2015 MD Nurses Association Annual Convention

2015 Maryland Nurses Association
Greetings from the President
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Welcome to the Maryland Nurses Association’s 112th Annual Convention, which is returning to the
Conference Center at the Maritime Institute in Linthicum Heights this year. With the Convention
Theme – Nurses: Leading, Advocating, Caring and Educating – Nurses: The Critical Pieces -
the MNA Convention Planning Committee, under the extraordinary leadership of Jo Fava Hochuli,
has assembled an exciting, relevant, and engaging agenda of presentations and posters. I highly
encourage you to take advantage of the many professional development opportunities here at the
Convention, as well as the opportunities to become more actively involved in the important work of
the Maryland Nurses Association!
As I have shared in recent President Messages in The Maryland Nurse, MNA continues to grow, not
only in numbers, but in importance in shaping healthcare policy, delivery and education in Maryland.
We continue to have great impact and influence, and at this convention, you will have the opportunity
to expand your knowledge and competency in advocacy, leadership, practice issues, and education.
You will have the opportunity to hear from today’s leaders about some of the major innovations and
advances that are being made in healthcare.
One of my personal favorite aspects of the annual MNA convention is the opportunity to network with
the MNA members, nursing leaders, colleagues and students in attendance from across our state.
Please take advantage of these opportunities! I particularly encourage you to participate in one of
the lunch hour networking opportunities on Thursday: lunch with colleagues or one of the “Round
Table Discussions.” There are also opportunities to talk with the MNA Leadership, as well as to learn
more about the MNA Strategic Plan. We need all of your collective voices to influence the future of
healthcare and most importantly the nursing profession!
On behalf of the MNA Board of Directors, thank you for your participation at this year’s convention.
Please join me in acknowledging the excellent work by the MNA Convention Planning Committee,
and the many contributions of our MNA Staff – Ed Suddath (Chief Staff Officer), Susan Prentice
(Continuing Education Coordinator and Administrative Assistant), and Marie Ciarpella (Bookkeeper).
Through your participation at this year’s Convention, you will have the opportunity to “put the pieces
together” that will expand your practice, advocacy, and leadership to influence the health and safety
of those we serve in our roles as Registered Nurses!
Sincerely,
Janice J. Hoffman, RN, PhD, ANEF
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