Cultivating Community: Connect With AMSN Online and In Person
Greetings AMSN!
Last month, I talked about our strategic plan and its three major elements. This month, I want to share two exciting announcements that support our goal of Cultivating Community and share exciting news about new ways to connect. But first, a story!
When I was a new clinical nurse specialist for a hospital in North Carolina, I worked with an enthusiastic and well-regarded charge nurse from our surgical unit named Tonya. Tonya had always wanted to attend an AMSN Convention but had not had the resources to do so. The hospital started a program granting registration and travel costs for clinical nurses. Tonya applied for the grant, received it, and together we set off to Nashville, Tennessee.
There, Tonya and I attended sessions, keynotes, and the AMSN sponsored trip to the Grand Ole Opry where we heard Darius Rucker sing “Wagon Wheel”, a favorite for those from Raleigh to sing along. We joined in networking events, meeting nurses from across the country and from Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, and Canada, too. After we arrived back home, Tonya presented to her unit about her conference experience, which included reviewing a new best practice for falls prevention, some tips for the shared governance council, and advocated for a trial of a new brand of NG tube that she learned about in the exhibit hall. She concluded with, “I did not know before now that there were so many other nurses and hospitals dealing with the exact same challenges we are. It was eye-opening and level-setting.”
The demands of our profession can be intense, and the need for support, understanding, and camaraderie has never been greater. Finding community — whether within your workplace or beyond — provides a foundation for resilience, growth, and well-being. Tonya’s experience at her first convention reminded me of the power and importance of connecting with others who share our experiences. In these spaces, we can gain not only practical advice but also emotional support and validation of finding a place to connect with each other.
Introducing the Huddle: Your New Online Community
Last month, I mentioned the upcoming launch of the Huddle, AMSN’s new members-only online community. I am thrilled to announce that the Huddle is now live and ready for you to join! This dynamic platform is a safe, welcoming space where you can engage with colleagues, discuss the latest trends in medical-surgical nursing, and share insights and innovations.
Whether you are seeking advice, offering support, or simply looking to connect, the Huddle is your place to belong. Here you can speak openly about challenges, ask questions without fear of judgment, and learn from one another’s experiences. I encourage every member to log in, introduce yourself, and start building new connections today.
2025 AMSN Annual Convention — Registration Now Open!
I am also excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 AMSN Convention, taking place Sept. 11–13 in Austin, Texas. This event is a highlight of our year — a chance to gather in person, expand your knowledge, and celebrate our profession. Attendees will benefit from:
- Contemporary educational sessions
- Networking opportunities with hundreds of like-minded medical-surgical nurses
- Access to the latest resources, tools, and innovations in the exhibit hall
- Inspiration and rejuvenation in a supportive, energizing environment
I am extremely excited about the speakers and special guests coming to Austin and the food and music scene there! I am sure we will have big learnings and big fun, because as they say … everything is bigger in Texas! (I know, but I could not resist!)
I invite you to join the Huddle, register for the convention, and reach out to your fellow AMSN members.
As always, reach out at president@amsn.org or find me on the Huddle!
Kristi