We Are All In This Together

As I approach the close of my presidential year, I cannot express the words of gratitude I feel for the opportunity I've been given to represent emergency nursing across this country. I have been in awe of the work I have seen in our profession. I have been to small rural emergency departments and to large urban emergency departments over this year, and the most valuable lesson I have learned is that we all share the same issues, challenges, and successes, even if the volume and geographical areas differ from each other. I feel I have been rewarded and given a valuable education by each of you. I have learned from your experiences, shared in your joy, and suffered in your struggles as you care for emergency patients.

As we head into another year, I present a challenge to each of you. First, stay involved in some way in your professional organization. It will assist you in your job to have evidence-based information as you care for your patients. Stay current with position statements and information ENA makes available to you as a member. Second, let your voice be heard at all levels. Emergency nurses have never been known for being timid or not voicing their opinions. Make contact with legislators and educate them on important bills that affect our practice. Show your government officials that an emergency nurse is a knowledgeable and important constituent to know. Share your voice by submitting journal articles about your innovations in care for emergency patients. Last, let's keep our military colleagues in the forefront of our thoughts. Our comrades give of themselves each day, so when you see a military person, thank them for putting their life in harm's way. At times, when we are in emergency departments across this country, we say we are at war, but our “war” does not compare to what our military nursing community is faced with each day.

Again, thank you for a wonderful, enlightening and rewarding year. After all, we are all in this together.