Members of the Individual Membership Division,

I am deeply honored and grateful for your continued trust in me to serve as your Chair of the Individual Membership Division of the American Nurses Association. Over the past two years, I have truly enjoyed the opportunity to represent your interests and advocate for our profession. I have addressed the concerns and aspirations of our members at Leadership Summit and Membership Assembly where we made significant strides in enhancing professional development opportunities, advocating for policy changes, and strengthening our nursing community.

As I reflect on the accomplishments of the nursing profession, it is essential to acknowledge the current state of healthcare in the United States. Nurses play a crucial role in this ever-evolving landscape. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted our resilience and adaptability, showcasing our ability to provide exceptional care under unprecedented circumstances. Additionally, the ongoing nursing shortage underscores the urgent need for more robust support and investment in our profession. Furthermore, nurses continue to be at the forefront of patient advocacy, ensuring that healthcare remains patient-centered and equitable for all.

The Individual Member Division was launched almost twenty years ago at American Nurses Association’s House of Delegates, now called Membership Assembly. The division exists to support participation in the governance of the IMD and ANA, as well as the programmatic work of ANA. Now more than ever we are needed to fulfill the mission of ANA, which is to “lead the profession to shape the future of nursing and health care.”

I am excited about the future and look forward to continuing the work of the IMD and the American Nurses Association. Your dedication and commitment to our profession inspire me every day. Thank you once again for your support and confidence. Together, we will continue to advance the nursing profession and improve healthcare for all.

In service,

Emily Stauffer Rocha, MBA, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CHCQM

Chair, Individual Member Division