Put one foot in front of the other...

I have to admit that is what I first thought of when the President-elect new theme was unveiled. Then I gave it more thought..Dare to Step Forward...nice. The themes fit very well. Of course all of the themes fit well...these are very smart woman and NURSES!

It was a week a firsts for me. My first trip to Boston. My first time sightseeing in a city by myself and see the path of great Patriots. My first time presenting at NTI. A week of stepping out of my comfort zone and into something bigger. I can hear all the past themes running through my head.

We are once again reminded that we, as individuals not to mention as unified group can do great things. Each one of us. We all matter. We deserve to be happy. And we must rest. Wow...powerful stuff.

In the weeks before I left for Boston, I was struggling with whether or not I still wanted to go and if I had it in me to present at NTI in the API track (step forward). Whether I wanted to travel to a city that had suffered a brutal, cowardly attack (together, stronger, bolder). Whether I wanted to go essentially alone, save my colleagues and friends from my AACN Chapter. I was so wrong...I not only wanted to go, I needed to go (dare to).

I learned so much - not just about clinical practice and being an advanced practice nurse but about myself (act with intention)

There are so many things that left an impression on me. So much that touched me and is pushing me to work harder and to do more (stand tall)

So the big questions is how will you Step Forward this year?

One foot in front of the other

The NTI countdown begins

So we are just days away from undoubtedly the largest gathering of nurses - the AACN's NTI conference in Boston, MA.

I have to admit, I have been slow to get excited for this conference; especially since the bombing occurred. Glued to the TV for days as the events of the attack unfolded, I was shocked and horrified and angry that yet again a senseless tragedy occurred on American soil. Relief poured over me when details emerged and the suspects were caught.

As many of my nursing colleagues have thought about I'm sure, I have prayed for not just the victims but the numerous nurses, paramedics, physicians, and other healthcare providers impacted by this act of terrorism. No doubt we will hear more this week from these frontline providers that worked tireless to save lives.

This is my first time presenting at NTI. Part of me is terrified. But I am starting to feel a tiny bit of excitement build deep within me...I am after all presenting on something I feel very patient about.

Over the past week or so I have given much thought about this trip to Boston...specifically NTI. I was reminded by someone very dear to me that it is a time to recharge my nursing batteries with many strong and powerful nurses. He's right. Nurses are strong and overcome crises and struggles everyday to care for patients and ensure the best possible outcomes. We are passionate and forward moving.

It turns out that Boston is a great place for NTI this year. Nurses and other providers always rise to the occasion and remain strong and resolute. So has Boston.

Yeah, I think I'm ready.

Boston Strong                                 Nurses Strong