It is with great honor and privilege that I have served as President of the Oklahoma Nurses Association (ONA) over the past two years. I am immensely grateful for the trust and support you all have shown me. The work accomplished by the ONA represents the tireless commitment of already busy people who have volunteered to represent you on the board as well as members. With your voice, we have raised awareness of important issues and fostered a sense of unity among our members. As we have continued to evolve the Oklahoma Nurses Association has continued to stay strategically focused on advocacy and professional development affecting nurses across the state, at all levels and across practice settings. Today we are stronger than ever. We have heard your voices in a number of forums including the clinical academic partnerships, regional meetings, convention, Nurse’s Day at the Capital and governmental activities. Your voice contributes to the agenda on how we would move forward as an organization.

We heard you promote staffing, models of care, supervision of advanced practice, funding for faculty, supporting nursing academic progression, innovation, leadership development and self-caring. Many of the sessions scheduled for the convention are a result of your voice. Your voice illuminates issues at the national level. The ANA Leadership Summit and Membership Assembly share similar concerns. Using both state and national platforms, we continue to make progress while seeking to establish common ground to support your views. Your voice matters. While the organization is focused on progress, it is your experience and stories that make the difference. The ONA represents every nurse. Our voice as an association comes from our members.

Membership has several benefits including networking, professional development, access to resources, advocacy, representation and recognition and awards. Networking connects us with each other and promotes the exchange of ideas. It can build relationships, share member knowledge, provide a social support system and promote collaboration while building confidence. Professional development provides opportunities to grow and advance career growth while staying current. Accessing resources shares tools and materials to enhance member awareness of position statements and ways to get involved. As a member of ONA you can actively participate in influencing policy, meeting and communicating with your legislators throughout the year, but especially during the legislative session.

As I pass the mantle of leadership to my successor, I urge all of you to uphold the values and principles that define our association. Stay united and committed. We have the power in this room to make a difference in the nursing profession and together we can do great things. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the ONA board and to Jane Nelson for their leadership throughout the years. They have been unwavering and dedicated. This organization is strong, and we continue to grow in numbers with your voice. Remember that each one of you has the power to impact nursing and health care.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve as your president. It has truly been an unforgettable experience and I will always carry the lessons and memories of this time with me. May the spirit of this association continue to thrive for many years to come.