Happy New Year! As we begin 2016, many of us will reflect on the past year and make resolutions for what we would like to accomplish in the year ahead. My wish for each of you is that you have the opportunity to reflect on all the great work you and your teams did in 2015.
We often find ourselves starting the next project and forgetting to slow down and take pride in a job well done. It is important to stop and reflect on the goals we set for the year, celebrating what we achieved but also reviewing what we were not able to complete and why.
I know there are times when we would all relish the opportunity to slow down and simply breathe. But over the years I have come to appreciate just how precious even the smallest of things in life are. I have learned through trials and tribulations to never take those moments for granted.
I encourage each of you to take time to write down your accomplishments. Whether personally, professionally, or both, regardless of how big or how small they may be, you should congratulate yourself. Also ask yourself, did I get the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone? If so, how did it make you feel and what effects and/or changes did you see within yourself or those around you? How did it help you to grow?
I would like to commend each of you that made the commitment to step outside your comfort zone. I urge you to continue on your journey and do not stop. Press forward and continue developing, learning, and growing stronger and wiser.
If for whatever reason, you did not get the opportunity, I encourage you to take that step. You will find the possibilities are endless. But you will never know unless you take that first step. Only then can you begin to look forward to your next great adventure. Make it the beginning of a new year and new endeavors.
For the many of you who chose to grow with the Society of Trauma Nurses, thank you! 2015 has been another amazing year for the organization. From the official announcement of the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) examination to the development of the Geriatric SIG group and continued and new collaborations with many national trauma partners, the STN continues to develop and grow to meet your needs. I would invite you to visit the website http://www.traumanurses.org to learn more, as these are just a few of the exciting things that are occurring within the organization.
I would like to extend a special thanks to the STN leadership and management team (past and present) for the strong foundation on which the STN stands today. Without their leadership, the STN would not be in the exceptional position we are today.
In closing and on behalf of the STN leadership and management team, we want to say thank you for all you do. We look forward to another exciting and prosperous year. Have a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!