Greetings AMSN members and supporters! This message is coming from a very hot and stormy August across the country. I hope you are finding a cool reprieve as the business of the back to school and fall seasons gets started.
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend NOA in Louisville, Kentucky, on behalf of AMSN. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleagues and some of AMSN’s formal partners from across nursing. NOA is the Nursing Organization Alliance, and its focus is creating space for collaboration and shared learning amongst its nursing organization members.
With nursing leaders at NOA, from left to right: The President of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) for the 2026–2027 term is Tonka Williams, DNP, MHA, MSN, RN, CMSRN. How great to have a CMSRN there! Then, the President of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN) is Melissa (Missy) Moreda, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CDCES, CNRN, SCRN. Followed by me. Finally, the National League for Nursing (NLN) Board of Governors Chair (2025-2027), Yolanda VanRiel, PhD, RN, MEDSURG-BC, OCN, CNE, ANEF.
Gathering with leaders from across our profession is always a strong reminder that, while our specialty and non-specialty focused organizations may have distinct perspectives and priorities, we share a commitment to supporting nurses and improving the care we provide to patients and families. Nursing is strongest when we are aligned in our work! This meeting also is good reminder that there are so many places nurses can find their professional home (or homes, I know I have a few!). If you are curious, here is a link to the organizations that are members of NOA.
With AMSN Executive Director Kim Eskew, MBA, CAE (left).
One of the most prominent topics at NOA remains artificial intelligence in nursing. In the environments you are working in, AI is already influencing so many things — from documentation and workflow support to clinical decision-making, education, and patient engagement. As medical-surgical nurses, we have an important role in helping ensure these tools are implemented responsibly, ethically, and in ways that truly support nurses rather than add burden. The conversations at NOA highlighted the need for nurses to be active participants in shaping how AI is used in practice and in making sure innovation actually improves care.
Preparing AMSN for 2027
AMSN is also looking ahead as we continue to build an organization that is responsive to our members and aligned with our overall priorities. As the Board of Directors evaluated the current committee structure, we recognized an opportunity for adjustment and to address current needs.
The new committee structure organizes all committees into three categories: Education and Content, Engagement, and Operations. This will help committees within each category collaborate more intentionally and align with our strategic goals and future plans.
Visual of AMSN’s new committee structure.
AMSN’s diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy is also expanding from a single-committee model to an integrated approach across all committees, with specific DEI-related goals or objectives included in each committee’s charter. In addition, two new task forces will be created: One focused on clinical practice (some of you might remember a version of this from the past!), and one focused on member experience (more engagement, more fun!). These changes are designed to strengthen the connection between members and AMSN’s organizational work.
This committee revision reflects our commitment to ensuring that AMSN remains connected to the needs, expertise, and voices of our members, and we know this updated structure will create meaningful ways for members to contribute to the goals that will move AMSN forward.
I’m excited about these changes that will go live in 2027, and I can’t wait to see the outcomes of this work. As always, reach out with any questions or comments at President@AMSN.org.
Have a great rest of the summer, and I hope to see you next month in Palm Springs for the 2026 AMSN Convention! Register now to join us Sept. 24–26.