Behind every successful nurse is a network of people who offered encouragement during the hardest days and celebrated the milestones along the way. Classmates who understood and went through the academic grind, mentors who offered guidance and a helpful ear, and communities that reminded nurses why they chose this profession in the first place.

At Galen College of Nursing, students have access to knowledgeable faculty, academic resources, and student support services. But beyond the classroom, professional nursing organizations play a powerful role in shaping confident, connected nurses. One of the most impactful of these is the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) and its local chapters across the country.

In honor of Black History Month, Galen is highlighting the importance of engaging with local Black Nurses Association chapters — community‑driven organizations rooted in excellence, advocacy, and legacy. With 114 chapters across 33 states, the NBNA offers nursing students mentorship, leadership opportunities, scholarship support, and a sense of belonging that can make all the difference during nursing school and beyond.

Joining a professional nursing organization like the NBNA isn’t just about membership. It’s about finding your people, strengthening your voice in healthcare, and becoming part of a legacy that continues to shape the future of nursing.

Officially founded in the early 1970s, the NBNA today represents more than 300,000 African American nurses based in the U.S. The NBNA on a national level provides advocacy and leadership to elected officials, and continues to push for improvements for all nurses in healthcare facilities.

But on a local level, members and students can find a community of nurses who can lift them up during the hard times, as well as give them a place to celebrate during the great times.

Over the past few years, Galen has formed a small partnership with the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio chapter of the NBNA, which is leading to more engagement at a local level between Galen and the chapter.

“The Black Nurses Association represents excellence, advocacy, and legacy. It embodies a long-standing commitment to advancing equity in healthcare, supporting the professional development of Black nurses, and addressing health disparities that disproportionately affect underserved communities,” Galen President and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Tracy Ortelli, Ph.D., RN, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, said. “The Association’s work aligns closely with the core mission of the College: to expand access to innovative nursing education that prepares competent, confident, and compassionate nurses who advance healthcare and strengthen communities.”

For students, there is a clear benefit to becoming a member of your local NBNA chapter – mentorship and support. Many chapters include key nursing leaders in their cities. The current Black Nurses Association of Greater Cincinnati (BNAGC) president is Dr. Holly Jones, PhD, RN, APRN-CNP, RNFA, an associate professor at the Ohio State University College of Nursing. After decades at the bedside, Jones moved into an educator role, and she also works in nursing research, a key pathway for some nurses to take.

The Cincinnati chapter also includes Dr. Karen Bankston, PhD., MSN, FACHE, FAAN, a professor emerita at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Bankston has more than 40 years of experience in nursing, from her time working as an emergency room nurse to roles in hospital administration and nursing education before retiring. She was recently named a 2026 Great Living Cincinnatian by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, recognizing her impact on nurses in the Cincinnati area and beyond.

These are just two examples of the kinds of leaders Galen students could meet on a monthly basis at chapter meetings, providing an invaluable resource and support as they look to get into the industry.

“These organizations provide networking (opportunities), and even not just per se mentorship, but somebody to be able to listen to you, and sometimes that’s what students need,” Galen Orlando Dean Ruby Alvarez, PhD., MSN, RN said. “I mentor a young lady, and honestly, we talk about 15 minutes a week, and I’m just asking her, ‘how are you doing?’, ‘how can I help you?’. And sometimes they just need somebody to listen, because they know that nursing school is just hard.”

And as Alvarez points out, the networking opportunities could mean the difference between getting a job in a specific hospital unit you want, or having to settle for something else.

“(Networking) is super helpful,” Alvarez said. “Because I think as we continue to close the gap in nursing, it is going to be becoming more competitive. So, sometimes it’s who you know.

“Especially if you want to get into a particular area, because everybody wants to be an L&D nurse, for example. Well, they don’t always have positions, but sometimes you might know somebody that knows somebody that can say, ‘hey, this position’s going to come open in January, have your application ready’, or something to that effect.”

Another major benefit of the NBNA and their local chapters are the multitude of scholarships available to nursing students of all levels, from Practical/Vocational Nursing to pursuing a Doctorate of Nursing Practice.

The NBNA has 25 scholarships available, and most local chapters also provide scholarships to nursing students in their communities. In the past, Galen has supported scholarship initiatives, and Galen students have also won scholarships towards their education from their local BNA chapters, a benefit both to the students and the local communities where they will work after graduation.

“It is critically important that Galen supports the Black Nurses Association considering that a large percentage of our students would benefit from this organization,” Dr. Ortelli said. “By partnering with the BNA, we create pathways for mentorship, leadership development, professional networking, and advocacy that directly benefit our students, faculty, and the communities we serve. Collaboration with the BNA will strengthen our academic environment and reinforce our responsibility to graduate nurses who are not only clinically excellent, but also socially conscious leaders in healthcare.”

After they become members, students are encouraged to apply for both the national scholarships and the ones available at a local level. In Cincinnati, the application process is open for the 2026 BNAGC Educational Scholarship award, which will provide students with up to $1,500 towards their education. Students can apply and learn more at the Greater Cincinnati Black Nurses Association website.

In addition to the networking and mentorship opportunities, there’s usually a philanthropic arm to each chapter. If you want to give back to your community while a student, joining your local BNA is a great opportunity. Many chapters hold fundraisers for local charities and provide students and members to interact with the public. It allows Galen students to put their compassionate care values into action.

In the past, the BNAGC has volunteered with Galen faculty members early in the morning at Bethany House in Cincinnati, a shelter and food pantry for those in need of assistance.

“It’s early in the morning, but it’s so gratifying seeing grandmothers or young adults with young children, and they’re so grateful to have someone serve them breakfast,” Galen Cincinnati faculty member Dr. Pamela Peavy Lewis, DNP, NEA-BC, CNE, said.

Students are encouraged to research their local NBNA chapter and reach out to the chapter president to learn more how to be involved.

In Cincinnati, for example, student yearly membership is $35, The BNAGC meets once a month, on the second Monday of the month, at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Herald Building, at 3440 Burnet Ave, Room 501.

“All Galen Cincinnati students are invited to the next BNAGC meeting on March 9 to learn more about the organization and how to become student members,” Peavy Lewis said.

In addition to the BNA, there are many wonderful minority nurses organizations, such as the Philippine Nurses Association of America, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, and the Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association, that students can join. Additionally, you don’t have to be of a specific minority group to join these organizations.

If you’re just starting to think about a career in nursing, look no further than Galen. Whether you’re looking to do a 12-month practical/vocational nursing diploma, or to pursue your RN with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing, Galen offers you the best mix of academics, support, and faculty support that you can find. Get started today!