I frequently hear how difficult it is for nursing professional development (NPD) specialists to keep informed of the best practice and innovation in our specialty. The desire to do more than stay current is apparent. Yet, the realities of facilitating orientation, coaching preceptors, and providing continuing education can be daily barriers to staying connected. NPD specialists clearly state the value of evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence, yet daily realities challenge NPD specialists, resulting in missing an affiliate meeting or not having time to connect with a colleague on a challenging issue. Yet, remember the last time a colleague asked you for advice or insights on a project? I would suggest it was energizing for both of you. We learn as we collaborate. We enhance our specialty practice as we share ideas. We improve the outcomes for our learners as we walk the path of evidence-based practice together. Collaborating and networking are energizing.

As you read this editorial, it will be time for our Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD) convention. The convention is brimming with opportunities to network and to celebrate our specialty practice. The workshops, general sessions, and concurrent sessions focus on specific approaches to show how NPD specialists add value to our organizations. Informal networking between sessions provides opportunities to create new connections and expand our networks. I especially encourage you to visit our publisher, Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, in the exhibit hall. We are committed to providing information to NPD specialists in multiple formats that are easy to access. Our Web site, http://www.jnpdonline.com, provides access to manuscripts that are published ahead of print. The iPad app is free to all members of ANPD.

At The Journal for Nurses in Professional Development (JNPD), we are committed to providing access to resources that reflect the complexity of our practice. In this issue's contact hour feature, the authors discuss a difference in the self-efficacy of nurses who began their career with a diploma or associate degree and went on for academic advancement and those who did not. Our regular columns feature practical information on preceptorship, simulation, administrative topics, nurse residency, and insightful book reviews. Our feature articles reflect the breath of our practice in NPD practice and clinical articles.

How can we further enhance our networking? Every feature article includes contact information with the primary author. This provides a great avenue for contact, as you determine the best application of the content to your practice. Completing continuing education articles role models life-long learning and enhances our knowledge. Discussing an article from JNPD with a colleague enhances our knowledge and enlarges our network. Engaging in conversation at the JNPD booth provides mutually beneficial dialogue.

I look forward to seeing you at the ANPD Convention. We have access to cutting edge resources through our Journal. What great avenues to increase our NPD networks!