"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 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.

I have had numerous mentors in my life that led me to choose nursing as a career, one being my Great Aunt. As a young girl I loved hearing her stories and visiting her at the small hospital where she worked. I, like most of us that go into this profession, wanted to serve others and give back to our community. Nursing is a well respected profession and I am proud to be a part of that.

I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I have 3 daughters, one is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, the second is currently in nursing school and the third is only 12, so I still have time to convince her to be a nurse. I also love to travel with my husband. I like to watch most sports, and I especially love Horn Frog Football!!!

It is important that we are all involved in our professional organizations at the local, state and national level as this gives us that voice to not only promote our practice within the healthcare community but to also educate others about what we do as professional nurses. With the upcoming changes in healthcare; it is important that nurses are involved. We are the strongest patient advocates and that will ultimately improve patient care and outcomes.

I initially went to college to become a physician. I was advised by some of my friends to work as a Nurse's Aide to see how I dealt with patients first. I followed their advice and soon learned that patients' lives are profoundly touched by the nurse. I fell in love with the nurse's role as advocate. I was called to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves. When I am not in my nurse role, I enjoy movies, martial arts, and shooting pool.

As Nurses advocate for patients, they may often find themselves in a position that requires thems to have an advocate. As the Winkler County case illustrated, the Texas Nurses Association is the advocate of Texas' nurses. If we are to be respected as a profession, we must drive our own practice and this organization has the infrastructure to help us influence policy and legislation regarding our practice.

My younger brother had severe asthma as a child and was frequently hospitalized. After seeing how amazing the nurses on the pediatric floor were with my brother, I knew there wasn't anything else I would rather do with my life. Nursing is a profession that can bring true fulfillment to your life. When I'm not working, my time is spent studying, as I am currently enrolled in a doctoral program.

As a professional organization, TNA empowers nurses to be involved in their communities and with government affairs. Being a member of TNA allows me to have my voice heard, and know that I can help make a difference for nurses and patients, not just in my own community, but throughout the state.

I became interested in nursing as a career while working as a unit secretary at Arlington Memorial Hospital 30 years ago. Nursing affords me the opportunity to provide service to others and make a difference in the health of patients, families, and communities. By obtaining an advanced nursing degree, I will be able to give back to nursing as a nursing educator for the satisfaction derived as a clinical nurse. Besides school and work, I am involved in several volunteer and scholarship organizations. Don't tell anyone, but I am also an avid Sci-Fi fan!

TNA affords nurses to be connected with one another and keep current on matters that affect the profession. Volunteering at the local level allows me the opportunity to know and advocate for nurses in the community.

I probably chose nursing as a career based on two aunts who are nurses. Somehow their jobs excited me – caring for people in a total way, not just physically. I have been a nurse for over 30 years and have relished the chance to care for, teach, and advocate for many persons to improve their lives. For most of my life, I have been a nurse educator, professional group member, academician, and researcher. In each of these roles, my history as a nurse has given me talents to positively contribute to the well-being of many and learn along the way the value of working with others to improve the local and larger world.

Since my BSN, I have been actively involved in professional nursing at various levels. As a member of the Board of Directors of TNA and various local and state TNA committees over the past 20 so years, I know the significance of TNA to improving practice and supporting high quality consumer health care. My engagement with TNA keeps me engaged with nursing issues so I can educate others about the status of health care in the state. I also, through my involvement with TNA, realize how fortunate we are in Texas to have such a strong professional association, one fueled by the active involvement and commitment of its members, including me.

I am a nurse because nursing is a great profession that offers us the chance to make a difference in someone's life every day. I love being a nurse because I am able to help others and use my knowledge, skills and abilities to influence the lives of patients and other nurses. When I was at the bedside I loved the challenge of using my critical thinking skills to determine what was going on with my patients. As an administrator I am dedicated to promoting quality and safe patient care through the creation of an environment of excellence for nursing. Outside of my work I enjoy gardening, cooking and jogging.

I joined TNA because TNA serves as the Voice for Texas Nurses. TNA is diligent about monitoring the legislature and other decision-making bodies so that our needs are represented and addressed. I am very interested in our local chapter as I have served as a director before and know what an important role our District and TNA plays in the professional live of nurses in the state of Texas. I am very interested in representing local nurses in our work to serve the nursing community as well as a voice at the state level. I have seen firsthand the effectiveness of this professional organization and I believe strongly in the work that is done

I chose nursing because of the patient/people contact. I love the teaching that goes with patient care and watching the patients as they get better. My hobbies are working in my garden, going shopping with my friends, reading and watching old movies.

I joined TNA because I have an active interest in the future of nursing and the profession. Maintaining our professionalism in every way possible is important to our profession. The direction of nursing and our future is critical and I want to be involved in any way I possibly can.

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.