FigureThe activities we choose and the people we meet along life's journey sometimes bring interesting connections and opportunities in Nursing. This Nurses Month issue celebrates the many ways that nurses can use their knowledge, expertise, and special talents to forge new and often unique career paths. Consider the article Mark Goldstein wrote that starts on page 34 about being a nurse on ski patrol in Colorado. He combines his passion for skiing and his expertise in emergency nursing to provide advanced life support in a mountain rescue environment. Similarly, on page 40, Linda Thomas shared how she integrated her longstanding holistic nursing practice into her work in critical care and beyond. Both Mark's and Linda's special interests directly influenced their nursing practice, resulting in roles that offer great personal and professional satisfaction and impact. Shon'tiana Butcher also wrote about her passion to become a forensic nurse examiner in the emergency department. She recognized the value of this role in helping vulnerable populations. She overcame her initial fear of public speaking, which made court testimony intimidating, through dedicated preparation, practice, and experience. My take-home advice for readers is that sometimes getting to where you want to be can be scary; do not let fear become the arbiter of your future and stand as a barrier to personal fulfillment. We each own our nursing journey. Nursing practice is influenced by all the elements we bring to it, including our individual backgrounds, outside hobbies, and favorite pastimes. Being drawn to a particular sport, for example, might become the connection that sparks a constructive conversation with a challenging patient who shares the same interest. A love of the outdoors could lead to a short- or long-term position as a camp nurse or even as a member of an expedition medical team. Deciding to write or speak about a special interest area can open opportunities to publish and present at conferences—activities that help nurses become recognized experts. Whatever we pursue, both within and beyond Nursing, shapes our personal and professional identity. Each aspect of who we are as individuals also links to various networks of people who comprise our friends, colleagues, and associates. These networks are invaluable because they can aid us in finding mentors, developing expertise, and learning about unique opportunities, and offer the camaraderie of belonging. May this Nurses Month inspire you to embrace what excites you, step beyond fear, and shape a nursing journey that is uniquely your own. Until next time, LINDA LASKOWSKI-JONES, MS, APRN, ACNS-BC, CEN, NEA-BC, FAWM, FAEN, FAAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, NURSING2026
Linda Laskowski-Jones (Mon,) studied this question.