EDITORIAL
Happy Holidays, NSNA!
I am so pleased to introduce the November / December 2025 issue of Imprint Magazine. The theme, Heart of the Community: Nurses Leading with Care, was inspired by my experiences throughout nursing school and my involvement with NSNA. When I first began my journey in nursing, I had no idea just how profound the impact of nurses is within their communities. Opportunities like NSNA and getting involved through my school’ s student nurse chapter truly changed my perspective on the importance and reach of the nursing profession.
Through thousands of clinical hours, community health and leadership rotations, and engagement initiatives such as health screenings and flu shot clinics, nurses and nursing students dedicate their time to caring for their communities. What better way to honor that commitment than by dedicating a magazine issue to the stories and initiatives that highlight student nurses making a difference across the country?
Community health is one of the most vital aspects of nursing, yet it often goes unrecognized. This issue of Imprint celebrates the efforts of your peers nationwide and the meaningful impact they are making as student nurses. Our Happenings column showcases these efforts, including stories of students participating in Student Nurse Political Action Day, where future nurses learned how to advocate for their patients and communities through state politics and legislation. You’ ll also read about student nurses hosting annual conventions to recruit new members and foster connection within their organizations, chapters participating in Councils of Student Leaders to emphasize professional networking and mentorship, and UNC students supporting the Kathleen Boyd Fund for Metastatic Breast Cancer through the UNC Lineberger Power of Pink campaign.
Rachel Culpepper explores the role nurses play in shaping healthcare reform and highlights the importance of student advocacy and involvement. Nurses bring a fresh and critical perspective to healthcare policy and student engagement is essential to advancing the profession.
A topic I am particularly passionate about is featured in my article,“ Nurses in the Media.” In this article, I discuss how nurses are portrayed on screen, the reality that nurses make up only 2 % of professional health news stories, and how representation has expanded through the rise of social media. Media portrayal influences how nurses and future nurses view the profession— and how the public perceives us. Engagement through media, politics, and professional nursing organizations is essential to strengthening the image of nursing.
Kyle Evans reflects on honoring our patients’ lives and the profound role nurses play in caring for individuals during their final moments, and Sandie Nadelson offers a unique perspective in her article,“ Be a Hero: Be a Nurse in Rural America,” highlighting the diverse and demanding role of nurses in rural healthcare. The statement,“ Nursing in rural areas is different than in cities. You are not just a care provider, but a neighbor and a friend,” stood out to me.
If nursing leadership inspires you, and you are passionate about community involvement and teamwork toward a greater goal, I encourage you to get involved with NSNA and consider running for a position on the NSNA Board of Directors, Nominating and Elections Committee, or the Resolutions Committee. Read through the magazine to learn more details on how to run for national office.
I hope you enjoy this edition of Imprint and that it inspires you to engage with your community and continue promoting a positive image of nursing, through your school chapters, media involvement, political advocacy, and your professional nursing identity.
Happy reading, Lauren Tickner
Lauren E. Tickner Imprint Editor
4 NSNA Imprint