As I write my first message in the Journal of Trauma Nursing, I would like to start by sharing how excited I am to lead the Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) on our journey. I am honored to be part of one of the premier organizations for trauma professionals and look forward to what is ahead.
In March, the STN held its annual meeting, TraumaCon, in Portland, Oregon. As we congregated, the energy and excitement around the future of the STN was contagious. The organization that began with a core group of nurses has become a thriving organization, with over 3,200 members. Welcome to our new board members, Jami Blackwell and LeAnne Young, and welcome back to our continuing board members, Cindy Blank-Reid (Immediate Past President), Sarah Mattocks (President-Elect), Maria McMahon (Treasurer), Janet Cortez (Secretary), Melissa Hockaday, Amy Krichten, Linda Reinhardt, Justin Milici, Terrie Stewart, and Knut Magne Kolstadbraaten.
MEMBERSHIP-STRENGTH OF OUR ORGANIZATION
"Today is your day. You're off to great places! You're off and away" (Seuss, 1990). The STN continues to grow in many ways. We are now considered one of the premier trauma organizations, and it is my goal to build on that success over the next year. There is a reason we are at the top, and it is because of you, our members. Our organization continues to grow and you are all a crucial piece to our success. Remember, trauma providers are not from one area or role, but rather across the entire spectrum. I encourage each of you to help us continue to develop our well-respected organization by reaching out to a friend or colleague and asking them to join. Let us take our membership to the next level. The STN offers many volunteer opportunities for each of our members who are looking to contribute to trauma nursing.
INTERNATIONAL FOOTPRINT-EXPANDING OUR REACH
"Oh the places you'll go. There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all" (Seuss, 1990). The STN is committed to ensuring optimal trauma care to all people, regardless of location. I am proud to say that over the last year we have made huge strides in our international reach. We have developed an international council, we are working to expand our educational offerings, we have made our webinars available in several languages, and we are working on many other worldwide initiatives. In addition, the STN is actively leading the nursing sessions for the upcoming World Trauma Congress, being held this fall. I believe that, in 2018-2019, we will see continued advancement in our international reach and see the fruits of our labor come to fruition.
OPTIMAL CLINICAL CARE-ENSURING THE RIGHT RESOURCES
Clinical care is the foundation of trauma care, and the STN strives to be the professional home for our clinicians. Each of us has many options for professional membership within our disciplines, but the STN is the only organization for you. In the year ahead, clinical care will again be a large focus of our organization. We are committed to building upon the scholarly educational resources that have been an integral part of our organization. Our time is now to invest in clinical care and support our bedside nurses, as we build upon the great work that has begun.
SUPPORT TRAUMA PROGRAM LEADERSHIP
Our organization was built by trauma program leaders. We must not forget the foundation upon which our organization has been built. Over the next year, we will continue to improve our programs, while creating new opportunities for trauma program leaders. There is a reason we are one of the premier organizations for trauma program leaders.
Our organization has many accomplishments of which we are very proud. Our members, volunteers, and staff have worked diligently to achieve our goals. We have more work to be done and what better time to start than now? We will have several opportunities to expand our current programs and create new ones. We need to encourage each other to assure that we continue making forward progress. We will also face unexpected challenges, which together, we will be able to overcome. As health care continues to evolve, we will need to be flexible and resilient in order to best accommodate these changes. We are good, but we cannot (and will not) settle when great is on the horizon.
The STN is rapidly growing. If we rise together and face our challenges, we will accomplish our strategic priorities. Join me in being a part of our journey. Engage in the professional organization that advocates for the highest level of quality trauma care across the continuum. Together we will achieve great things. "And will you succeed? Yes, you will indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed)." (Seuss, 1990).
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