I don't know about you, but since I've become older, it seems time is indeed flying. It seems just a few months ago that I sat down at my desk, listening to the radio, and began to write my first article to you, the readers of our journal. Now, almost a year later, I am sitting at that same desk, listening to the radio, and staring out the window at the sunset thinking about what to write for my final article as President of the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON).
Sunsets at my house are special, looking through the oak trees across the green rolling fields at the spectacular colors of blue, pink, and orange painted across the sky. It is truly breathtaking. We have lived here a little more than 4 years, and it would not surprise me if my wife, Sonja, has taken a picture of each and every sunset.
A sunset can be defined several ways, from the traditional meaning one thinks of, the sun's descent below the horizon, described earlier, to a decline, such as a with an organization or civilization, to expiration of a statutory provision in a law or regulation. Looking at some of the possible meanings from the aforementioned definitions, I guess this would then be the sunset of my term as President of NAON. But sunsets are not a bad thing, as the dawn brings a new day and, in our case, a new president, with fresh ideas and energy, eager to help NAON continue to grow and be successful.
Getting back to the night I sat down at my desk to write that first article for the Orthopaedic Nursing Journal (ONJ) as President, "One is the Loneliest Number" was playing on the radio. I remember hoping that was not a sign of things to come. At Congress, I told the members that although I was alone and writing that first article, I was not alone as your President. I have truly been surrounded by some of the most talented people I have had the privilege working with. This group includes your Executive Board; Immediate Past President Julie "JT" Twiss, President-Elect Collen Walsh, Treasurer Cheryl Grove, Secretary Gary Salcedo, and Directors Angie Pearce, Doreen Johnson, Mickey Haryanto, Jack Davis, and Lynn Burkett. Thank you for your support, work, and the talents and enthusiasm that you brought to each meeting.
Another group that may not always get all of the recognition they deserve but are a great resource are the Past Presidents, aka the Backbones of NAON. I would like to mention a few who were gracious enough to offer advice when asked, be that an ear that was there to listen or worked to increase NAON's impact or influence on musculoskeletal healthcare. They are Marjorie Kulesa, Brigitte Failner, Mary K. Wollan, Robin Voss, and Pam Cupec. Thank you again for your contributions to NAON and continued work in helping advance orthopaedic nursing education.
One person who probably does not get all of the recognition that she deserves is Mary Rodts, the Editor for the ONJ and former President of NAON. Each issue this reader is amazed not only at the quality of the articles but also how timely they seem to be. Members can be proud of our journal, and a lot of the success can be traced back to Mary's oversight and leadership.
Finally, I would like to thank our members who served on our various committees and task forces or represented NAON at other meetings or events this past year. Without your efforts, we as an organization would not be able to function. Volunteering is at the heart of NAON, and your contribution to your professional association does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. To you the volunteer, who worked on a committee or task, I thank you.
Even though I may be riding off into the sunset as your President, I am excited about my upcoming role as Immediate Past President. When thinking about what I would like to do if I were President of NAON, my goals were set with the member in mind and to not only showcase the value of membership but also find ways that would increase the value in being a NAON member. One of the ways we accomplished this is by adding more webinars that are free with your membership. As a member, I found that webinars are a convenient way to earn continuing education credits. This year there are 12 webinars planned that are free to members and several advanced practice webinars that have a small fee for both members and nonmembers.
Speaking of value, I am very excited about this year's Congress, because of the significate value to one's practice that has been added. Each year I am amazed at the quality of the speakers and relevance of the information presented that attendees can then take back to their place of employment. What challenges are you facing in your practice? Congress is your chance to look for solutions to those challenges, whether from information gathered from podium presentations, posters, or round table discussions or through networking with other professional colleagues. Personally, I am looking forward to some of the new events such as Saturday Night at the Webinar and the ability to earn extra continuing educations before and after Congress through our new Extended Learning Webinars.
At the close of Congress last year in Nashville, then President Julie Twist (JT) said these words as she passed to me the presidency of NAON:
I entrust in you with the mandate of the membership-to guard the interests of the association and its members-with a level head, a strong sense of responsibility and commitment. We have the faith that you will lead NAON well. On behalf of the entire membership, I pledge you our support as you and the executive board lead the association toward its goals.
To our incoming President Colleen Walsh, this is our pledge to you. I must admit during the change of leadership at Congress I missed some of the words as JT was talking. It was a nervous time, the bright stage lights are on you, you are standing in front of a large audience, and you are preparing to address your colleagues, family, and friends for the first time as the new President. I later went back and read what JT had said and as you can see the responsibility of is both simple and complex, to guard the interests of the association and its members. Use what you have learned as a nurse when looking at the budget or issues. The five steps of the nursing process-assess, gather data, diagnose, plan, and implement the final evaluation-can be adapted to the boardroom to help you make decisions.
Nurses in general and orthopaedic nurses specifically, they are part of a special group, and it has been my honor to represent you during my year as your president. What other profession do we get to see people, the patient, in some of life's most intimate moments; nurses are there from birth to death. We are there encouraging our patients when they are in despair, rejoicing in their accomplishments, and being their voice when they are not able to speak. As President of NAON, I'm proud to be in that exceptional circle with you, the orthopaedic nurse. Thank you for the privilege of being the 36th President of NAON.