EDITORIAL
As we head into the new year , I hope you take a moment to reflect on all your accomplishments to date . What an exciting time it is to look forward to another year of nursing school with all the opportunities and knowledge ahead of you ! Looking back , NSNA has had a wonderful year , highlighted by two successful meetings — the NSNA Annual Convention in Lake Buena Vista , Florida and the MidYear Conference in Louisville , Kentucky were both memorable events . The NSNA Board of Directors and staff had such an amazing time connecting with the members and creating lasting memories .
For those of you graduating this winter , congratulations ! Your hard work , dedication , and perseverance have paid off . We wish you the best of luck as you transition into practice . NSNA is incredibly proud of its members , and we can ’ t wait to see the exciting paths you ’ ll take as you begin these new chapters in your nursing journeys .
I am thrilled to present the November / December 2024 issue of Imprint , themed “ The Image of Nursing .” This topic is especially meaningful to me as it encompasses a complex theme that explores what drives us to pursue this profession , the inspirations along the way , and the individuals who support us . NSNA ’ s mission is to project a positive image of nursing , inspiring our students to continue learning and to take on leadership roles that will shape the future of the profession . The public image of nursing continues to evolve , and it ’ s my hope that we can help shift perceptions to highlight the profession ’ s accomplishments , the critical patient care we provide , and the opportunities for growth and development .
I ’ m so proud of this issue , as we ’ ve received many thoughtful submissions that address the Image of Nursing and how our members are contributing to reshaping it .
Be sure to check out President Ethan Slocum ’ s column , where he reflects on his recent travels to Washington , DC . At the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments ( ANHE ) convention , Ethan represented NSNA , advocating for public health initiatives focused on extreme heat and climate change . Read about Ethan ’ s experience and how he referenced past NSNA resolutions brought forward by our members to address these urgent issues .
As we approach our Annual Convention in April 2025 , take some time to learn about the Resolutions Committee . The resolutions passed in the House of Delegates at NSNA conventions are a vital part of NSNA ’ s mission . If you ’ re interested in submitting a resolution , the deadline is fast approaching — January 15 , 2025 ! Additionally , I encourage you to read “ Lead with Light : Illuminate the Path of Your Journey in Nursing Leadership ” by Madeleine Willett , NEC East , which offers valuable insights into running for national office .
Check out our “ Happenings ” column to see what your fellow NSNA members and school chapters have been doing in their communities . Continue submitting your stories — we want to showcase the amazing impact you ’ re making !
I encourage you to read the beautiful poem , The Nightingale by Julie-Kathryn Emily Graham . The poem captures the essence of nursing and creatively illustrates the importance of perspective , knowledge , and problem solving as the heart of our profession .
As we head into the new year , I wish you the best of luck . I hope this issue inspires you and reminds you why you decided to become a nurse and how the image of nursing continues to inspire us throughout our work and dedication to the profession .
Lauren E . Tickner Imprint Editor
November / December 2024 4