Dear Colleagues and Friends in Nursing,

I am thrilled to reach out to you today with a message of bold optimism and transformative purpose: together, we are harnessing the Power of Nursing like never before. At ANA-Michigan, our mission to lead a diverse and inclusive community of registered nurses dedicated to advancing nursing excellence, advocacy, and innovation is alive and thriving. 

Embracing Innovation & Technology

The future of nursing is bright, and it’s happening now. As our profession continues to evolve, we are embracing new nursing innovations and the thoughtful use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the care we deliver. The American Nurses Association (ANA) has made clear that the appropriate use of AI in nursing practice supports and enhances the core values and ethical obligations of our profession. 

These tools are not replacing the heart of nursing, they are elevating it. They free us to focus more deeply on what we do best: connecting with patients, advocating for safe and compassionate care, practicing at the top of our license, and leading positive change. We are preparing to lead in ambulatory care practice, workforce development, and every arena where nursing touches lives.

ANA-Michigan Strategic Planning: A Roadmap to the Future

To realize our vision at ANA-Michigan, we are rolling out a robust strategic plan anchored in three dynamic pillars:

• Connection & Engagement: Through Town Halls, Podcasts, Webinars, Workshops and Bootcamps, we’ll bring nurses together across Michigan using a variety of methods to share, learn, collaborate and lead.
• Innovation & Technology Integration: We will deepen our focus on how technology and AI can enhance nursing practice, workforce sustainability and patient outcomes—always grounded in ethical, compassionate care. 
• Advocacy, Practice & Workforce Development: We will amplify our work in policy advocacy, strengthen ambulatory, advanced practice, and community-based nursing roles, and nurture leadership development through boot-camp style learning and immersive growth opportunities.

What’s Ahead: Town Halls, Podcasts & Workshops

I’m excited to share that in the coming months you will see:

• Town Hall sessions that bring together frontline RNs, nurse leaders, educators and students—across ambulatory care, acute care, community health—to talk about real issues, real solutions and real innovation.
• Podcast series hosted by Dr. Wanda Chukwu an including more Michigan nurses and invited guests—conversations will focus on workforce development, technology in practice, advocacy strategies, and the lived experience of nursing today.
• Webinars and Workshops/Bootcamps focusing on key areas and collaborating with other Professional Nursing Organizations across Michigan on topics such as empowered leadership, ambulatory care practice transformation, Artificial Intelligence  & digital health, career advancement, leadership agility, and advocacy skills.

These experiences are designed for YOU—to equip you, inspire you, and empower you in your role as a nurse leader, changemaker and critical voice in healthcare.

Addressing Key Issues: Advocacy, Ambulatory Care & Workforce

The challenges we face are real—healthcare budget reductions, workforce shortages, care model shifts, technological disruption, and regulatory pressures, but with challenge comes opportunity. ANA-Michigan is committed to elevating nursing’s voice in policy, promoting effective staffing strategies, strong ambulatory care practices, and developing the workforce of today and tomorrow.

We will work together to ensure all nurses are prepared to step into roles of innovation, technology application, leadership, and influence—regardless of the care setting, or position.

An Invitation to You

I invite each and every nurse in Michigan to join us. I encourage our ANA-Michigan members to engage and bring your ideas and bring your passion. Bring your willingness to explore what’s possible and your curiosity to try new approaches. Whether you’re just beginning your nursing journey or you’ve led teams or practiced for decades—there is a place for you in this movement.

Be part of what we are building at ANA-Michigan: a future-focused association that honors our legacy of caring and advocacy while boldly embracing the innovation, the leadership and the collaboration that will define nursing in the years ahead. Together, we will elevate our profession, improve health outcomes across Michigan, and strengthen our membership community. 

Closing Words

As your President, I am energized, hopeful and fully committed. I see how powerful our nursing community is. I see how much each of you brings—the compassion, expertise, insight, innovation, resilience. We are a force. We are the heartbeat of healthcare. And we are ready for whatever comes next. Let’s seize this moment. Let’s lead. Let’s innovate. Let’s make a difference—together.

With warm regards and
great expectation,

Barbara R. Medvec
DNP, RN, NEA-BC
President, ANA-Michigan
bmedvec@ana-michigan.org