Nursing student’s leadership brings hope

The unknown is scary, but who is more suited to conquer an unknown than nurses, the professionals who are trained to deal with real-life, ever-changing situations. Because navigating pandemics is full of uncertainty, a leader who is flexible and determined even through the lowest points is crucial. Leaders like Alyssa Tygh keep the hope alive within the community and beyond.

Tygh is a current senior bachelor of science in nursing major at Penn State who has put her desire to serve as a leader in the health care industry into action. Tygh currently serves as the president of the Student Nurses Association at Penn State Hershey (SNAPS). Not only do her efforts to connect nurses expand across the University community, but also throughout greater Pennsylvania.

Getting involved immediately her freshman year, Tygh has been a part of the development and growth of these organizations over the past three years. She was selected to attend a state convention with SNAP and went on to co-author a resolution that was passed at both the state and national levels. She then went on to serve on the Resolutions Committee with the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA).

“Even before I decided to become a nurse, I knew I wanted a promising career where I would love to go to work and help individuals daily. Not only does being a nurse accomplish this, but having leadership roles in these organizations allows me to do this on an even larger scale. Every time I go to clinicals or work, I help someone’s loved one through my care, but when I assume my leadership roles, enacting policies, holding community events, or putting on leadership workshops, I’m helping out hundreds of people’s loved ones.” stated Tygh.

Now, within her role as president with SNAPS, she oversees organization and voice. Being a representative for the state, her role in connecting the Penn State and greater Pennsylvania communities of nurses is nothing short of inspiring. Her focus on policy and resolution means that she’s not only making a hands-on impact in her clinicals, but throughout the inner workings of connecting nurses.

One day, Tygh wishes to attend NSNA’s conference at Capitol Hill in person. To be in the same room together is something very impactful to her, and she knows she will not take it for granted when the time comes. Being a part of such a prevalent community, especially amidst a worldwide health crisis, Tygh feels confident and proud of the path she is on. She hopes to impact both her roles and her organizations by upholding one of the NSNA’s major goals, the encouragement of minority students to pursue nursing in the hopes of creating a more inclusive profession overall.