Wow, it is December! As this year and my term as MSNCB President comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on what an incredibly rewarding journey this has been. Serving in this role has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. Over the past seven-plus years of serving MSNCB, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside so many passionate, talented, and dedicated professionals who embody the very best of medical-surgical nursing.

Through this experience, I’ve learned so much not only about leadership and certification, but also about the power of collaboration and the strength of our community. The med-surg community has supported, encouraged, and inspired me in ways I will always cherish. Every discussion, project, and shared success has reinforced why certification matters and how deeply our work impacts nurses and patients alike.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire MSNCB Board of Directors and volunteer units for your wisdom, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to our mission. It has truly been a privilege to serve alongside each of you. I also want to offer a special thank you to the staff at Smithbucklin for your professionalism, guidance, and tireless support behind the scenes. Your work ensures that everything we do runs seamlessly, and your dedication has been instrumental to our success.

To all our certified nurses and supporters, thank you for continuing to raise the standard in med-surg nursing. Your passion for excellence keeps MSNCB strong and inspires all of us who serve in leadership.

It is now my great pleasure to introduce our incoming president, Courtney Lykins, MSN, RN, CMSRN. Many of you may have already met her at conferences or through her work as a board member and/or president-elect. She brings tremendous energy, insight, and commitment to advancing our shared goals. I know MSNCB will continue to thrive under her leadership.

Although my term as president is ending, I look forward to continuing to serve and support this incredible organization as your immediate past president for the next year.

Please join me in welcoming Courtney, and take a moment to read her message below.

Hi everyone!

I’m honored to step into the role of president for the MSNCB Board of Directors. My journey in nursing began in 2010 as a medical-surgical nurse, and over the years, medical-surgical nursing has remained at the heart of my career. As a specialty that demands versatility, critical thinking, and compassion — medical-surgical nursing is and continues to be the backbone of healthcare across the country. This specialty is one that I truly believe shapes some of the most well-rounded, resilient nurses in our field. I know personally it has challenged me, shaped me, and continues to inspire me every day.  

My journey with MSNCB began through volunteering, which has been one of the most rewarding parts of my professional career. I started on the AMSN Medical-Surgical Competency Task Force, then served as an item writer for the CMSRN exam, and eventually found myself on the board of directors. Each step has deepened my appreciation for the power of certification and the role it plays in elevating nursing practice. Volunteering has not only connected me with incredible colleagues — it’s also reminded me of the importance of giving back to the profession that’s given me so much.

Outside of work and volunteering, I’m a proud mom of two daughters, married to my high school sweetheart, and currently living my best sports mom life — cheering from the softball and field hockey sidelines with our dog Max by my side. Balancing family and career has taught me the value of community, support, and purpose — values I hope to bring into this leadership role.

I’m excited for what lies ahead and deeply committed to advancing MSNCB’s mission. I’m truly honored to serve in this role and can’t wait to help advocate for, support, and celebrate all the incredible nurses who make our profession what it is.