I struggled to write this editorial. Suzanne P. Smith, EdD, RN, FAAN, editor emerita of The Journal of Nursing Administration (JONA) and editor-in-chief of Nurse Educator, passed away suddenly in September 2013. Suzanne was much more than my predecessor as editor of JONA-she was a mentor, teacher, scholar, friend, and colleague to thousands of nurses across the globe. Suzanne transitioned the helm of JONA to me over 2 years ago in 1 of the most seamless and beautiful transitions I have seen. She epitomized the selfless mentorship we all hope for as we assume new duties and responsibilities. Many times, in e-mails, telephone calls, and lunches, I expressed my appreciation to her and my sincere love for her in selflessly helping me to be successful. Knowing Suzanne in this transition affirmed my belief that nurses must recognize and thank the others in our careers who mentored and coached us as we "launched."
Suzanne was a humble editor, choosing not to capitalize on the opportunities she had for an international podium in writing prolific editorials. She served as a facilitator in working with nurse authors to get their words and projects disseminated in valuable print space. She would probably not be happy with me taking up pages of JONA to celebrate her, but like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (C) 2011 President's Specialty Recognition Award she received, the accolades are well deserved.
Suzanne was an early innovator in nursing publishing. She held the title of editor-in-chief of JONA for over 30 years. In this time with both JONA and Nurse Educator, she encouraged, edited, and published thousands of submissions that have guided nursing administrative practice and nursing education. At the 2011 Magnet(R) conference, upon receiving her award, Suzanne joked that her psych/mental health background made her the perfect editor. Counseling and supportive behaviors are appreciated by novice authors as manuscripts are processed. Suzanne did this with grace and caring. Even her rejections were encouraging!
I am including in this edition of JONA a reprint of the 2011 farewell editorial by Dr Smith.1 I wanted to remind everyone about her humility, impact, and contributions as we say farewell to our editor emerita and to 1 of the great leaders in nursing. Being an editor is a unique yet isolated nursing specialty. Dr Smith was a pioneer in the world of nursing publishing. As her many friends at Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins recently wrote:
Suzanne lived her life as she wanted to, contributing to the profession she so greatly loved, nursing. Her legacy will be one filled with inspiration, dedication, and fortitude. Suzanne believed each of us has the power to transform healthcare organizations, education, and the nursing profession. Suzanne, you will be greatly missed.2
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