The simple mention of fall probably brings many thoughts to mind. As trauma professionals, we can't help but think about injuries related to falls. Falls remain one of the leading causes of injury, and something in which we focus our injury prevention efforts (World Health Organization, 2018). In this message, I am not talking about falls from an injury standpoint, though. I am talking about the season.
As we transition from summer into winter, the fall season has much to offer. In fact, it is much more than a transition season-It is a time of reflection. The kids are back to school, fall sports are back in session, the flowers are losing their blooms, and the weather hasn't quite made up its mind on whether it should be hot or cold.
Although many would argue that fall is the time where things begin to slow down, for the Society of Trauma Nurses (STN), the fall offers an opportunity for us to continue to grow. One of the large focuses for our organization is the support of trauma professionals across the continuum. This time last year we assembled a panel of trauma program managers (TPMs) to review and revise the tasks, knowledge, and skills necessary to function as a TPM. A major function of STN is to define the competency and professionalism needed to be a successful TPM. The Society of Trauma Nurses aims to provide a framework of specific criteria designed to ensure competence in this profession. This year, the results are in. We have the opportunity to use the results of our TPM study for many initiatives. The opportunities to support trauma program leaders are endless.
In addition to supporting our TPMs, we are committed to supporting our bedside nurses across the globe. Our dedicated volunteers have diligently worked to roll out our online TCRN review course, assist with providing trauma nursing education for the European Society for Trauma, Pan-American Trauma Congress, and World Trauma Congress and are actively working on new initiatives for the bedside nurse.
Our core values of collaboration, education, innovation, leadership, mentoring, and prevention are always at the forefront of what we do. These are the values that will help us drive our mission. Our organization has blossomed over the last few years. Thank you to the countless volunteers who continue to contribute to the success of STN. I am excited about the future of STN and the direction we are headed! This fall, take time to reflect. Take time to be a part of the growth of STN. Take time to embrace our future.
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