What does the profession mean to YOU? What do you mean to the profession?

I was recently asked these two questions: What does the profession mean to me, and what do I mean to the profession? For someone who is seldom at a loss for words and has been able to answer many spontaneous questions when I traveled and served as President of the American Nurses Association (over 300,000 miles), I wanted and needed time to reflect. Not because I didn’t have any response but because I felt this was an important question that needed the best response possible. I don’t think I ever have been asked what I mean to the profession. Have you?

I entered the profession some forty years ago. Back then, I am sure my response would have been that I was an “employable” nurse, having just graduated from a nursing program known for its strong undergraduate program. It was my first exposure, but not the last, to a nurse shortage. We were offered significant sign-on bonuses with a pledge to work at that institution for 2 or 3 years. It was a considerable amount of money for individuals just graduating, and it was hard to pass up. It was not many years after that when the profession had “too many nurses.”  That was not the case; hospitals eliminated RN positions and converted them to less educated and skilled individuals to save money. For the next two decades, alternating shortage and surplus changed what I meant to the profession and what it meant to me.

My introduction to the various leadership roles in nursing occurred during my undergraduate leadership course. Our instructor, Ruth Craig, instilled in us the belief that we were destined to be leaders in the profession. Our education was meticulously designed to equip us with the skills to lead and provide the best care for our patients, whether in a hospital setting or at home. We were prepared for the role of “charge nurse,” which demands a diverse set of leadership skills, from delegation to problem-solving and effective communication.

But it wasn’t until years after graduation that I realized what it meant to lead. It isn’t about the title, role, or the position of authority. Nurse leadership is defined by the individual actions nurses perform. It is about the ability to manage, influence, inspire, critically think, and advocate for our profession, patients, and self. Nurses demonstrate many of these leadership qualities. My early experiences in our professional associations, both at the state and national level at the American Nurses Association, influenced my understanding of what it meant to be a leader. Today, I have an even greater appreciation of what and where nursing leadership is needed.

This past month, I witnessed several examples of leadership by ANA-Ohio members. During our annual meeting, we heard from student nurse leaders, including Hailey Welly, President of the Ohio Student Nurses Association, and Ethan Slocum, President of the National Student Nurses Association. Early leadership development and partnership will enhance ANA-Ohio’s relationship with the next generation of nurses. Pictured together (above) is one of ANA-Ohio’s respected most senior member, Ella Kick, and Ethan Slocum, a future member who will soon graduate and hopefully stay and work in Ohio. President Slocum certainly convinced us of his readiness to lead both at the bedside and in the boardroom.

Other examples this month included several ANA-Ohio members being appointed to serve on committees, creating a new Special Interest Group for nurse faculty, and learning about the exciting plans of the innovative Mentorship Special Interest Group. Leadership is evident in ANA-Ohio as we plan our second Summit of Ohio Nursing Associations this fall.

A lot has changed since I graduated. My answer to “What do we mean to the profession and what does it mean to me?” would describe an endless list of expected actions and responsibilities, including demonstrating leadership and advocacy. Some examples would include how ANA-Ohio members participate in, contribute to, and lead activities that establish practice standards and a Code of Ethics. Our advocacy is essential to ensure good health policy for the public and the profession. Being a nurse in this trusted, forward-thinking, profession is important for me. There is no day that I regret being a part of the most trusted, honorable profession. Through our professional associations, like ANA-Ohio, we can achieve excellence for the profession, the communities we serve, and ourselves.

Rebecca M Patton DNP, RN, CNOR, FAAN
president@ana-ohio.org