As we step into a new year, we at American Nurses Association – Michigan are filled with excitement and purpose. This is a time to reflect on the opportunities ahead and commit to fostering a vibrant, supportive, and engaging environment for our American Nurses Association-Michigan members, especially those just beginning their professional journeys.

Focus on Early-Career Member Growth and Engagement

For nurses early in their careers, the journey can be both exhilarating and challenging. To support you, we are dedicated to creating meaningful pathways for growth and engagement. Whether it’s through mentorship programs, networking events, or leadership opportunities, the goal is to ensure you feel empowered, connected and supported within the Michigan nursing community.

This year we’re introducing new initiatives tailored specifically for early-career members, including the Early Career Advisory Council, interactive townhalls, virtual meetups, and coaching resources to help navigate the complexities of early professional years. Together we aim to build a foundation that supports your aspirations and inspires confidence in your skills.

Prioritizing Professional Learning and Development

Continuous learning is the cornerstone of excellence in nursing. In the coming months, we’re excited to offer an expanded lineup of professional development opportunities, including:

• Empower Leadership Series (ELS): Focused on the latest trends and core practices and challenges in nursing leadership development.
• Town Halls and Conferences: Featuring renowned speakers and thought leaders in nursing both within Michigan and across the country.
• Podcasts: Using the Voices for Nurses in ANA-Michigan and beyond to connect and learn from each other.
• Skill-Building Workshops: Designed to enhance skills like coaching, communication and collaboration.
• Social Media Updates: Connect through many social media applications to get up to date and current American Nurses Association-Michigan information and to see/share events within your practice.

By participating in these programs, you’ll not only strengthen your professional toolkit but also position yourself for growth in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

Building Relationships and Collaborations

Collaboration is the heart of progress, and this year we’re doubling down on opportunities for you to build lasting connections. From regional meetups to national conferences, we’re committed to creating spaces where you can share ideas, collaborate on projects, and develop partnerships that enhance your career.

American Nurses Association – Michigan also values interprofessional relationships, so look forward to joint events with allied healthcare professionals fostering teamwork, building on common concerns for advocacy and policy development, as well as building mutual understanding that benefits the broader healthcare system.

A Year of Possibilities

2025 holds tremendous promise for our American Nurses Association – Michigan members. We’re here to champion your success and create a thriving community where all levels and practices of nurses can grow, learn, and lead. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of progress, innovation, and meaningful impact for nursing in Michigan.

I am excited for the journey ahead and grateful to have you with us. Here’s to a new year of opportunity and collaboration!

Barbara R. Medvec DNP, RN, MSA, MSN, NEA-BC
President ANA-Michigan
bmedvec@ana-michigan.org