Nurse 50
🛑 ALL INFORMATION CLICK HERE 👈🏻👈🏻👈🏻
Nurse 50
Interpreting ECGs is complex. Your training shouldn’t be.
Read the results of our latest national nurse work environments study, and see why Healthy Work Environments matter in this critical time.
Be exam-ready: Prepare for success with practice exams featuring hundreds of questions and on-the-go access.
Sign In
Education
Nursing Excellence
Certification
Conferences & Events
Clinical Resources
Store
Cart
Join AACN
Education
Overview
Webinar Series
Online Courses
Continuing Education Activities
Publications
Scholarships
Nursing Excellence
Overview
CSI Academy
Chapters
Excellence Awards
Healthy Work Environments
Volunteers
Beacon Awards
AACN Standards
Your Stories
Certification
Overview
Get Certified
Verify Certification
Renew Certification
Preparation Tools & Handbooks
Advanced Practice
Conferences & Events
Overview
NTI
Events
Dashboard
Certification
Courses/Prep
Transcripts
Collections
Submissions
NTI
Orders
Account
Nursing Excellence
Your Stories
Here's to the Next 50 Years!
Fifty years from now, I see nurses using a strong collective voice to advocate for what is needed to provide the best possible care to patients and their families. It is likely our role will change but remain pivotal in transforming a healthcare system focused on ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
December wraps up a yearlong celebration of triumphs and milestones to commemorate AACN’s 50th anniversary. To conclude, AACN’s current president and two past presidents look at what’s next for nursing, with a nod to our storied past. AACN President Megan Brunson, nurse leader at Medical City Dallas; AACN past president Karen McQuillan, lead clinical nurse specialist at University of Maryland Medical Center; and AACN past president Teri Lynn Kiss, chief quality officer at Foundation Health Partners, discuss the accomplishments of our community of exceptional nurses and the future of critical care nursing.
Where do you envision nursing in the next 10, 20 or 50 years?
Megan: I envision a healthier workforce where nurses not only take excellent care of patients but also take excellent care of themselves through self-care and lifelong learning. I think two roles will be vital for nursing to advocate for in the future — advanced-degree nurses who have a deep understanding of business and finance, and nurse engineers who can support innovation and the creation of medical technology.
Karen: Fifty years from now, I see nurses using a strong collective voice to advocate for what is needed to provide the best possible care to patients and their families. It is likely our role will change but remain pivotal in transforming a healthcare system focused on ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
What challenges are on the horizon for critical care nursing? What do you see as AACN’s role?
Karen: One of the biggest challenges in the next 10 to 20 years is that a lot of nurses are retiring. We really need to keep nurses at the bedside — nurses who want to be there taking care of patients. I think AACN has really taken a great stance of looking at staffing to ensure the appro¬priate nursing resources match the needs of the patients.
We need to be able to very clearly define what the job of a nurse is. We need to make sure others are aware of the role of the nurse and under¬stand what is needed to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients and families. As nurses, it is important to make sure we articulate clearly what resources are necessary to ensure appropriate staffing.
What do you see as the biggest need in nursing right now? Or, if you had a magic wand, how would you change nursing now?
Teri: My fantasy scenario is one where decisions are made only when nursing’s voice is represented in the process. Nurses are essential in the value equation of healthcare quality and need to be part and parcel of decision-making across the continuum.
Megan: There are two major needs I see in nursing today — keeping experienced nurses at the bedside in tandem with protecting scope of practice. I feel that our scope of practice is being chipped away at all levels. Plus, I believe it is possible for nurses with advanced degrees to remain at the bedside. The experience gap is widening with more and more nurses obtaining advanced degrees (which is great), but there is not an avenue in nursing to be able to remain in the clinical environment and support nurses with high-level roles.
What can AACN do to engage new nurses and inspire them to lead and innovate?
Karen: When you provide nurses with a strong knowledge base and you assist them in developing critical thinking skills, they will be respected as clinical leaders by physicians, other disciplines and nursing peers with whom they work. AACN offers many ways to learn and apply clinical knowledge. Also, there’s lots of opportunity within AACN to take on leadership roles, such as with chapters, work groups and ambassador programs. Nurses can take the knowledge gained from AACN programs, publications and leadership development opportuni¬ties to teach and develop their nursing colleagues and to lead efforts to improve patient outcomes.
Megan: AACN has already championed nurses’ commitment to ‘thinking time’ with the CSI Academy teams and voice advocacy. However, a new generation of nurses will insist on this in their personal practice and to advance the profession. AACN must continue elevating our voice for ‘protected time’ for nurses to give back to the profession.
What would you tell a new nurse or nursing student about being an acute or critical care nurse and why they should join AACN?
Teri: The beautiful thing about nursing is the myriad practice environments that are available to you. The beautiful thing about AACN is how the organization transcends geographical pigeonholing and recognizes that acute and critical care occurs across the continuum. Everyone can certainly find something to meet a need.
Karen: Well, I think the decision to practice as a nurse in an acute or critical care field is an awesome choice. You will learn so much about how to care for patients and families. Not just the physiologic piece, but also how to provide compassionate care. I think that those two things are incredibly important as nurses move forward and go into whatever field they may choose. AACN provides the resources for learning about the physiologic aspect of the patient, for being a leader in the healthcare setting, and for being able to appreciate how to provide compassionate care, not just for patients, but also for their families. AACN also really encourages nurses to care for themselves.
Megan: There are a lot of practical reasons to belong to AACN tied to member benefits (publications, CEs, lower conference fees, chapter connections and scholarships). These alone could enhance a nurse’s professional journey, but it is the priceless ‘non-tangibles’ that should draw someone to AACN. It is the vast connections they will make in a large community that lives and breathes a mission of nursing excel¬lence. It’s like having a family of 124,000 other nurses rooting you on and supporting your nursing journey.
How did you first learn of AACN, what were your first impressions of the organization and its work, and what surprised you most about AACN once you became part of it?
Teri: I found my professional home when I started working in the ICU at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital [Alaska]. There was an active AACN chapter that embraced me as a critical care nurse and invited me into the group. The first time I read the mission and values of AACN, I knew AACN was my North Star. The slogan ‘Excellence. Because nothing less is acceptable’ resonates with me to my deepest core.
Megan: I think when I step back and think about how I joined AACN, it tells the story. It was a tap on my shoulder by someone who knew I wanted more in nursing. In every interaction, in every committee or group, email or social media interaction, AACN has a foundation so strongly built on a commitment to its mission. I have turned to AACN for my own leadership development and to connect with likeminded nurses who strive for excellence.
What are your favorite memories of your tenure as AACN president?
Teri: It’s the recognition that creating, sustaining and living in a healthy work environment is absolutely possible as evidenced across all my experiences with AACN.
Karen: My favorite memory is when a young nurse walked up to me and said, “I cannot tell you how much your theme [Courageous Care] inspired me as a nurse. I was ready to just completely throw in the towel. Then I listened to your NTI speech, and I listened to how you spoke about courageous care, and it just really inspired me to want to still be a nurse.”
Browse books, pocket cards, practice tools, certification reviews, products and more
© American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. All rights reserved.
Sign up to receive the latest nursing news and exclusive offers.
Subscribe
License/Degree
CNA
LPN
RN (Diploma)
RN (ADN)
RN (BSN)
MSN
DNP
None
Other
By: Kathleen Gaines
News and Education Editor, MSN, RN, BA, CBC
About Nurse.org
Contact Us
Press
Advertise
Join our network
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Cookie Settings
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Get All The Nursing Information You Need In Your Inbox
License/Degree
CNA
LPN
RN (Diploma)
RN (ADN)
RN (BSN)
MSN
DNP
None
Other
Sign up to receive the latest nursing news and exclusive offers.
Updated by Kathleen Gaines, RN, BSN, MSN, BA, CBC
Check out our ultimate guide to the best gifts for nurses. Get something special for the nurses in your life!
Nurse.org may receive a portion of sales via affiliate links on this page. We strive to write recommendations that genuinely reflect our true opinion of the product or service.
Silicone Wedding Ring - Hospital Approved!
Diamonds can cut through gloves and hospitals have policies that do not allow diamond engagement rings and wedding bands. These rings are the perfect solution and can even be worn while working out! They’re comfortable, durable, and can withstand the constant washing of hands.
Nurses carry a lot of items back and forth between work and home. It will make their life a lot easier to have all the things they need most in an organized, handy bag! This fun, fashionable but durable bag has multiple pockets for everything a nurse might need during a busy shift.
We love this cute lunch tote that comes with a matching tumbler! Perfect gift for your special nurse.
Any nurse would love a new badge clip, lapel pin, or stethoscope ID - especially one with a funny quote, cute design, or one that makes a statement like, "vaccinated!" or "COVID Warrior." We even included a badge reel that doubles as a pen holder - bingo!
Stethoscopes are not cheap and unfortunately, without a name tag, they can be misplaced or accidentally taken. That’s why a stethoscope ID tag is a perfect gift for the nurse in your life. They also add a little style and a fun touch to any scope!
A calming, fun nurse-themed coloring book to relax after a long shift.
Chicken Soup For The Soul: Inspiration For Nurses: 101 Stories Of Appreciation And Wisdom
Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul: Second Dose: More Stories to Honor and Inspire Nurses (Chicken Soup for the Soul)
Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul: 101 Stories to Celebrate, Honor and Inspire the Nursing Profession (Chicken Soup for the Soul)
Coffee before your shift, wine after - am I right? Oh, and lots of water in between! So, how do nurses make iced-coffee? First, they make coffee. Then, get busy and forget about the coffee. End up drinking it cold! That won’t happen with this YETI tumbler. Ever. Yeti is king. This durable stainless steel, the double-walled insulated tumbler will keep drinks hot and cold throughout those long shifts
Cell phones are 10x dirtier than toilet seats! Working in healthcare, nurses are constantly exposed to different types of germs. Help your favorite nurse out by getting them this portable phone sanitizer - equipped with a charger. The UV light sterilizer kills 99.9% of bacteria and germs in just six minutes. It also allows for charging through a universal USB port and acts as an aromatherapy diffuser.
Throughout the hustle of the busy shift at the hospital, nurses crave simplicity at home. The constant beeping of alarms pumps going off, and phones ringing, sometimes need extra help at home. The Amazon Echo and Alexa help simplify things for nurses and their families.
Affordable but practical this gift is a winner for every nurse on your list! The Amazon Alexa is a virtual assistant that you can communicate using your voice, can listen to your favorite songs, make shopping lists, set alarms, check weather and traffic updates, among various things that can be performed using your voice.
Nurses' lives are already busy enough, who wants to spend their day off cleaning? Help lighten your nurse's load with a Roomba iRobot vacuum (for hardwood and carpet.) It's a game-changer!
The average day shift nurse walks 4-5 miles a day. The Fitbit Versa helps keep track of those steps! The Fitbit Versa tracks real-time heart rate and resting heart rate as well as keeps the wearer to stay focused on health insights and trends in fitness. Wearers have access to the weather, text messages via Bluetooth, the ability to track fitness workouts, and even fertility tracking apps.
Fitbit Inspire 2 Health & Fitness Tracker
Black Out Curtains - for Night Shift Nurses
Seriously, these curtains are a game-changer for those who work the night shift. Nothing is better than a pitch-black room in the middle of the day. And, nothing is worse than any peak of light shining through the window. OK, there are worse things - construction and the doorbell rank pretty high, too. While you’re at it, throw in some earplugs!
A gift to hang in their home to always remind them of how loved they are. These top-rated wall hangings featuring quotes for nurses are available on amazon.
This soy-based candle with make your special nurse smile and feel awesome!
This soy-based pack of 6 aromatherapy candles is the perfect gift of relaxation and ambiance for your special nurse.
Coffee STAT! This coffee brewer makes gourmet coffee quick. It comes with a carafe or can be poured directly into a travel mug. This gift is sure to please.
We're all hungry after work. Instant pots make it easy to whip up a delicious meal in record time.
A well-made, dependable stethoscope with excellent acoustics is a must-have for any nurse. With thousands of options to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to a few of the best (and most popular) “scopes.”
Littman has been the trusted brand by healthcare professionals including nurses, doctors, and students since the 1960s. With its wide range of acoustics and options, Littman offers something for every nurse.
The MDF brand stethoscope has excellent ratings overall and its stylish colors and metals have catapulted the popularity of this sought-after stethoscope. Handcrafted since 1971, these stethoscopes offer patented safety lock silicone ear tip adaptor technology, a lifetime parts warranty, and 100% stainless steel construction.
Every nurse needs a carrying case to protect their stethoscope. If they have a Littman stethoscope, this is a great pick!
Nurses stare at computer screens all shift long, exposing their eyes to harmful blue spectrum light. Blue light has been proven to cause headaches, dry eyes, sleep disturbance, and eyestrain. Blue light-blocking glasses are a great addition to any nurse's lifestyle.
Nurses have to remember countless medications, information, and tasks on a daily basis. Sometimes they need a quick reference guide during a challenging situation. These ID badge card sets are perfect for new nurses and seasoned nurses alike. They fit nicely with their badge and can be accessed quickly! Buy the ‘Complete Nurse RN CNA Horizontal Badge Card Set’ on Amazon
American Nurses Association (ANA) Professional Organization Subscription
Joining the American Nurses Association (ANA) and your specific State Nurses Association for professional support and growth that nurses won’t be able to find anywhere else.
ANA is a professional ally to over 4 million registered nurses in the U.S., throughout all different specialtie
Anna Holes
Beautiful Hair Porn
543 Hot Barista In Heels