Dear NACNS Members,
It is with some humility and a great deal of excitement that I proudly introduce myself as the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists’ (NACNS) new Executive Director.
Having worked with national nursing membership organizations for close to 20 years, I can clearly state that the role of the nurse has never been more important in society than it is today! Science, medicine, and healthcare are under assault, yet for more than two decades, nursing has remained the most trusted and ethical profession in the United States. And for a very good reason, the nurse is the point of contact with the patient during life’s most vulnerable moments.
NACNS, as the professional home for clinical nurse specialists, is critical in raising awareness for the community. With reportedly more than 90,000 US CNSs, NACNS remains a vital voice on clinical, educational, and workforce issues. Through programming, CEUs, research, conferences, and advocacy, NACNS is taking the experiences and expertise of CNSs to decision-makers, helping to transform the field.
It remains a challenging time, but with that, there are opportunities. Just as nurses do, NACNS will continue to find solutions to problems, paving the way for a stronger discipline, and its dedication to the profession, the practice, and the patient.
Your voice is needed in this worthy endeavor! Get engaged, join a committee, promote an idea, and enlist a colleague! The future can often be uncertain, but clinical nurse specialists persevere!
Feel free to reach out and let me know how proud you are to be a NACNS member!
Sincerely,
Alec
Alec Stone, MA, MPA, CNE
alec@NACNS.org