Reconnecting for Excellence: Advancing Orthopedic Nursing Together

To My National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses Members, Colleagues, and Friends, As we step out of the 2026 Congress and return to our workplaces, our communities, and our daily practice, I do so with deep gratitude—and a renewed sense of purpose. If you were with us in person, you felt it immediately: the conversations in hallways, the shared learning in sessions, the spontaneous mentorship, the laughter that comes from reunion, and the quiet moments when someone realizes they are not alone in their professional journey.That is what it feels like when the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) comes home again. It is an honor to serve as your 47th President, and this is my first message to you since Congress. It feels fitting to begin exactly where we ended—with the theme that captures both who we are and where we are going. Reconnecting for Excellence is not simply a tagline or an uplifting idea. It is our strategy. It is our commitment. And it is a promise we make to one another as orthopedic nurses who understand that excellence is not accidental. It is built, sustained, shared, and continually renewed. Honoring Where We Have Been—So We Can Lead Where We Are Going We cannot speak honestly about the future without acknowledging the road behind us. Before COVID, NAON was a thriving professional home of more than 5000 members. Then the world changed—rapidly and relentlessly. Our profession, roles, and lives changed. Engagement shifted, and those years tested resilience across healthcare in ways none of us anticipated. Those were hard years. They forced difficult questions about sustainability, relevance, and what it truly means to serve as a professional organization for orthopedic nurses in a shifting healthcare landscape. But here is the truth that matters most: we did not break. We rebuilt. Through thoughtful leadership and courageous decisions, NAON stabilized its finances, strengthened its infrastructure, and began the deliberate work of restoring trust and reconnecting with members. That work was not fast or easy—but it was necessary. Today, the results are visible. The energy and engagement we experienced at Congress were clear evidence that NAON is not only here—it is thriving and rising. Reconnecting Means Everyone Has a Place Here Reconnecting begins, and ends, with people. It means honoring the members who stayed through the storm—those who continued to teach, mentor, volunteer, and believe in NAON even when it was difficult. It also means welcoming back those who stepped away—not with judgment, but with gratitude. Careers evolve, circumstances change, and there is strength in returning when the time is right. Reconnecting also means reaching forward—to newer and younger nurses who are seeking community, credibility, learning, and leadership opportunities in a profession that is both demanding and deeply meaningful. If you are new to NAON, I want you to hear this clearly: you belong here. Whether you have practiced orthopedic nursing for decades or are just beginning your journey, there is a place for you in this community. Our strength has never been one role, one setting, one region, or one generation. Our strength lies in the breadth of orthopedic nursing and the shared commitment we carry into every patient interaction. A New Era of Engagement: Special Interest Groups One of the most exciting ways we are building the future of NAON is through the launch of our Special Interest Groups (SIGs). SIGs represent a new era of engagement—flexible, modern communities that reflect how nurses learn and lead today by connecting around shared practice areas, passions, and emerging needs. SIGs allow us to elevate more voices, draw upon deeper expertise, and create meaningful pathways for involvement that fit the realities of busy clinical lives. They represent a deliberate advancement that respects our history while addressing the needs of the future. If you have ever wanted to get involved but were unsure where you fit, SIGs may be your doorway. Five Commitments to Guide Our Path Forward As President, I believe this next chapter of NAON requires five guiding commitments: Courage to face a changing healthcare landscape and innovate thoughtfully Discipline to protect the stability we’ve regained Connection to one another and to the next generation of orthopedic nurses Excellence in education, leadership, advocacy, research, and patient care Hope—earned hope, rooted in what we have survived and are rebuilding together These principles will guide us to how we make decisions and strengthen our professional organization. NAON as a Home—And What That Makes Possible I carry a clear vision for NAON: NAON as a professional organization that is a home where orthopedic nurses feel supported, welcomed, and valued. A home where SIGs thrive, volunteers feel energized, education is cutting-edge and accessible, and leadership is transparent and grounded in integrity. When NAON feels like home, everything becomes possible. We can rebuild membership, strengthen engagement, expand our reach, and elevate our profession—together. Your Invitation As we move forward, I invite you not just to witness this next chapter, but to help write it. Volunteer. Join a SIG. Invite a colleague. Share your ideas. NAON has always been strongest when members move from attendance to ownership. To those who guided NAON through its most challenging years, thank you. To our volunteers, educators, board members, committee members, the staff members at Stringfellow management group, fellows, past presidents, and every member who gives time and heart—thank you. And to those reconnecting now: welcome home. I am excited about this next chapter for NAON—and honored to walk it with you. With gratitude,