Past president's report.

Pamela Johnson RN, BSN Past President 2003-2008 When I became the President of the Nevada Nurses Association I had no idea of the magnitude of experiences that I would be privileged to have. Looking back over the last five years I have served as President of NNA I find it difficult to believe it has been that long. As everyone knows it has not been easy, however I can tell you the time, experience and professional growth I have had the pleasure to experience has been tremendous. During my term as president, NNA has had some successes; some challenges and times we just wanted to give up. The fact that NNA is still a constituent organization of ANA is due to the tenacity of a group of nurses that believe in the profession and the right to have a voice in how the profession of nursing will provide quality patient care.

Although I was elected to the position twice, I actually served the remaining term of Cynthia Bunch, who had to resign due to family reasons, so the actual time was over five years. I have referred to this as my "Miss America" moment as runner up, you really do not intend to serve in that role. I thank Lisa Black for the guidance she provided to me from the beginning of this journey.

The professional opportunities that I have had will always be fond memories for me. Traveling to Washington DC, meeting with the elected officials of our state will always be an experience I will treasure. Sitting in the House of Delegates surrounded by so many nurses that have impacted the profession, Imagene King and Luther Cristman to name a few, so many others that gave to the nursing profession and will be remembered for their contributions that make nursing the profession it is today. Also to meet the future leaders that will keep the future of nursing positive as our country undergoes changes in healthcare delivery, making sure nursing is always in the forefront of those changes.

The challenges that most organizations are facing, low membership, and involvement by only a few individuals truly affected the organization; the financial challenges became evident and the future was looking dim. Closing the doors was one of the choices to work through. The board was forced to make some critical decisions about the future of NNA. We had recently celebrated 75 years as a nursing organization in Nevada. Having looked at the achievements of NNA over the last 75 years and looking at the future of nursing the board found it unacceptable to let the legacy end based on these challenges. So we toughened up and joined together to forge into the future of nursing in Nevada. I would like to acknowledge this group of nurses, as it truly was an effort of many. Karen Fontaine, Nora Conn, Tracy Singh, Martha Drohobyczer, Mary Bondmass, Pat vanBetten, Nancy Menzel, Betty Razor, Kathy Ryan, Diana Long, Cora Stockman, Janet Bryant, District 1, District 3 and so many others that have dedicated time and effort to keep NNA a viable nursing organization. It is the commitment, dedication and tireless effort of this group that has made NNA an organization that is respected for their efforts to provide quality health care for the people of Nevada.

We will continue to face challenges, I believe that the elected officers of this organization have a vision of the future for nursing and are dedicated to serving that effort. I would encourage other nurses to become involved and to realize the rewards of making a difference.

Pamela Johnson RN, BSN

Past President 2003-2008

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