As I sit and reflect on my year as president, I am proud of the executive board that has worked cohesively to be the voice for NAON. I am surrounded by many strong personalities who will capably carry the baton for NAON as we move forward. A good leader surrounds herself with people who will fill in the gaps in her knowledge, and I can honestly say that this has been the case. Another point to remember is that an effective leader attempts to promote those around her through debate, negotiation, mentoring, and relationship building.
The board has developed a strategic plan that is being used as we support NAON's mission of excellence in orthopaedic nursing through research, education, and clinical practice. We look forward to seeing the progress being made in developing a guideline for Orthopaedic Nurse Navigation. Currently, we are reviewing our products provided by NAON to evaluate for quality and relevance. We are also moving to find ways to increase membership and provide value for our members.
Internationally, I would like to see continued collaboration with orthopaedic nurses globally. I am encouraged that ICON has an article in this issue of the journal, and I look forward to a time when the sharing of information becomes readily accessible to all. When visiting Australia and England, I learnt that we all have to deal with similar challenges and it is our ability to problem solve that makes us as orthopaedic nurses very flexible.
This year Congress will be in sunny Albuquerque, in the foothills of the Rockies. This area is home to some of the many tribes of Native Americans, and you will see this influence as you travel around. If you get a chance for a day trip to Santa Fe, I highly recommend it. You will certainly be up in the Rockies and the altitude takes some adjusting to, but the scenery and town ambiance are lovely.
Please join the board by taking advantage of leaving the hotel for the Foundation event in Albuquerque, as it will be a fun-filled experience flying high and overlooking the city. Congress is not only about the education but also about the networking as groups and building relationships with others around the globe.
Last year I was at a meeting where D. J. Eagle Bear Vanas (2003), a Native American, spoke to us about discovering the tiny warrior within. The warrior concept simply asks that we develop our own talents and abilities so that we can serve and defend others. The warrior's goal is to become an asset to the village he serves, which could be your family, community, country, or coworkers. Many nurses say "it takes a village" to safely discharge some of our patients who have complex social issues.
In his book, he tells the story of a grandfather listening to his grandson, who at the age of 27 years is on a downhill spiral. He follows with a story of a little Indian boy named Cricket, who dreamed about being a great warrior for his people but did not know how to follow the rules. There are numerous points of wisdom from each chapter in the book. It takes about a couple of hours to read the first time, but the later times that you revisit this book is when some of the messages become more meaningful. It is a path to personal discovery and achievement and with persistence and patience, no undertaking is impossible to achieve and settling for second best or good enough is neither the best nor enough for your life.
Sometimes mistakes happen. You must forgive yourself, learn the lessons, and move on. Live the life you love, love the life you live!! Some of us recognize our gifts later in life and start a new career by remembering that it is never too late to change your direction. Your fear of success can sometimes be stronger than your fear of failure. Do not allow others to determine who you are or what you're capable of-that is your responsibility. Surround yourself with positive people and influences that help you soar above the clouds like eagles-not those that give you reasons to fly with the turkeys. The only thing you can control in the world is what you do.
Remember that in the right conditions a tiny acorn will become a massive oak. People can create their own conditions and grow infinitely. Be a cheerleader and enthusiastic believer in yourself and your dreams, for each person has power to do amazing and wonderful things, and your success in life will be a direct balance with how much you help others to achieve it. A warrior's power does not lie in his strength, his size, or his feats in battle; a warrior's power lies in his heart, his character, and his commitment to those he serves. Warriors no longer ride horses or learn to use a tomahawk; instead, they get educated to develop their minds and strengthen their spirit so that they can better serve others.
I encourage you to discover the warrior that lives inside you!!
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as the 38th president of NAON. It has been a privilege to share the works of NAON and to foster strong partnerships. I am encouraged by the interest that AAOS has in its partnership with NAON and look forward to developing more collaborative programs to benefit both parties. Interprofessional education is very relevant as we strive for healthy respect for all members of the healthcare team.
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