I had to hold back tears as I gazed at the IFNC13 welcome reception’s audience filled with family nurses who waved their flags as each of their 30 countries was represented. That tender moment was followed by three days of excellent keynote speeches, expert lectures, special sessions, breakout sessions, and opportunities for networking. For me, and I hope for you, it was a feast of learning, sharing, and growing. I returned home invigorated at the prospects for the International Family Nursing Association and ways we, individually and collectively, can practice, learn, and research the art and science of family nursing to transform family health worldwide.
I am deeply grateful to June Horowitz, who served as Conference Committee Co-chair, and each member of the Conference Committee. I appreciate Cristina Garcia-Vivar, Rocío Núñez, and Dean Mercedes Pérez of the University of Navarra, School of Nursing for their warm welcome and help from the local organizing committee. Debbie Zaparoni – what more can I say? She is essential to IFNA. Thank you all for your dedicated efforts in making IFNC13 successful.
As I begin my service as President of IFNA, I assure you that the IFNA Board of Directors and committees will work toward reaching the goals in the recently revised strategic plan. On behalf of the Board of Directors, please know how grateful we are for all you do for IFNA and for families worldwide. We welcome your feedback, suggestions, and involvement on committees. Our hope is that new members as well as those more established in IFNA will find their professional home and family with IFNA. We are stronger together.
Jane Lassetter, PhD, RN, College of Nursing, Brigham Young University
