As I step into the role of president for the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB), I want to begin by sharing how deeply honored I am to serve our incredible community of medical‑surgical nurses. Medical‑surgical nursing has been my home since the start of my career and remains the heart of my career. It is where I discovered not only the joy of caring for patients with such diverse needs, but also the pride that comes with growing as a professional. Certification played a huge part in that journey for me. It gave me confidence, community, and a deeper sense of purpose — and this passion I carry with me into this new role.

As we look ahead to March, we prepare to celebrate Certified Nurses Day, a moment to recognize the expertise of certified nurses across the country. This day is especially meaningful to MSNCB and AMSN because it highlights the heart of our mission: supporting nurses in advancing their practice and strengthening the future of our specialty.

Certification has been a defining part of my professional identity. It represents more than a credential — it reflects a commitment to excellence, lifelong learning, and the confidence that comes from knowing we are practicing at the highest standard. I have seen firsthand how certification elevates not only individual nurses, but entire teams, organizations, and ultimately the patients we serve. It is one of the most powerful ways we demonstrate the value and expertise of medical‑surgical nursing.

Whether you are newly certified, have maintained your credential for many years, or are considering taking that next step, I want you to know how proud we are of you. Your commitment to excellence is what drives our work and inspires our vision for the year ahead.

This year, I look forward to serving you, advocating for you, and celebrating all that you bring to the world of medical‑surgical nursing. Together, we will continue to elevate our profession and honor the impact medical-surgical nurses make every day.