Students wishing to further their education, make industry contacts, and participate in research and contests may apply to Sigma Theta Tau International, the nursing honor society. There are chapters in all 50 United States, and across the world; the organization's website maintains a searchable chapter database. Sigma Theta Tau offers contests, a leadership institute, online library, list of volunteer opportunities, and merchandise for sale. Local college chapters may sponsor mixers, service projects, dinners, featured speakers, or visits to hospitals and other local care facilities. Membership is offered to students who have completed half their nursing curriculum, maintain a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher, and rank in the upper 35% of their class.
Students interested in volunteering, whether to contribute to a charity or to gain experience, will find opportunities at Red Cross locations across the country. The Red Cross seeks people to work as CPR and first-aid instructors, for an average of eight hours a month (more if the student wishes). The Red Cross will provide CPR and first-aid courses as part of its instructor training if the nursing student hasn't yet learned them; a criminal background check is also required. Check the Red Cross website (or those of other local charities) for other health-related volunteer opportunities, such as a blood-drive volunteer, health and safety service delivery, or disaster action team volunteer.
Most colleges have some kind of on-campus recreation and fitness areas, and nursing students --- who have likely studied the effects of exercise on the body and mind --- can blow off the stress from a recent exam or procedure by taking a group fitness class, such as Cardio Combo, Aqua Interval or TurboKick. On some campuses, such as North Carolina State University, ways to unwind also include massage, yoga, meditation, and tai chi. Students interested in adding a social aspect to their exercise can hook up with an intramural team to play tennis, softball, basketball, rugby, and other sports.