Its purpose is to unify the nursing students of Niagara County and combine their efforts to achieve preprofessional status by taking an active interest in the education, recruitment and practice of nursing, and involve the nursing student in community health. Monthly meetings encourage participation at the national level, as well as provide NU's students with stimulating speakers, movies and opportunities to visit local health agencies. Membership includes quarterly issues of Imprint, the only national magazine for and by nursing students.
Members attend state and national conventions.
NSNA prepares them for active membership in the American Nurses' Association upon graduation.