What a year it has been! As I reflect on the past months, I am filled with pride, gratitude, and a renewed sense of hope for the road ahead. This year, we witnessed the true power of nursing, what happens when passion meets persistence, when advocacy unites us, and when nurses, deeply rooted in purpose, rise together to shape the future of healthcare.

One of the most significant milestones we achieved together was the successful passage of the APRN bill through legislation. This was more than a policy win—it was a powerful affirmation that the voice of nursing matters. It signaled that advanced practice registered nurses belong at the forefront of care, and that access to high-quality healthcare must be a right, not a privilege. To every nurse who wrote letters, made phone calls, met with legislators, and refused to let this moment pass: thank you. This victory belongs to all of us, and more importantly, to the people of Oklahoma who will now benefit from expanded access to the care they need and deserve.

Yet, even beyond this landmark achievement, our collective impact has continued to grow. Across Oklahoma, nurses have shown up in extraordinary ways, day after day, in every setting, from bustling urban hospitals to quiet corners of rural communities. You are the hands that heal, the voices that comfort, the leaders who innovate, and the advocates pushing policy forward. You are seeds planted in rich, resilient soil, nurtured by compassion, fortified by knowledge, and driven by an unyielding commitment to serve.

As we look toward the coming year, one thing is certain: we are only just beginning. We are stepping boldly into a season defined by vision, action, and unity. We will expand our advocacy efforts, deepen strategic partnerships, and continue to elevate and empower the voice of every nurse across our state. The challenges ahead are real, but so is our collective strength. And I believe, wholeheartedly, that the year to come will be one of the most impactful in our association’s history.

To my fellow nurses: keep showing up. Keep standing tall. Keep speaking with courage and compassion. You are the heartbeat of healthcare and the driving force of this profession’s future. Together, we are building something lasting. Future generations of nurses will stand with pride.

This is our time. Let us embrace it with passion, with purpose, and with the unstoppable spirit of Oklahoma nurses.