Board Update
Taryn Edwards, MSN APRN NNP-BC
NANN President
Did you know that April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month? Volunteering within your nursing association is one of the most rewarding experiences. It offers numerous professional and personal benefits to not only yourself but also to your association. NANN offers its members diverse opportunities to contribute, connect, and grow within our neonatal nursing community. We engage approximately 120 volunteers across various programs, micro-volunteering opportunities, liaison positions, and leadership roles. This robust participation of volunteers underscores our members’ commitment to strengthening the neonatal nursing profession through active involvement in their association's activities. Let’s take a closer look at what it means to volunteer and how members can get involved.
Professional Growth and Development
Engaging in volunteer roles allows nurses to expand their skill sets beyond clinical practice. NANN offers positions on various committees, such as the Annual Conference, Health Policy and Advocacy, Research, Education Strategic Coordinating, Membership, and ONE NANN. Participation in these groups enhances leadership abilities, project management skills, and a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in advancing neonatal nursing practice. For instance, the Health Policy and Advocacy Committee focuses on identifying and reviewing legislation, creating content for the From the Hill to the NICU newsletter, and raising awareness on issues pertinent to the profession, patient care and decreasing neonatal morbidity and mortality.
Networking and Community Building
Volunteering fosters connections with peers across the country who share similar passions and challenges. An example of this is NANN’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs), which provide forums for members to interact and share experiences. These groups allow for the exchange of best practices, discussion of emerging trends, and collaboration on projects that can influence neonatal care standards. Current SIGs include Advanced Practice, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Discharge Transitioning, Education, Management, NNP Faculty, Research, Staff Nurse, and Surgical Neonate. Members can volunteer to be a SIG facilitator, which helps stimulate and facilitate discussions within the group.
Advocacy and Influence
Active participation in a professional association empowers nurses to contribute to the advancement of their field. By volunteering for roles on the NANN Board of Directors or NANN-AP Council, members can influence the association's direction and priorities. In addition to the board and council, members can also impact neonatal nursing science and practice by serving on the Advances in Neonatal Care Editorial Board or reviewing manuscripts. Our journal is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and continues to be cited as NANN’s top member benefit.
Getting Started with NANN
NANN has streamlined the process of becoming a volunteer through our Volunteer Network. By opting in, members receive notifications about new opportunities that match their interests and qualifications. The association offers roles with varying time commitments, accommodating both those seeking short-term tasks and those interested in long-term leadership positions. Utilize the infographic below to help you determine the time commitment for each opportunity. Please log in to the new myNANN website to learn more about how to volunteer, current volunteer opportunities, and to fill out your volunteer profile!
Volunteering within NANN, your professional nursing association, enriches not only yourself as an individual nurse but also the broader neonatal community. When you volunteer, you cultivate professional growth, foster meaningful connections, and amplify advocacy efforts, which provides a sense of fulfillment that comes from contributing to the advancement of neonatal nursing. Contributing your time and expertise to initiatives that improve neonatal care outcomes is deeply rewarding. If you are looking to make a difference, NANN offers a supportive platform to engage, lead, and inspire.
From all of us on the Board of Directors and the NANN staff, we are deeply grateful to all our volunteers, past and present, who have dedicated their time to advancing the profession and our association. Happy National Volunteer Month!
