Christopher E. Otto, MSN, RN, CCRN[/caption]As a product of multiple, concurrent internal and external challenges and opportunities, the Delaware Nurses Association (DNA), like the profession, finds itself in a continuous state of evolution. When I celebrated my three-year anniversary as Executive Director of this 112-year-old association and looked back upon those three years, I was even astonished by the amount of change we had undergone. This is what makes us strong, relevant, and impactful, a focus on continual evolution and advancement. For, as Mark Twain stated, “To stand still is to fall behind.”

Publisher of The DNA Reporter

By now, you’ve already noticed a brand-new look and feel of The DNA Reporter. If you are an active member, we hope you are enjoying your continued members-only benefit of reading this in print. Even though printing and distribution prices rise, we are committed (and have a supporting publisher) to ensuring members receive the distinct benefit of mailed DNA Reporters. If you are reading digitally, you are also noting the new look and location of The DNA Reporter. DNA couldn’t be happier with the transition to our new publisher and the timing of launch in early 2024. This was a necessary evolution so we could continue bringing DNA members, and all Delaware nurses and partners, access to the latest work, news, and information on Delaware nursing and healthcare. The DNA Reporter started in the 1950s and remains the only publication for nurses in Delaware. We are confident that it is in good hands with our new publisher, HealthCom Media.

There are many ways to engage with and support The DNA Reporter. We invite you to:

• Share your DNA Reporter with a colleague after reading. Either pass on the paper copy or forward a link to the digital version.
• Activate your membership in DNA so you can start getting your mailed versions! www.denurses.org/membership
• Encourage your colleagues and nursing friends to sign up for FREE digital distribution at myamericannurse.com/state-nurse-journal.
• Advertise in The DNA Reporter! Are you a business or organization looking to reach and support Delaware’s nurses. This is your place to do it! Contact sales@healthcommedia.com for more information.
• Consider writing for The DNA Reporter! DNA accepts unsolicited manuscripts for consideration. We also will work with you to develop articles, mentor you as a future Guest Editor, and more. Advance your career with The DNA Reporter! contactus@denurses.org

Updated Mission & Vision, New Values

In lieu of the continual state of evolution DNA finds itself in. Over the Summer of 2023, the board worked to update our bylaws including the mission and vision statements, adopting and defining values, and updating our functions. These were then taken to the membership assembly in Fall 2023 for review and approval. DNA is proud to present the future of our association.
Further, our values are defined as below.

• Innovation: Enhance the value of nursing and healthcare.
• Advocacy: A strong, collaborative voice to advance the profession.
• Belonging: Intentional inclusivity.
• Excellence: Uphold professional integrity.

The future of this work is by far the most important part. It’s not enough to define and share our mission, vision, and values. DNA does it because these words become our commitment to you. We must live and embody them in all work. We exist to strengthen the profession. We envision and work towards a future of healthcare defined by innovations in nursing. We value and embrace innovation, advocacy, belonging, and excellence. We have to do it and we have to do it together. Whether following our social media, subscribed to emails, partnering in programs, or maintaining full membership, let’s do this together!

Focus on Innovation

As you’ve seen above, DNA is committed to fostering and nurturing innovation amongst Delaware nurses. We embrace it and believe that every Delaware nurse is already innovating and innovative. Our mission is to ensure you believe it and help advance it. In addition to the structural updates focused on innovation, we’ve also embedded stories of innovation in The DNA Reporter via our “Focus on First State Nursing Innovation” column, brought in speakers on the topic, updated our website with resources, participated in a national innovation incubator, and laid the foundation for a strong innovation framework. We have a special interest group focusing on innovation. They meet on the second Wednesday of every month from 4:00-5:30 PM virtually. They are helping to evolve education, awareness, connections, and an overall culture of nursing innovation. We hope you’ll join us! Email contactdna@denurses.org to request information OR simply go to our website events page and sign up!

Structural Enhancements

To further enhance engagement, outputs, and connection, DNA launched an enhanced structure of committees and special interest groups. These are for members and future members to congregate, collaborate, define, and develop the future of DNA and nursing across Delaware. Some are public and available to sign up on our website and some are limited access. If you are interested, don’t hesitate to reach out to DNA and inquire how you can support! Email us at contactdna@denurses.org for more information.

• Professional Development Committee (meets 3rd Wednesday from 1630-1730)
• Responsible for the development of relevant, impactful continuing education activities.
• Joint Committee on Recognition (meets 2nd Thursday from 1630-1730) in partnership with the Delaware Organization for Nursing Leadership
• Responsible for statewide nurse recognition programs including DAISY, Top Nurses, and more.
• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee (meets 3rd Thursday from 1600-1730)
• Responsible for generating, implementing, and evaluating DNA’s equity advancement goals.
• APRN Practice Owners – Special Interest Group (meets 3rd Monday from 1900-2000) in partnership with Delaware Coalition of Nurse Practitioners
• An informal networking, collaboration, and problem-solving group of APRNs that own their own medical/nursing/health practices in Delaware.
• Innovation – Special Interest Group (meets 2nd Wednesday from 1600-1730)
• An informal networking, collaboration, and problem-solving group of nurses dedicated to advancing the spirit and skill of innovation.
• Environmental Health – Special Interest Group (meets 4th Wednesday from 1630-1730)
• An informal networking, collaboration, and problem-solving group of nurses dedicated to advancing environmental health and justice and mitigating the affects of climate change.