Mission: The mission of the New Jersey State Nurses Association is to promote the profession of nursing; advance the practice of nursing and advocate for nurses.
Vision: Creating the future through advocacy, leadership, and public policy.
On January 4, 2025, I had the incredible honor of being installed as President of the New Jersey State Nurses Association. I am so grateful for the many volunteers who serve on our current Board, for the new members who were installed with me that day, for those who serve on our Region Boards and the over 18 committees, forums, and task forces. It will be my immense privilege to work with all of these dedicated professionals to advance the mission and vision of the Association. It is my honor to share these excerpts from my remarks given at the installation ceremony.
In their new branding, and through their trademarked phrase, the American Nurses Association recognizes, The Power of Nurses™. Seneca said, “The greatest power is that which resides in us.” We must recognize and embrace our power and use it to improve our own workforce and working conditions, our healthcare system, and the safety and outcomes of our patients. The power of NJSNA resides in our four pillars.
Leadership: I am so grateful for the many volunteers who serve on our current Board and new members who will be installed today, and those who are members of our over 18 committees, forums, and task forces and to all of our dedicated members. NJSNA is the largest nursing professional organization in the state. But we also acknowledge and deeply value the contributions of the many other nursing organizations and groups including the Philippine Nurses Association of NJ, The American Association of Indian Nurses of NJ, the various Black Nursing associations throughout the state, National Association of Hispanic Nurses of NJ, the NJ League for Nursing, The NJ Collaborating Center for Nursing, Stroke Consortium of NJ, and there are many others. Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Our power lies in our unity yielding a strong voice for nursing in New Jersey. Let us strive to amplify our collective voice to advocate for our patients and improve the health of all New Jerseyans. Let’s work together in 2025, through our Nursing Coalition, to align our focus and move forward together to address the challenges of the nursing profession. Let us build upon the successes of the past and work collaboratively to overcome the challenges facing our profession today. Henry Ford said, “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” Let us embrace this spirit of collaboration and work together to create a brighter future for nursing in New Jersey.
Advocacy: Maya Angelou said, “I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me.” By empowering ourselves through knowledge and action, we have the power to affect healthcare policy through literacy, advocacy, and influence. Let us commit to a year of focused action and meaningful progress. Let’s work together and vow to see our efforts realized in 2025. I hope to be present with you in the statehouse as S1983 /A944 is passed to eliminate certain practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses, validating their full practice authority. I will work with Past President Sandy Foley to energize the Legislative Awareness and Advocacy Committee to be policy influencers through a focused level of action including being present at committee hearings, meeting with representatives throughout the state to educate them on our issues, creating one page “leave behind” descriptions of our positions and challenging our legislators to sponsor those bills we support. I know Linda Hassler and the Interested Nurses Political Action Committee (INPAC) Board of Trustees, including our INPAC consultant, former Assemblywoman Barbara Wright, will conduct a thorough inquiry to determine the candidates who are “Friends of Nursing”, as they endorse and contribute to candidates who support the nursing profession and quality healthcare. Consider contributing to INPAC in 2025 to accomplish our goals. Supporting INPAC is an essential investment in our future and the future of our profession. Watch the New Jersey Nurse for a list of candidates INPAC endorses. Through individual and collective action, the more “Friends of Nursing” we elect, the greater our power to influence the political process. Let us all play our part in electing leaders who prioritize the health and well-being of our communities.
Education: Francis Bacon said, “Knowledge is power”. In 2025, NJSNA will focus on:
• The Annual Professional Conference: Delivering a high-quality professional conference in October to provide valuable continuing education and networking opportunities for nurses.
• Education Provider Support: Supporting education providers through our accredited approver unit, ensuring high-quality educational experiences for nurses.
Communication/Connection: This year, we will launch a refreshed website featuring a new brand identity. We’ll enhance our New Jersey Nurse magazine by securing sponsorships to increase the inclusion of valuable online content in the print edition. Our professional connections, strengthened by our membership, give us influence and power. I urge all of us to actively recruit new members through creative and engaging strategies. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIAB) will guide our decisions and we will continue to focus on addressing racism in our healthcare system.
Warm Regards,
Peggy
