PNASF 31ST Anniversary Gala and Induction of 2015-2016 Ambassadors 2015

Message from Edward Briggs, DNP, MS, ARNP, FNP Former President, Florida Nurses Association (FNA) October 17, 2015 Dear Colleagues, On behalf of the President and executive board of the Florida Nurses Association I would like to thank you for your kind invitation to speak. I applaud your dedication and commitment to our profession, and I know you will find your anniversary event a success! This gathering, and the work of this association, is an example of the power of nurses when we come together! We can all identify the problems that exist within our healthcare system, and I believe that we can all agree that nursing can make a dramatic difference in improving healthcare. At times the challenges facing our profession can seem overwhelming, but our history demonstrates that there is no problem that is insurmountable when nurses come together. This gathering also representative of the special tapestry that is nursing. The diversity that is found within nursing is like no other. Our mix of ethnicities, races, genders, sexual orientations and ages provides our profession with the capacity to recognize the needs of our representative communities and the commitment to develop programs to meet the needs of these communities. The Florida Nurses Association recognizes that unity, and diversity, within nursing is a strength that must be cultivated to advance our profession. The Florida Nurses Association congratulates each of you, and your association, on being a force for positive change across our country. The Florida Nurses Association looks forward to opportunities when both associations can collaborate to advance real change. This gathering is your opportunity to learn from each other, network and strengthen bonds with your colleagues. It is my sincere wish that you be active and engaged. The unique contributions of each of us ensures that our profession continues to grow, evolve ! Sincerely, Edward Briggs ARNP MSN DNP Former President, Florida Nurses Association

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