With this Closing Word, we introduce the new editor of Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing, and wish her well as she embarks on this new adventure. Potential authors may contact Dr. Miracle at 424 Eastgate Village Wynde, Louisville, KY 40223; phone 502-253-5560; E-mail, [email protected].
As I write this, Thanksgiving has come and gone and the holiday season has arrived. Thanksgiving meant more to many of this year due to the horrific events of September 11 and the fight for freedom in the Middle East. Thanksgiving this year was more than a huge meal and watching parades and football games-it was a time to reflect and give thanks for our many blessings and a time to rethink our priorities in life.
I gave thanks to God for my husband, daughter, and our families and friends. I also remembered the thousands of people who lost their lives in New York; Washington, D.C.; and Pennsylvania; and their families. The tragedy struck very close to home for me. My husband is a captain with the Louisville Fire and Rescue Department. My heart and prayers go out to the families of the fallen firefighters, police officers, and emergency workers. We must also remember the members of our military and their families who are apart this holiday season.
Since September 11, I have seen our profession come together as never before to help the victims. So many nurses volunteered to travel to New York or Washington to help our colleagues and the injured. Sadly, this type of help was not needed, but we still sent words of support, pints of blood, money, and other items needed by the rescue workers. We, as nurses, must work to maintain this cohesiveness because we can accomplish so much more together. We have learned to not take anything for granted and to go after our dreams today. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone.
With this in mind, as the new editor of DCCN, I encourage any of you and your colleagues who are interested in writing an article to do so now. I will always remember the rush of joy I felt when my first article was published. I still am excited every time an article is accepted for publication. I know that many of you have a desire to write to share your knowledge and expertise, but might not know how to get started. I will be happy to work with you to help develop and publish your manuscript. I have been fortunate to have several mentors along the way to assist me and now I extend this offer to you.
One of my career goals was to become an editor. This dream has come true for me with the help of many people. Now I would like to make your publishing dreams come true. Please feel free to write, call, or E-mail me with your ideas for articles or just go ahead and send a manuscript. DCCN has an extensive list of expert editorial board members and consultants who are eager to help.
As I assume this new role, I would like to thank the many people who helped me achieve this goal: Cheryl Mee, RN,BC, MSN, Editor-in-Chief of Nursing journal; Jan Corwin Enger, Managing Editor of DCCN from 1998-2001; Anne Woods, RN, CCRN, CRNP, MSN, Clinical Director of Journals at Springhouse; and Jennifer Brogan, Director of Clinical Practice at Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins in Philadelphia. I have big shoes to fill and I will do my best with their continued support. To the readers, make your dreams come true with the help and support of families, friends, and colleagues. Please feel free to share your ideas with me or any member of the editorial board. I wish you all a happy, safe, and healthy 2002.
FIGURE