One of the greatest joys of serving as MSNCB President is watching the power of certification come to life through nurses’ stories. After spending time with so many of you at the 2026 AMSN Convention, I left feeling energized, inspired, and more convinced than ever that certification continues to transform careers, strengthen practice, and elevate the care we provide to our patients.

This year's conference was filled with exceptional education, meaningful conversations, and countless opportunities to connect with medical-surgical nurses from across the country. While AMSN showcased the incredible impact of our specialty as a whole, I was especially proud to see so much enthusiasm surrounding professional certification and lifelong learning.

One of my favorite moments of the conference was our CMSRN Certificant Milestone Celebration. Gathering with certified nurses and certification advocates reminded me that the CMSRN^® and CAVRN^® credentials represent so much more than letters after a name. They represent commitment, perseverance, professional growth, and a dedication to excellence in patient care.

I was also honored to participate in our MSNCB educational session, "Chill and Conquer: How to Crush Test Anxiety." During this session, Alyssa Denning, BSN, RN, CMSRN; Kelly Hunt, MN, RN, CNL, NPD-BC; and Caroline Ashman, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CMSRN, FAMSN, shared their unique certification journeys. Together, they offered perspectives from every stage of the process: Preparing for an exam, recently earning certification, and teaching certification review courses. Their honesty, practical advice, and encouragement provided attendees with valuable strategies to overcome test anxiety and confidently pursue their certification goals.

One of the conversations that stayed with me long after the conference ended was with Ashten Champ, RN. Energized by the conference and inspired by the medical-surgical nurses around her, Ashten shared her vision for increasing certification among members of her team on the final day of conference. As we talked, her passion for professional growth and her commitment to supporting her colleagues were unmistakable. Our conversation served as a powerful reminder that certification often begins with a single spark of inspiration and a champion who believes in the potential of those around them.

Throughout the conference, I heard story after story from nurses who viewed certification not as a finish line, but as a catalyst for continued growth. Whether pursuing certification for the first time, maintaining an existing credential, or encouraging colleagues to take the next step, each of these nurses demonstrated the passion and dedication that define our profession.

If you were able to join us in person, thank you for making this year's convention such a memorable experience. If you couldn't attend, we hope you'll join us for the upcoming 2026 AMSN Virtual Summit, taking place Thursday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m.–3:15 p.m. CT. It is another opportunity to connect, learn, and continue advancing professional practice alongside your medical-surgical nursing colleagues.

I left this year's convention feeling incredibly proud to be part of this community. Thank you for the conversations, the ideas, the laughter, and the inspiration. If you didn't make it to Palm Springs, don't worry, we'll see you at the Virtual Summit in November. Until then, keep doing what medical-surgical nurses do best: Caring, leading, learning, and making a difference every single day.