Guide our profession via American Nurses Association and state association service.

In my high school yearbook, my senior quote reads, “Some people watch things happen, some people wonder what happened, and some people make things happen.” I aimed for the latter. In my journey from student to leader in healthcare organizations and professional associations and in both paid and voluntary positions, this mantra has guided me. I find such satisfaction in defining and deliberating issues and challenges with engaged colleagues and together developing workable solutions. That’s why I wholeheartedly encourage all American Nurses Association (ANA) members to consider serving on governing bodies, committees, task forces, and the like of ANA, our constituent and state nursing associations (C/SNAs), and other nursing organizations.

The ANA Nominations and Elections Committee recently issued a call for nominations for several positions to be voted on in June 2025 by the ANA Membership Assembly—ANA’s official governing and voting body (bit.ly/4edfeLn). These and similar governance positions and other roles across ANA and our C/SNAs present many opportunities for you to not only serve the profession but also make real the change you desire.

Nurses and the country face a long list of pivotal issues. To name a few, we want to see all nurses practicing to the top of their licensure in positive practice environments, with appropriate staffing, free of workplace violence, in a profession that fully embodies diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility. Progress has been made in supporting nurses’ well-being, but considerable work remains. We especially need to make the profession welcoming and inclusive to the next generations of nurses—our up-and-coming leaders.

Substantive headway on these and other issues depends on a broad and diverse spectrum of thought, as well as decisive strategies and actions. ANA members can do this work—the nursing process provides an excellent foundation for proceeding. Nurses also excel at working with others to achieve common goals.

That said, we tend to downplay our capabilities to serve professional organizations. However, serving on a unit council, as secretary of a parent teacher association, or as a first-career teacher all would prove relevant for a variety of volunteer contributions. Just these few examples show how nurses’ roles provide relevant experience and insights for guiding our profession. If you’re uncertain about your fit with an opportunity, consult a trusted colleague for their clear-eyed input. You might be surprised by the insights you gather from these discussions.

Also consider the encouragement that you, serving in an ANA or C/SNA role, could offer others who see themselves in you.

Putting yourself forward for an elected position can feel intimidating. I know from personal experience that losing an election stings. Don’t allow this to hold you back from seeking elected or appointed positions.

Many service opportunities are issue-specific and of limited duration, making it feasible to move the dial on a subject that you’re passionate about, despite having a busy professional and personal life. The bottom line is that there’s a place for you, and our profession needs you!

ANA and our C/SNAs value our members’ input and engagement, and we count on your thoughts and efforts to advance our profession, improve care and outcomes for our patients, and demonstrate the power of nurses. Please consider where and how you can serve, and join us in making things happen—for nurses, the nursing profession, and our patients.

Jennifer Mensik Kennedy PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
President, American Nurses Association

American Nurse Journal. 2024; 19(12). Doi: 10.51256/ANJ122422