Earlier this year, nursing-and especially NPs-lost an icon with the passing of Dr. Lucy Marion. Lucy's accomplishments were trailblazing and far-reaching, and she was many things to many people. I remember her most as an engaged mentor who was invested in helping you reach the potential she saw in you, often long before you recognized it in yourself and took action. When Lucy spoke to you, she looked directly in your eyes, and her energy was focused only on you, even when other people were all around you. Whereas some people enter your life and simply pass through, others enter and make a lasting impact on who you become either as a person or as a professional, and sometimes both. Lucy was the latter.
Before we were formally introduced in 2002, I already knew all about Lucy. I was relieved to discover that she was human just like me and very down to earth. She was easy for me to like. And as the years went by, we found a common passion in advocating for and developing academic nurse-managed health centers and faculty practice arrangements. I consulted with her at times, and she consulted with me at times. Mutual respect for each other's knowledge, experience, and strengths was the foundation of our relationship.
Dr. Lucy Marion
Lucy had the ability to envision possibilities, lead in uncharted territory, and act strategically while empowering others who joined her in her drive to advance NP education and practice, and ultimately, the health of everyone in our nation. She held many prominent positions; the ones in which I saw her work were as president of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF), an APRN on the US Preventive Services Task Force, and dean of Augusta University's College of Nursing in Georgia. She was instrumental in setting a vision for and development of the Doctor of Nursing Practice educational program. Lucy never forgot her humble beginnings and often talked about the challenges she had faced during her life and nursing career, but she persevered in her efforts and never gave up.
Personal tributes
Several members of The Nurse Practitioner Editorial Advisory Board and International Advisory Board express their personal thoughts in tribute to Dr. Marion's legacy below.
"Dr. Lucy Marion will long be remembered as a champion of nursing and the NP movement. She played a pivotal role in standardizing NP education and promoting full scope of practice. More importantly, she will be remembered by me as a mentor and colleague.
"I met Lucy at an annual NONPF meeting approximately 20 years ago. I was a new coordinator and founder of an FNP program in rural Colorado. I felt out of place with all the 'movers and shakers' of the NP movement; however, through an informal conversation, Lucy suggested that I become an active member of NONPF and not just a bystander. She gave me confidence that I, too, had something to contribute. As a result of this conversation, I became a board member of NONPF representing faculty practice. My active participation subsequently led to a white paper regarding faculty practice as scholarship.
"I would often see Lucy at the annual NONPF meetings and catch up about trends in NP education and practice. However, I will always remember her as a dynamic leader in advancing NP education and practice who took the time to offer encouragement and guidance to a novice NP faculty member."-Kathryn A. Blair, PhD, JD, FNP-BC, FAANP
"I am greatly saddened by Dr. Lucy Marion's passing. An NP advocate to her core, Dr. Marion was a visionary leader who left a legacy of mentorship. When speaking with Dr. Marion, when one-on-one or in a meeting, I always felt like she was so present, focused on the conversation and topic at hand and how she could lend her voice and wisdom. She leaves this great bequest to countless NPs, a great blessing to us all."-Margaret Fitzgerald, DNP, FNP-BC, NP-C, FAANP, CSP, FAAN, DCC, FNAP
"When I reflect upon Lucy Marion, I'm reminded of one of my favorite Maya Angelou quotes: 'Love life. Engage in it. Give it all you've got. Love it with a passion because life truly does give back, many times over, what you put into it.' Lucy Marion was actively engaged, gave back, and passionate in her quest to develop others. This old gospel song summarizes it best: 'May the work I've done speak for me'! Warmly and forever in our hearts."-Tracie Kirkland, PhD, DNP, ANP-BC, PCPNP-BC, CPNP-PC
"Lucy was such a strong voice for NP education nationally and globally. She had such vision around NP education and has mentored many of our current national leaders. Lucy kept an eye to the future but stayed grounded in practice and was a guiding light for NP education and many of us personally. We have certainly lost a phenomenal driving force that has influenced and impacted our profession who will be missed."-Sheila Melander, PhD, APRN, FAANP, FAAN
"Lucy Marion will be remembered as a nursing stalwart, trailblazer, powerhouse, kingmaker, prolific innovator, and even a dragon slayer. Her professional life and personal life were legendary for their impact on everyone in her orbit. She was to me a mentor, sister, confidant, mother when I needed one, and most of all, my friend. Her legacy will be one of tremendous service and sacrifice to healthcare. I stand on her shoulders and thank her for all she immeasurably poured into me. Rest well, my dearest Lucy. We will forever honor your name and great works. Thank you for it all. Ever onward!"-Michelle Nelson, PhD, MS, RN, FAANP, FNP-BC
"I would like to express my condolences on the passing of Dr. Lucy Marion. As a first-generation NP student in Japan, I would like to express my deepest respect to Dr. Lucy Marion for her pioneering efforts in creating the DNP program and her dedication to NP practice and education."-Shigenori Shiotsuki, MS, BS, PHN, RN, NP
As we reflect on Lucy's legacy, remember her openness and acceptance of diversity in all its meanings and her lifelong work to eliminate inequities and health disparities. Physically gone but never forgotten.
Jamesetta A. Newland, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, DPNAP, FAAN
Editor-in-Chief mailto:[email protected]