Dear Maryland Nurses Association Members,
First and foremost, thank you for the tireless hours you’ve invested and your unwavering commitment to patients. Each of you plays a critical role in ensuring the health and safety of our communities. Whether at the bedside or in leadership positions, your influence on patient outcomes is immeasurable. Your actions have a direct and positive impact on the lives of those in your care, and that is a responsibility you have upheld with professionalism and heart. Thank you for putting yourself on the front line, day after day, advocating for your patients and sometimes that means working in the most challenging of environments. In doing so, you have exemplified what it truly means to be a nurse.
This past September, we gathered for the 121st Maryland Nurses Association Annual Convention in the beautiful city of Annapolis, and I am thrilled to say it was our most talked about convention since COVID-19. With over 200 attendees, the event was a resounding success, bringing together nurses from throughout Maryland. The high energy started on Day 1 with singing and dancing as part of the opening keynote address by Dr. Sherry Perkins. Yes, I even learned the song and dance “Hot To Go”. A huge thank you also goes out to the visionary leaders, Dr. Deb Baker and Dean Yolanda Ogbolu for being our other two keynote speakers. It was a privilege to have these three fierce nursing leaders speak to an attentive group of nurses. I continued to see the nursing camaraderie and sense of purpose that filled the hotel on both days of the convention. From discussions with the exhibitors to the thought-provoking sessions and networking opportunities, it was a celebration of the nursing profession. I hope you are already considering joining in the fun at the 122nd convention after a snippet of this year’s convention.
This issue of the Maryland Nurse journal is centered on the well-being of nurses. It’s a timely reminder that while we are often the caregivers, we also need to care for ourselves and each other. The discussions and exchanges we have about nurse well-being, mental health, and self-care are conversations we need to have continuously throughout the holiday season and in the coming year as we work together to build a more sustainable, supportive environment for all nurses.
To our nurses across the state, you brighten people’s days—including ours. Your commitment to delivering outstanding patient care is evident in everything you do, and your work is nothing short of extraordinary. No matter your practice location, you bring light and hope to those who need it most. The compassion, knowledge, and skill you have for your work are commendable, and I am so proud of the exceptional level of care Maryland nurses provide each day from the rural locations to the large bustling communities. We recognize that the challenges facing nurses today are many, from staffing shortages to increasing demands on the healthcare system. But I am continually inspired by how you rise to meet these challenges. You are setting the standard for excellence in nursing.
As we look ahead to 2025, I am filled with optimism about the future of our profession and the Maryland Nurses Association. Together, we will continue to advance nursing practice, advocate for the well-being of nurses, and push for innovations in healthcare delivery that benefit both patients and caregivers. The new year presents an opportunity for us to build on the momentum we’ve created, to deepen our commitment to each other’s well-being, and to strengthen our voice as a profession.
Finally, I want to take a moment to reflect on the personal and collective strength that each of you embodies. It is no small feat to balance the demands of your professional responsibilities with your health and well-being. Yet time and time again, you show up with your boots on the ground, caring not only for your patients but also for your colleagues and communities. It is this spirit of care and connection that makes our profession so unique and vital, and I am honored to be part of such a dedicated and compassionate state of nurses.
Thank you once again for your commitment, your dedication, and your passion. I wish you all a peaceful and relaxing holiday season with a wonderful start to the new year.
Warm regards,
Lou J. Bartolo, DNP, MSN, RN
President, Maryland Nurses Association
