It's that time of year again. I have thought for hours about all of the resolutions I am going to make. I cannot wait to make it back to the gym, eat healthier, and save a little more. Like many, these resolutions "may" have been made in previous years. Did you know that the definition of resolution, according to the dictionary, is a firm decision to do or not do something?
Many times a resolution is made to change something, whether it is a behavior or trait that you are not happy with. Other times resolutions are made to help accomplish certain goals. In our last issue of the journal, we shared the great work the Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) had accomplished throughout 2018. Now it is time to set our sights on the year ahead and the many opportunities that are within our reach.
REFRESHED MISSION STATEMENT
Over the last few months the STN has focused on refreshing our mission statement. We are excited to share our refreshed statement: To promote optimal trauma nursing care to all people globally. A mission statement is designed to be a short statement, which incorporates our objectives as an organization. Our refreshed mission statement does just that. It reminds us all of why we do what we do, regardless of our role in trauma.
Our vision is to be the premier global nursing organization across the trauma continuum. Many people refer to vision as an organization's True North. Our vision is what we strive for in the long term. It is our vision that helps guide the process of developing the goals for our organization.
EXPANDING OUR GOALS
The overarching goals of our organization will help guide the work that we do over the next few years. These goals are paramount to our success as an organization. Our goals focus on five different areas, which will help us to reach our vision for trauma nursing.
* Advocacy-Promote excellence in trauma care through advocacy and public policy.
* Knowledge sharing-Provide exceptional education and resources for trauma professionals.
* Leadership-Provide leadership opportunities and resources for the STN and its members.
* Quality-Develop and execute initiatives that promote excellence and quality across the continuum of trauma care.
* Alliance building-Develop and maintain coalitions to advance STN's strategic initiatives and create a culture of alliance building.
Goal setting is an important part of the strategic planning process. Although these are broad goals, they will lead to more specific, actionable subgoals. Resolutions may be a great way to make a change; unfortunately, these often fail. Our goals are more than resolutions, and I know the STN is up for the challenge of achieving these goals through our many initiatives.
PROFESSIONAL HOME
The STN has worked diligently since its inception to be the premier organization for trauma nurses. Our founders set us on a path that has led us to where we are today. Without their vision and leadership, we would not have become the organization for trauma nurses. Our goals are established to assist us in ensuring we stay on track to meet the needs of our members. At the end of the day, we aspire to be the professional home for all trauma nurses of all backgrounds. As we enter a new year, think about your personal goals and how together we can grow the STN. We are dedicated to promoting optimal trauma care. That is a resolution we intend to keep.