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Welcome NSNA members ! It is such a privilege to be able to serve you all through NSNA ’ s amazing 2021-2022 Board of Directors . I am truly inspired by the goals and determination of NSNA ’ s members to make change , advocate , and create opportunities for others . As this year ’ s Breakthrough to Nursing ( BTN ) Director , I hope to encapsulate the energy and drive of our members , thus increasing the reach of the profession of nursing . By also serving on the Health Policy and Advocacy and Population and Global Health Committees , I would love to integrate our goals to best engage our members .

I am currently a senior at Georgia State University , pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing . Going to school in downtown Atlanta , GA , has presented me with an incredible array of opportunities in the various avenues of the nursing profession . I am currently the Breakthrough to Nursing Chair for my school ’ s chapter of NSNA and love the work that I get to do in recruiting students to our nursing program . In addition to my BTN responsibilities , I have been a student research assistant at the Georgia Health Policy Center for three years which has introduced me to the policy and advocacy side of healthcare .

Being that the “ Year of the Nurse ,” has carried along into 2021 , I believe that now is a time more crucial than ever to educate others about the nursing profession and offer them the opportunity of a lifetime . One of my goals for the upcoming year is to increase recruitment and retention of underrepresented diverse groups within the nursing profession by increasing opportunity and outreach . BTN offers a variety of tools to create a successful BTN position in local and state chapters so you can start making change right at home ! On the BTN website , you can find an updated Toolkit with information necessary to implementing and structuring a BTN Committee .

Hello ! I am very excited to be a part of this year ’ s Board and even more excited to serve as chair of the Ethics and Governance Committee . I am currently working towards a BSN at Herzing University in Madison , WI .

A little bit about me : I am a mother to two boys and one girl . I like to spend as much time as possible with them ; we love being outdoors , going fishing , boating , and hiking . My children are my biggest fans when it comes to my education . They ’ re always asking me about the new things that I am learning and they want to support me in any way they can .

Outside of my work , school life , and children , I take a little time for myself . In my spare time , I like to read , draw , listen to music and do yoga . As a student and parent , it is essential to always remember to take time for yourself . As busy nursing students , we tend to forget to take care of the most important thing-- ourselves . We can ’ t take care of others if we don ’ t first take care of ourselves .

This year I am looking forward to serving on the NSNA Board and working with constituents . I am excited to network , connect , and meet new people ! This year the Ethics and Governance Committee will review the NSNA Code of Ethics to see if updates are needed . We will be engaging NSNA members and faculty in the process of reviewing this important document . The first opportunity you will have to work with the Ethics and Governance Committee is at the Code of Ethics Roundtable Discussions at the virtual MidYear Conference , on Thursday , November 11 , 2021 , from 6:45pm – 8:00pm ET . Proposed changes to the Code of Ethics will be presented to the NSNA House of Delegates at the 70th Annual NSNA Convention , April 6-10 , 2022 , in Salt Lake City , UT . I cannot wait to see you all at the virtual MidYear Conference and Annual Convention !

Each month , from September to March , the BTN Committee will also award $ 100 to the best project done in accordance with BTN ’ s monthly theme . This is an opportunity for your chapter to pioneer change and promote the values of the BTN role .

To connect with other BTN directors , join our GroupMe “ BTN Unity 2021-2022 .” If you would like to take part in our GroupMe , or if you ever have any questions , suggestions , or concerns about the work of BTN , please send me an email . I can ’ t wait to start working with you all and see the impact we can make together for the profession of nursing !

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