It is hard to believe I am writing my final Journal of Trauma Nursing (JTN) message as President of the Society of Trauma Nurses (STN). To say this year has been amazing would be, in many ways, an understatement. In March of last year, I asked you to make a commitment to get more involved and to step out of your comfort zone. The overwhelming response we received was truly inspiring. Not only did you commit, you took action. The stories I have heard about our peers stepping out of their comfort zones have been amazing. They have done everything from presenting in front of groups, getting involved in the STN, helping start an SIG, as well as becoming chair of the committee or SIG. It has all been truly awe-inspiring. Your continued commitment to helping grow the STN has resulted in growth in excess of 26% since March 2015.
I would like to thank each of you for taking action and stepping out of your comfort zone. Please do not stop now. Continue to push yourself. You will find it will only make you stronger both personally and professionally.
This has truly been a monumental year for the STN and I believe we are at a pivotal point in our organization. Not only do we now have a national certification specifically for the trauma nurse, but we have been able to align our organization with many outstanding national organizations and played an integral role in not only addressing but progressing many of the trauma issues we all face.
Many of you have volunteered to participate in the American College of Surgeons (ACS)-STN collaboration, our EAST collaboration programs, national lobby day with TCAA, or our collaboration with ATS and AAST. Just to name a few! Many new doors have been opened, creating many new and exciting opportunities for the STN and its members, such as being invited to not only collaborate with ACS but to serve as liaisons or co-liaisons of many of their committees, and being asked to participate in the Prehospital Consortium and having the honor to go to the White House to be part of the "Stop The Bleed" initiative.
Last but not least, I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for believing in me. Your continued support has meant more than you realize. In addition, I thank the Board of Directors for their hard work, dedication, and continued support of this wonderful organization. It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve as your president.