I have been in love with nursing before I ever wore scrubs, learned how to use a stethoscope, assess a patient, talk with family members, and even before I knew what nursing really was. I knew this career would allow me to positively impact people and be presented with opportunities to give back to our communities. I knew that I had what it takes to advocate for what is right, to say no to what is wrong and continue moving forward until lives where changed. I believed that nurses provide healing and I still believe that to this day.
Nursing in 2024 looks different than it did a decade ago, and that is okay. The concept of adaptation is certainly a dynamic one and one that nurses across Delaware understand well. We have learned how to care for patients through the lens of insurance providers, a mask, a window, a telephone, a zoom screen, interpretation services, and many more. Nurses today work in mobile care units, in residential care, in schools, in pharmaceuticals, in research, behavioral health clinics, in correctional systems and so many other non-traditional spaces outside of hospital medicine. In every space a nurse occupies, transformational care delivery occurs. The fluidity of nursing and our ability to thrive in diverse environments brings me a level of pride that I cannot express.
Over the term of my presidency, the association developed a strategic plan that was bold and focused on elevating the nursing profession within Delaware, advancing the workforce, and improving on innovation and collaboration. In this time, there has been membership growth and expansion of our affiliates. The nursing workforce center structure is underway and initial funding has been allocated for technology. DNA started the first ever statewide DAISY recognition program and hosted its first annual recognition event. Additionally, these last few years have been overflowing with advocacy wins, including legislation advancing nursing practice and access to healthcare for our state, nurses ascending on legislative hall and over 30 Delaware nurses in Washington, D.C. to lobby for national movement. This year will close with the development of the Delaware Nurses Foundation that will support advancing history, science, and scholarships for nurses across our state. This is only the beginning and a small peak into the work being done within the DNA.
As I prepare to transition the presidency, I am proud of each nurse in Delaware. I recognize that in the varied challenges we face, there is common ground that brings us all together. We survived turbulent times, and we will continue to strive for mountain top success and wins for the nursing profession. I am proud to say I was the President for the DNA. I am proud of the work of DNA, and I am proud to be a nurse. The future is bright. Let us not stop here.
Warmly,
Stephanie
