Established in 1965 by the National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA), the mission of the Breakthrough to Nursing (BTN) project is to organize, represent, and mentor students preparing for initial licensure as registered nurses, as well as those nurses enrolled in baccalaureate completion programs, in becoming practitioners sensitive to the cultural diversity that exists in our society. The project promotes the development of the skills needed to be responsible, accountable members of the nursing profession who respect the differences and similarities between people, advocates high quality care, utilizing the principles of transcultural nursing, and facilitates the development of peer support systems, which enhance recruitment and retention within the nursing profession.

This year, the NSNA BTN theme is
"Transcultural Nursing with a 20/20 Vision".

The AANS Executive Board and our BTN Director are in the process of finalizing plans for our State BTN Project for the 2007-2008 year. Please check back here for updates!

If your chapter needs assistance with a BTN Project, please contact our BTN Director, who will be glad to help. Also, the NSNA BTN Project Handbook is a wonderful tool to assist in planning BTN committees and projects.