With the holiday rush behind us, it seems to be that time of year to think about what it is that we would like to accomplish in the next year. Things such as moving to a new apartment, finding a new job, losing those extra holiday pounds, and other similar things are often found on many of our lists. I am not sure whether time seems to be a bit more plentiful now that all of the shopping, baking, and entertaining are complete or whether it is part of the New Year's fantasy that we are endeared to that makes this a good time for new beginnings. With that in mind, I have made my professional resolutions for 2006.
First and foremost is to continue to advance my knowledge of orthopaedic nursing. Even though I have been at it for many years, whenever I attend a conference I always walk away enthused and energized at what amazing things are being done today that were not occurring even 10 years ago. Whether you decide to attend a local meeting, NAON's annual Congress, which will be held in Boston from May 20 through 24, or return to school, begin to make a plan today for what it is that will continue to help energize you and your orthopaedic professional goals.
Second, take the time to actively participate in your professional association by taking the time to go to http://www.orthonurse.org and cast your ballot for NAON's future leaders. What better way to begin a new year than by choosing the leaders that will help mold the future of our Association? Please take the time to vote today.
Third, it is important for every NAON nurse to support the continuation of the advancement of orthopaedic nursing research. Although many do not want to direct and perform nursing research, we need to individually make a professional commitment to support this activity in other ways. One great way is for NAON's Foundation to grow into a strong entity that allows us to help researchers advance orthopaedic nursing knowledge. It is vitally important for our association to develop its own strong commitment to research before we can go ask others for additional support. If every NAON member would contribute just $10 to the NAON Foundation in the next few weeks, we could begin to meet the challenge.
Last, but certainly not least (and you all knew this one was coming), think about beginning the process to become an author for Orthopaedic Nursing. In 2005, we had multiple first-time authors begin the process of becoming an author for ONJ. Some of the articles have already been published with some almost ready to go. What a great opportunity for you to accomplish one of those innermost goals. Please never say never!! It is a great feeling for a first-time author to see his or her page proofs for the first time. To see your name in print is exciting, but more important is that you have taken the time to fulfill a personal goal. My resolution is to help as many new authors as possible make their dreams come true.
Make your professional resolutions today!!