I worked in healthcare organizations in multiple roles for 14 years before I became a nurse. I had such respect and was in such awe of the nurses I worked with before I became I nurse. We often say, "I'll decide what I want to be when I grow up." It took me a while to grow up but I have never spent a moment of doubt since the first day I signed RN behind my name. While my career fulfills me in many ways, I also enjoy golf, cooking and trips to seminars with nurse friends. I participated and held office in my Student Nursing Organization while I was in school. It took a critical illness to make me realize there is no one more qualified to make decisions about nursing practice than nurses. I joined TNA as an avenue to positively impact all nurses and I proudly hold office to serve the nursing community in District 3.

Nursing seems to have chosen me. I have a relative who is a nurse, and when I talked to her and heard how much she loved it I realized that I would probably enjoy it as well. I was right! Being a nurse is a part of me, now. I can't imagine doing anything else. There are so many different opportunities and avenues you can take. The possibilities are endless! There is no reason to ever leave nursing. When I am not at work, I spend time with my family. I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful boys.

I am amazed at all that the Texas Nurses Association has done for nurses in Texas. TNA's relationship with our state's legislators is very impressive. They have forged solid connections in order to develop and enhance protections for nurses and patients. I feel secure knowing that TNA is advocating on my behalf. I am proud to be a part of TNA, and to feel that I am doing my part on behalf of nurses in Texas.

I selected nursing as my career when I was a junior in high school because I believe that nursing is a very valuable, lifelong profession. The highlight of my "calling" was my time served as an appointed member of the Texas Board of Nursing representing RN practice from 2001-2007. My current position is exceptionally satisfying; this quote is very applicable: "To love what you do you do and feel that it matters-how could anything be more fun?" ~ Katherine Graham

Hobbies: Painting (in acrylics), decorating, traveling, cooking, entertaining friends and family in my home, and participating in all that FW has to offer.

I joined TNA D4 about 10 years ago after I had been a longtime member of AORN (Association of PeriOperative Nurses). I wanted to become more active in a professional organization that promoted and supported my profession. In addition, one of my colleagues inspired me-Elaine Ekmark, who is an advanced practice nurse at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. She had long been active in TNA. When I moved to Fort Worth, I moved my membership to this chapter.

Since I was 7 years old I have loved the idea of helping my fellow man in their time of need. I am especially passionate about helping children and their families as they are suffering physically, emotionally and spiritually during a time of illness, injury, and death. In addition, I love giving back to the profession of nursing by mentoring new nurses in achieving their dreams about nursing as well as supporting veteran nurses by helping them reinvent themselves in Nursing with advanced education and/or certification. I like to read, sew and cook. I teach Grief Share classes at my church for those grieving the loss of loved ones.

The Dean of my school of nursing said on my first day that no one could be responsible for my license as a nurse except me which made me want to know what all that responsibility entailed. I got involved in the Student Nurses Association which has translated into involvement in TNA. It is a collective voice for every nurse to be heard and make known the power and passion of this awesome profession in order to ensure a better future for our patients and their families.

I chose a career in nursing a little later in life because I was working at a job that made me long for more-more interaction with patients, more autonomy, and more opportunities to make a difference in the lives of other people. For ten years nursing has given me the greatest satisfaction that any career could provide to me and the most opportunities to grow and develop into the leader that I want to become. I cannot imagine doing anything nobler, more rewarding, or more enlightening.

In my spare time I love to read, garden, exercise and spend time with my family and my white Labrador retriever, Sutton.

I joined TNA nearly ten years ago because of a nursing school professor. She reminded me that the only way to be truly involved in the nursing profession in Texas was to be involved in TNA at the district level. I have been honored to serve as a Rookie of the Year, on the Board as a Director for two terms, as a House of Delegate member for four years, and finally in a four year term that encompassed President-Elect, President for two years, and finally as Past-President. It has been a wonderful journey! I am also involved with TNA at the State Level serving on the Practice Committee and as the Nominating Chair for the State.

"I enjoy the science, technology and patient care of the intensive care environment. I am now involved in teaching the next generation of nurses. When I am not in the office or classroom, I am in the research lab or writing. Time permitting, I like to travel, read, fish and scuba dive."

I was introduced to TNSA and the TNA by my colleagues at TCU and decided to become more involved in the organizations. TNA is your collective voice for the nursing profession.

I have always been interested in the medical field. I started working in a hospital as a nurse's aid and immediately knew I wanted to be a nurse. Even though I was only able to initially go to vocational nursing school, I was determined that I would one day be a registered nurse. With the support of family and friends, I was able to begin an associate's degree program and continued until I received my doctoral degree. I am committed to the profession, serving as a resource and catalyst to students and nurses challenging them to continue carrying the torch onward.

My inherent need to know and learn everything I can about nursing, along with colleague's involvement in TNA attracted me to become a member. I do not believe we can be silent bystanders and watch others make decisions about our profession. We must be involved and be active in decision-making and let our voices be heard.

My earliest recollections of what I wanted to be when I grew up, was to be a nurse. In my senior year of undergraduate I had an internship at John Peter Smith in Oncology. I knew I found my niche working with acutely ill children. I felt I had a gift of compassion and empathy to care for these children as well as their families. I have had a passion for my career since I started my education and still do to this day. After graduate school I had the honor and privilege to work as an educator and a sense of fulfillment teaching our nurses for the future. I loved teaching students Pediatric nursing at Cook Children's Medical Center. I continue to contribute to this population of patients by serving on The Bridewell Foundation Board of Directors at Dallas Children's Medical Center. Our purpose is to provide a camp experience for children who have cancer at Camp Esperanza which means (HOPE). I love gardening and providing a habitat for butterflies and birds. I enjoy theatre and the arts. I am trying to keep current in technology which is a challenge. I love the interaction that I enjoy with my five grand children. We love to travel abroad as well as in this wonderful and beautiful country. I have discovered cruising and love that as well.

The importance of TNA: You might say Texas Nurses Association District #3 was in my curriculum in my undergraduate studies. I was fortunate to have nursing professors at TCU HCN who required the students to attend TNA meetings They role modeled the message they taught by serving as officers, on committees, and attending membership meetings. I joined TNA when I graduated and have been an active member by serving on committees, holding offices of Director, Vice President, and at present I serve as Director of Public Relations through the media. I also enjoy the opportunity of representing our district at the House of Delegates in Austin.

I remain a member and involved in TNA to keep informed about the information on issues that effect the nursing profession. I believe information is power and nurses should have their voices heard on the district, state and national level. Nurses have the responsibility to be the agents of change that will affect our careers and ultimately the outcomes of Health Care for patients, their families, communities and ultimately our country. I believe our involvement can make a difference.