May 2025
From the Desk of the President:
Having been in this seat for just a month, much has happened. Let me begin by first acknowledging the death of our Pontiff, Pope Francis. We unite our condolences with that of our fellow Catholics around the world. May he rest in peace.
Secondly, I want to acknowledge the work completed by our immediate Past President, Dr. Patricia Sayers. She did a phenomenal job in leading NACN-USA over her term of office and preparing me to step into this role. Her next great adventure, Chair of the Schools and Agencies Committee.
Our Annual Conference is coming up July 11-13, 2025 at Madonna University in Liv0nia, Michigan. This is an opportunity to communicate with other members and be a part of one of the best in-person member engagement opportunities. We have some wonderful keynote speakers including Christine Niles, Bishop Coffey, Deacon Kosla, and Sister Anne Victory. Check out the details on our website: www.nacn-usa.org/conference.
Work on implementing our Strategic Plan continues with a focus on Communication, Membership, and Member Engagement. Communication is ramping up through our quarterly newsletter and through regular Region meetings. Membership is increasing through our newly established relationships with some of the Catholic Schools of Nursing. We are beginning to bring nursing students into membership. They are the future of NACN-USA. Member engagement is significantly increasing due to member engagement activities such as Watch Parties and Book Clubs.
Dr. Anne Reeser, our Treasurer and Representative to the Vatican and the United Nations, recently attended a meeting in the Vatican and presented before the United Nations. Thanks, Anne for representing us and CICIAMS so brilliantly.
What is on the horizon?
- Review of the ANA Code of Ethics by the Ethics Committee with comments forthcoming.
- Development of a reporting process for Committee Chairs.
- Pilot project to explore the implementation of State Representatives.
- Continued development of school and agency-based councils.
- Additional committee project work.
Blessings,
Bonnie Blachly MN, BSN, RN
