EDITORIAL
Happy New Year NSNA Members !
A new year means a new semester and starting off on the right foot ! I hope that you have started the new year off strong by creating intentional SMART goals !
I am so excited for you to read the Imprint January 2024 Career Planning Guide : You Decide Your Destiny ! This issue features a complete guide of nursing specialties from critical care to forensic care nursing . Whether you are graduating soon or this is your first semester in nursing school , this is a great guide for you to explore the incredible career paths available to future nurses . It is never too early to begin planning where your career as a nurse will take you . I urge you to check out our career planning guide on page 33 to begin investing in your future career . It may feel overwhelming at first but , trust me — you will find your destiny .
Nursing school may be challenging , but the reward that comes with becoming a nurse is worth it . The Up Close column features an inspiring story of nursing student , Lindsey Davis , and how she navigated nursing school ’ s challenges while positively impacting those around her ( page 9 ).
We have loads of information to share with you in this issue of Imprint ! AnhThu Le guides us through the diverse opportunities available through advanced practice nursing . She explains that many students may not pursue graduate programs within nursing due to a lack of understanding . You can learn more about the importance of increasing awareness of advanced nursing practice on page 16 . Although seemingly a far step in the future , advanced practice nursing could be the right step for you .
Nursing is so unique because of the endless career opportunities ! Clinical research nursing is one unique path for nurses . If you ’ re interested in learning more about this specialty , flip to page 21 . Melanie Mudd explains the vital role of clinical research nursing in advancing future evidence-based practice . As technology continues to evolve and research advances , changes in care will become essential to providing the best practice for patients .
Interested in becoming a pediatric nurse or accelerating your career as a pediatric nurse practitioner ? Turn to page 26 to read about two pediatric nurse practitioners , Cassandra Newell and Jessica Spruit , and their experience in this specialty . In this informative article , Newell and Spruit give us detailed advice on pursuing a career in pediatrics as a nurse and a nurse practitioner .
The NSNA 72nd Annual Conference is right around the corner ! The Convention is in Disney ’ s Coronado Springs Resort , in Lake Buena Vista , Florida , in April 3-7 , 2024 . The Convention is an amazing opportunity to learn , grow , and network ! Don ’ t miss out on this incredible opportunity . You can register online at www . nsnaconvention . org . I cannot wait to see everyone there !
I hope that you enjoy this very special issue of Imprint and I wish you the best as you decide your destiny !
MacKenzie Simmons Imprint Editor
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