There were truly glorious moments, such as the Honorary Awards Ceremony with its array of honorees, who have made remarkable contributions to the nursing profession. Then there was the acceptance speech of Undine Sams, RN, a gentle but direct delegate from Florida. Alicia's leadership in building bridges between nursing organizations brings a regenerative, healing quality to our profession. The Candidates Forum, moderated by Tom Stenvig, PhD, RN, CNAA, and Peggy Mussehl, MN, RNC, was incredibly well done as nurse candidates brought their creativity and charisma to their one-minute presentations. With Peggy's special humorous touch and Tom's stoic professionalism, the candidates and audience were more relaxed and in harmony than could be expected at a competitive event for ANA leadership positions.
Nurses can compete, acknowledge our competition and still remain in harmony with one another.
The theme of unity resonated throughout the convention. Unity means acknowledging our differences and finding ways to work together in the presence of those differences. The diverse educational sessions, including those provided by specialty nursing organizations, reflected the universal value of lifelong learning that is an integral part of every professional nurse. With a multiple array of exhibitors updating our knowledge base about their products in relationship to our various practice areas, we exemplified diversity and its relationship to unity. The plenary address of Leah Curtin, ScDcHON, MS, MA, RN, FAAN, encouraged nursing to rise above our differences and, yet, with our differences, move toward unity.