing the visibility and inclusion of men in nursing. DAAMN supports the mission of the American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN) to influence policy, research, and education about men in nursing. Objectives include the following:
- creating a network of people who desire to further the participation of men in all aspects of professional nursing practice within and beyond DUHS
- providing formal and informal networking, mentorship, and leadership opportunities
- supporting professional growth of men who are nursing students and licensed nurses
- membership is open to Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, entry-level nursing students, and affiliates. Membership is unrestricted by consideration of age, color, creed, handicap, sexual orientation, lifestyle, nationality, race, religion, or gender.
- serving as role models of professional nursing through community outreach and service.
Duke Emergency Nursing Students (DENS)
The mission of Duke Emergency Nursing Students (DENS) is to function as a specialty nursing club for professional nursing students committed to advancing their knowledge of emergency nursing to best advocate for safety, philanthropy, and education for the community of Durham in preparation to provide emergency nursing care.
Duke Nurses For Sexual and Reproductive Health (DNSRH)
The purpose of this organization shall be to further the mission of Nurses for Sexual and Reproductive Health, a national organization, on the Duke University campus and to provide Duke University School of Nursing students with the education, tools, and resources necessary to become social-change agents within the healthcare system as it relates to sexual and reproductive justice.
Duke Nursing Students Without Borders
The mission of the Duke Nursing Students Without Borders organization is to promote health empowerment through volunteer efforts in education, hands-on patient care, building networks to access health care resources as well as distributing collected materials to local, regional and international communities. Also, by creating opportunities to give, learn, and connect, Nursing Students Without Borders aims to expand the perspectives and experiences of current nursing students and alumni.
Duke University School of Nursing Student Council
The Duke University School of Nursing Student Council is comprised of elected officers and class representatives. The sole purpose of the Student Council is to serve the students’ educational and professional needs and provide a formal structure for student participation in a wide variety of events within the School. The organization is the governing body of the students of the School and a source of information of importance to students. Activities conducted by the organization include the following:
- submitting information to the student listserv covering local events and opportunities of interest to students
- cosponsoring events at Duke with other organizations (i.e., Duke University and Medical Center organizations, the local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, and the DUSON Alumni Association)
The Student Council positively affects students’ educational experience by increasing awareness of resources and student services, encouraging student involvement in DUSON activities, and sponsoring events throughout the school year, including alumni and student socials, service projects, and career planning events. Contact us at dusonstudentcouncil@dm.duke.edu.
DUSON PhD Social Club
The DUSON PhD Social Club is established for the expressed purpose of facilitating networking and learning between the student and faculty bodies of the PhD program at DUSON, encouraging a social outlet for students and faculty of the PhD program at DUSON to reduce stress associated with doctoral-level responsibilities, and strengthening the bonds of communication and scholarship between students and faculty of te PhD program at DUSON.
DUSON Research Club
The purpose of the DUSON Research Club is to empower nursing students to engage in research and evidence-based practice (EBP) through participating in research, conducting research, and discussing new research. We strive to source and create opportunities for nursing students to collaborate with faculty and other students in research at DUSON and/or other Duke programs. We also aim to provide nursing students with opportunities to present their research and receive recognition for their scholarly contributions.
DUSON Spectrum
The mission of DUSON Spectrum is to assist the Duke University School of Nursing in meeting its goals addressed in the DUSON Mission Statement. This organization is committed to the advancement of the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other individuals of minority status through the practice of nursing advocacy. DUSON Spectrum will encourage its members to be socially-aware, active, and responsible Duke citizens who reflect the DUSON Spectrum mission proudly in their nursing practice.
Fusion: Nursing Students of Color and Allies Coalition
Nursing Students of Color and Allies Coalition (NSCAC) is an organization rooted in empowering people of color through civic engagement and using our voice, knowledge, and passion to provide equity amongst all.
The Femme, Trans, and Women's Organization
The Femme, Trans, and Women's Organization is an inclusive group for all individuals on the gender spectrum. Our members have demonstrated academic excellence at DUSON, have a commitment to community service, and a passion for LGBTW and Women's Health. The mission of the organization is to provide a space for student nurses to inspire and empower each other while addressing the current healthcare and professional issues and promoting the next generation of student nurses. FTW provides a platform for members to exchange ideas and experiences and receive support through the DUSON faculty. FTW provides a space for community service events, awareness discussions, and lecture series.
National Student Nurses Association - Duke Chapter (DUSON NSNA)
The Duke University School of Nursing Student Nurses Association (DUSON SNA) is the Duke chapter of the National Student Nurses Association and the North Carolina Association of Nursing Students. The organization serves several purposes:
- assumes responsibility for contributing to nursing education in order to provide for the highest quality of health care
- provides programs representative of fundamental interests and concerns to nursing students
- aids in the development of the whole person, his/her professional role, and his/her responsibility for health care of people in all walks of life
The functions of the DUSON SNA include the following:
- providing direct input into standards of nursing education and influencing the education process
- influencing health care, nursing education, and practice through legislative activities as appropriate
- representing nursing students to the consumer, to institutions, and other organizations.
The organization also promotes and encourages many activities:
- student participation in community affairs and interdisciplinary activities involving health care and the resolution of related social issues
- recruitment efforts and participation in student activities and educational opportunities regardless of a person’s race, color, creed, sex, lifestyle, national origin, age, or economic status
- collaborative relationships with nursing and health-related organizations.
Nature vs. Nurses
The mission of Nature vs. Nurses is to promote self-care and environmental awareness within the DUSON community by participating in organized outdoor activities, fostering a sense of connection to the surrounding community.
Neonatal and Pediatric Students
The Neonatal and Pediatric Students are a group of ABSN students interested in pursuing and learning about the nursing field of pediatrics. We provide educational sessions, community outreach, and cross-cohort support to students wanting to precept and work as a nurse in pediatrics.
The Nightingales
DUSON's a cappella group made up of faculty and students who love to sing and have fun together. Music is an excellent self-care for those singing and hearing it, so we like to be able to use our gifts outside the classroom/lab/clinic/office to bring joy to ourselves and others.
Nurses Christian Fellowship
Nurses Christian Fellowship is intended to be an interdenominational Christian fellowship organization for nursing students at all levels. We want to meet regularly for Bible study, fellowship, and prayer, as well as hold monthly events, such as service-oriented activities in the community, on-campus guest speakers, social gatherings, church events, etc. Our general aim is to create a Christian community of nurses, develop ongoing friendships, and to share ideas about how our Christian values impact our role as developing nurses.
Nurse Language Lingo
The purpose of the Nurse Language Lingo group is to provide language learning opportunities to DUSON students specific to the nursing courses, field and motto that the cohort speaks that we could teach each other.
Sigma Theta Tau - Beta Epsilon Chapter
The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing is dedicated to improving the health of people worldwide through increasing the scientific base of nursing practice. Its members are nursing scholars committed to the pursuit of excellence in clinical practice, education, research, and leadership. The Society believes that broadening the base of nursing knowledge through knowledge development, dissemination, and use offers great promise for promoting a healthier populace.
For students meeting eligibility requirements, invitations to join the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau are distributed during the fall semester.