EDITORIAL
Happy New Year, NSNA!
I am so excited to present the January Career Planning Edition of Imprint Magazine. This publication is especially meaningful because it offers a valuable index of nursing specialties, outlining the unique criteria, qualifications, and pathways for each. Are you interested in learning more about the diverse field of nursing? Nursing goes far beyond the bedside, and how incredibly fortunate we are as a profession to have so many avenues for growth and opportunity.
Perhaps acute care or outpatient nursing is your passion— or maybe you’ re drawn to field nursing, such as public health. You might even envision yourself as a nurse attorney, advocating for patients and healthcare professionals at the legislative level. This edition is designed to help you explore those possibilities and more.
In this issue, you’ ll learn about fascinating nursing roles including nursing informatics, working with the aging population, and wound and ostomy nursing. Our authors— Kimberly Posey, Holley Hovan, Heather Zuhn, and Jennifer Sheinberg— share their personal journeys into these specialties, offering real-time,“ day-in-the-life” perspectives that bring these roles to life. This edition serves as an incredible resource for students seeking new and meaningful opportunities within nursing. Be sure to also read about the short film documentary by the American Nephrology Nurses Association, which highlights their inspiring work with patients from diverse backgrounds.
Be inspired by our Up Close and Happenings columns, which showcase the remarkable contributions of our student members. You’ ll read a powerful story of a student navigating personal health challenges while pursuing a degree in nursing education, an experience that reflects deep purpose, responsibility, and intentionality. Learn about newly elected board members who are already fostering leadership development and professional growth, strengthening connections between students on their campuses and within their communities. From student-led symposiums that bring together hundreds of future nurses, to firsthand experiences across multiple hospital units and specialties, these stories highlight the values at the heart of nursing: advocacy, compassion, education, and ethical practice, that ignite lifelong passion for the profession.
Our 74th Annual Convention is right around the corner! I can’ t wait to see you all in Houston, Texas, April 8 – 11. You’ ll be inspired by our strong nursing student community and energized by the sponsors, professional nurses, and fellow members who will be joining us.
Lauren E. Tickner Imprint Editor
4 NSNA Imprint