As I near the end of my term as president of NAON, I want to express what an honor and privilege it has been to serve my colleagues. Few people get the chance and get selected to lead their professional organization so I want to thank you, the membership, for giving me this opportunity and trusting me with the responsibility to care for this esteemed organization.
The theme I chose for this year is “Let’s Go: We’re Better Together” and there couldn’t have been a more fitting rally cry. As the old saying goes: “There’s power in numbers”. With many factors impacting our numbers, we must all continue working together to focus on increasing our member footprint, engagement and participation. As members we each have a responsibility and opportunity to help shape the profession of orthopaedic nursing.
Not every member is alike, and we all joined NAON for unique reasons. Regardless of your ‘why’, I encourage you to make the most of your membership by staying engaged and involved. Consume, create, serve and lead!
Consume - One of the best member benefits that NAON provides, in my opinion, are the educational offerings. To keep up with the ever-changing and growing body of knowledge, we must commit to lifelong learning. Take advantage of our on-demand webinars, podcasts, Orthopaedic Nursing Journal and our upcoming annual Congress. It’s not too late to join us in Louisville on May 18-20.
Create - Your expertise is needed to create and bolster clinical practice guidelines, practice points and our discussion forums.
Serve and Lead - NAON offers many opportunities to get engaged and connected. Visit our committee webpage and fill out a Willingness-to-serve form for an initiative that interests you! Embedded within each of these groups are rich grounds for personal and professional growth and leadership opportunities.
If you haven’t taken a next step to get more involved, do it! We may have gotten here without you, but we will do better with you. I feel blessed to be in this profession, for doors NAON has opened for me and for the friendships made here. I look forward to the work ahead and growing better together with you! Let’s go!