In her address, AACN President Jennifer Adamski marveled at how her message – vulnerability is not weakness – resonated with nurses across the country, spotlighting several of their personal stories about the Courage to Soar. Adamski also shared ways to reframe vulnerability as strength and how to grow empathy skills. “The future belongs to those who embrace empathy, vulnerability and belonging as thriving skills.” She concluded by prompting nurses to remain courageous in mentorship, advocacy and working to “enact the systemic change we need to ensure nurses are empowered, respected, adequately supported and compensated.” What will you find on the other side of courage?
During AACN President-elect Rebekah Marsh’s address at NTI, she took a rooted-to-the-earth approach to AACN’s new theme, On Purpose, exploring her modest, rural upbringing and her path to second-career ICU nurse and respected nurse educator. “The years I spent finding my way to nursing were not a detour. Let there be room for change and wonder.” Marsh also encouraged nurses to pursue a purpose-filled life and intentional nursing practice despite detours and doubts. “It isn’t about having a superpower or being born to be a nurse. It isn’t about faking it until you make it. Practice it until you become it.”