Recently, we conducted a poll on the JNSD Web site (http://www.jnsdonline.com), asking site visitors about their recent self-development activities. Response was low; fewer than 50 individuals participated.

Despite the low response, the answers are illuminating. Most respondents said they had joined a professional membership organization. I hope the organization they joined is the National Nursing Staff Development Organization (NNSDO). I'm biased, of course, as the founder of NNSDO, its Administrator for many years, and the Editor of its official publication.

But I remain convinced that NNSDO is the resource for all aspects of nursing professional development. It is important, too, to belong to the American Nurses Association as the organization representing all of nursing, and many nursing professional development specialists also belong to a specialty organization in their area of clinical expertise. There are many organizations devoted to educators outside of nursing, and membership in those organizations brings a valuable perspective to our daily activities, as well. For many years, I have belonged to a number of these, as well as those related to the role of Editor.

The poll did not include a question related to which organization a respondent joined, but it is good that individuals are joining organizations for the many benefits they can receive, including networking with others in similar positions and education in the area of practice. In this economy, funds for membership in organizations certainly fall under the "discretionary" category, but it is gratifying that nursing professional development specialists are finding it part of their role and responsibility to do so.

The next largest number of respondents indicated that they had presented a poster or lecture at a meeting or conference. Although the question did not allow for expansion on the response, it is great that nursing professional development specialists are sharing their expertise. These presentations may be in their institution or outside of it, but in either case, they are letting their lights shine[horizontal ellipsis]and that can only be good for them, for the institution, and for the specialty.

Fewer individuals said that they had enrolled in an academic program or obtained specialty certification. Again, these activities benefit not only the individual but also the employing institution and the specialty of nursing professional development.

The fewest number of respondents reported publishing or submitting a manuscript for publication. Although that is not surprising, it is disappointing. One of the most effective ways to share expertise is through publication. A large audience exists beyond an institution or a conference and readers of publications, both journal and book, are eager to learn what works and what does not. Nursing professional development specialists have stories to tell, and JSND is replete with examples of those stories. The impact of a publication in a peer-reviewed journal such as JNSD is incalculable.

So, do something for yourself[horizontal ellipsis]something to improve you both personally and professionally. Join an organization, present a poster or article, seek an advanced degree or certification, and, above all, consider writing for publication. The Editorial Board and I are here to help you. Many nursing professional development specialists have found it easy to get published in JNSD-you can be one of them!