Membership Pathways to Inclusion
Crystal Nettles Director and Chair , Membership Committee directorn @ nsnainc . org
Nurses are the backbone of healthcare as well as its foundation , but it starts with us — nursing students . We all come from unique backgrounds with our own significant lives , experiences , and belief systems . The thing that draws us all together is the passion for healing and helping others through nursing .
During the pandemic , the world saw how crucial nurses are and how then and now , our actions continue to save lives . In the eyes of many , nurses were considered superheroes working on the frontline battling COVID . More recently the quality of nursing and the overall profession has been under severe scrutiny . From scandals , mental health , racism , criminal charges , strikes , and direct patient harm our nurses are crying out for help .
We are the future of healthcare , and the profession needs us now more than ever . It is up to us to maintain this image of nursing and our profession as we leave nursing school and branch out into the various pathways this field has to offer . What made you want to become a nurse in the first place ? I want you to always keep this near and dear to your heart . No matter how you arrived at your decision to become a nurse , remember why you started this journey . Keep that same compassion and drive when things get tough , and you feel like quitting .
We are so happy that you chose to be here with us at NSNA . You could have been doing anything else with your time . So , thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey . We want to help you succeed throughout nursing school , and as a new grad nurse in any way we can . The goal of NSNA is to prepare you as a well-rounded , empathetic , and professional nurse . We must continue to keep the legacy and ethics that makes nursing one of the most respected and trusted professions . After nursing school , you will not only emerge with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a nurse , but also as an advocate , a teacher , and a leader . I urge you to take advantage of all the opportunities NSNA has to offer so that you may grow , make connections , and have as many experiences as possible that will benefit you in the future .
Being a part of NSNA means you are a part of a growing community that will support you and future generations of nursing students for years to come . As a member , you have shown your commitment to improving , not only the nursing profession , but the lives of your future patients , peers , colleagues , and most importantly yourself . Find where your passion truly lies and embrace it so that you can make a difference in a way that means the most to you . As Maya Angelou once said , “ People will forget what you said , people will forget what you did , but people will never forget how you made them feel .” As a nurse , patients and their families will never forget the kindness and compassion you show them , and that is one of the greatest gifts of nursing . I look forward to seeing everyone at the NSNA 71st Annual Convention ! •
10 NSNA IMPRINT • FEBRUARY / MARCH 2023 • www . nsna . org