How do you want to be remembered when you are no longer here?

February 2, 2021

There comes a point in life when we ask what else is there? What is the purpose of being ‘here’? Or we think to ourselves “there must be more to life than going to school, getting a good job, becoming an entrepreneur, finding love, having a family, paying bills, getting in and out debt, traveling the world, and having a few vacations here and there.

And you are correct. There is more to life than these things.

Although the aforementioned can be honorable and worthy goals, the greatest sense of satisfaction, fulfillment, and content comes from serving. More specifically, from knowing that investing your time, long suits, and passion in service to others improves their lives in part or as a whole. Passing along your wisdom in itself brings a great sense of humble gratitude because you understand that it is because of grace that you have the ability to give something- anything- to others.
 
As you ponder upon these words, consider the opportunity to serve as a member of the GNA 2021- 2023 Board of Directors. 

“What can I do as a member of the GNA BOD?” You may wonder. Well, as a Board Member, you can

• Finally present your innovative ideas for placing us (nurses) in the decision making, change-making roles that we should have already been, and strategically connect with people that will help you place us in those roles for good.
• Be an effective advocate for your colleagues at the bedside, the classroom, the boardroom, the operating room, the nursing home, the ICU, on the road (travel nurses), the university; and experience fulfillment from knowing that you are using your influence, long suits, and knowledge to benefit others who need it.
• Help your colleagues find each other, be supportive to one another, sharpen each other, and collaborate to improve outcomes and cause change.
• Be a mentor to a member of the next generation of nurses.  

And as you give, you will

• Gain experience as a leader.
• Grow your list of meaningful and strategic connections.
• Learn from other nurse leaders and change-makers in other industries.
• Get a place where your skills, long suits, expertise, and passions can be put to good ethical use for the benefit of your fellow nurses, your patients, your students, and people in your community.  

When the years pass, and you look back, what would you want people to remember you by? What would you like to be able to say proudly? Take this invitation and also share it with someone who would like to hear about it. How far you go in your role is completely up to how much you want to do and give in service. The opportunities are limitless.
 
We hope you’ll allow us, our fellow nurses and the patients of Georgia to experience the blessings from your knowledge, long suits, and passions as a member of the GNA 2021- 2023 Board of Directors. Submit your Nominations Form today! Click here to access the GNA Bylaws, descriptions of the roles of the GNA Board of Directors, and more details about the nominations process. The deadline is February 15th. 

You may contact me if you'd like to learn more about serving in the board of directors or if you have any other questions at president@georgianurses.org.  

In service to you,
Richard Lamphier, RN
GNA President