First and foremost, my sincere thanks to Lisa Drews, RN, EdD., MSN, CNE, CNEcl, CNML and to Taryn Pariag, MSN, RN for their amazing work in pulling together so many dimensions of leadership in this issue. This is a timely topic for nurses, given the current stressors and uncertainty. Please take the time to read and reflect on all the thoughts and opinions they have brought together.
I think about leadership so often lately. Who will lead us while we grapple with access to research and information? Who will lead us as we help our patients remain focused on their health now, not just what might happen to their jobs, their medical care, or their lives next? Who will lead as we try to reimagine changes to our practices, education, and opportunities.
In February, Chris Otto, DNA Executive Director, and Stephanie McClellan, DNA Past-President, attended the American Nurses Enterprise’s 2025 Equity in Nursing: A Summit for Change. There they discussed issues, challenges, and priorities for creating change in nursing from the perspectives of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility. Chris and Stephanie have been influential to the thoughtful planning and execution of this conference.
The Delaware Nurses Association recently made history by electing a Licensed Practical Nurse to our Board of Directors as a full, voting member. Congratulations and welcome, Kimberly Fisher! The move is long overdue and helps move us toward a more inclusive board. In January 2025, Chris Otto and I were privileged to attend the swearing in of Governor Bethany Hall-Long, PhD, RN, FAAN, Delaware’s 75th Governor and U.S.A.’s first Nurse Governor. This was a historic occasion and while short, Dr. Hall-Long’s tenure as Governor was a great achievement in nursing.
The DNA has released statements on policy changes that we believe will impact our ability to care for patients and communities, such as our statement against budget cuts and staff terminations at the Veteran’s Administration, reform for 340B Drug Pricing policies, and in support of science-based, equity-focused research and education, and our continued ability to practice evidence-based care. Members of the DNA attended the “302 Day Celebration” sponsored by Governor Matt Meyer, bringing together community and those who support community members. We awarded a DAISY Foundation Award to a Nurse Practitioner who works at the Winder Laird Porter State Service Center.
The answer to my questions was right in front of me. At the Delaware Nurses Association, we lead every day. Sometimes quietly, sometimes in celebration, sometimes by example, and sometimes with force and many voices. You lead every day. Protect and defend your patients, communities, and profession so that we can continue to do amazing work.
You can lead from wherever you are.
