The Membership Assembly was a powerful synergistic gathering of advocacy, collaboration, and inspiration. Throughout the week, TNA leaders engaged in thoughtful dialogue, developed resolutions, and worked collectively through what I call the "social ADPIE" of professional nursing—assessing issues, diagnosing challenges, planning solutions, implementing action, and evaluating outcomes through collaboration and shared leadership.

One of the Assembly's highlights was a panel moderated by ANA President Dr. Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, who brought together former ANA presidents to reflect on their leadership journeys and the evolution of the profession. Among them was Dr. Karen Daley, whose leadership following a needlestick injury was instrumental in the passage of the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act. Their experiences served as both a testament to nursing's influence and an inspiration for the next generation of nurse leaders.

Hill Day and the Membership Assembly reaffirm that advocacy is not an optional part of professional nursing—it is a professional responsibility. Every conversation with a legislator, every resolution debated, every vote cast, and every story shared helps shape policies that strengthen the nursing workforce, improve patient outcomes, and advance the health of our nation.

TNA extends its sincere appreciation to every member who dedicated their time, expertise, and passion to representing Texas in Washington, D.C. Their leadership reflects nursing's enduring commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and service. Special recognition is extended to Dr. Serena Bumpus, Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Nurses Association, on her selection as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. This well-deserved honor recognizes her exceptional leadership and far-reaching contributions to nursing and healthcare.

As healthcare continues to evolve, so must the nursing profession's influence. Whether speaking for one patient at the bedside or for millions through public policy, the nursing voice remains one of our greatest strengths. When nurses join together, lead, advocate, and engage, we don't simply respond to change—we help create it. From the bedside to Capitol Hill—and beyond—that is the voice of Texas nursing. TN

This year marked my 7th ANA Membership Assembly experience! While every Assembly is memorable, this year’s meeting felt particularly significant because we witnessed history in the making.

One of the most meaningful moments was the Assembly’s vote to welcome Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) as members of the American Nurses Association. As I sat in that room, I couldn’t help but think back to the work we began in Texas just two years ago. At the Texas Nurses Association, we intentionally decided to create a more inclusive professional home for LVNs. Today, we are proud to have nearly 200 LVN members, and we established a permanent seat for an LVN on our Board of Directors to ensure their voices are represented in our leadership and decision-making. Watching ANA take this important step at the national level reinforced what we’ve experienced in Texas—that our profession is strongest when every nurse has a seat at the table. Inclusivity isn’t simply about expanding membership; it’s about recognizing the value, perspective, and contributions that every nurse brings to advancing patient care and strengthening our profession.

One of my favorite parts of serving as TNA President has been bringing first-time Texas delegates to Membership Assembly. Membership Assembly is difficult to describe until you’ve experienced it firsthand. There is something incredibly powerful about walking into a room filled with hundreds of nurses from every corner of the United States—all bringing unique perspectives but united by a common purpose. Watching our first-time delegates experience that excitement is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. You can almost see the moment when they realize that their voice matters and that they truly have the ability to influence nursing policy at the national level. Those experiences stay with people long after the meeting ends, often inspiring them to become even more engaged in advocacy, leadership, and service to the profession.

I was also incredibly proud to see two Texas nurses, Nelson Tuazon and Pressanna Parackal, step forward to run for national office. Putting your name on the ballot requires courage. It means being willing to serve, to be vulnerable, and to put yourself in front of your colleagues knowing that the outcome is never guaranteed. Whether you win or lose, simply raising your hand demonstrates leadership and a commitment to advancing our profession. Every campaign builds experience, expands relationships, and strengthens future leaders. I hope their example inspires even more Texas nurses to pursue opportunities for national leadership in the years ahead. Our profession needs diverse voices, fresh perspectives, and leaders who are willing to step forward. Sometimes the most important thing we can do is simply be willing to try.

As I reflect on another incredible Membership Assembly, I am reminded that meaningful change doesn’t happen by accident—it happens because nurses choose to engage, speak up, and lead. It is an honor to represent Texas in these conversations, and I continue to leave Membership Assembly more optimistic than ever about the future of nursing.

— Amy McCarthy DNP, RNC-MNN, NE-BC, CENP

Energy, Purpose, and an Unforgettable Vote

Attending the ANA Membership Assembly for the first time was an experience unlike any other in my professional journey. The energy in the room was electric from the moment delegates gathered: a blend of anticipation, responsibility, and shared purpose that could only come from hundreds of nurse leaders united in shaping the future of our profession. The work was meaningful, intense, and, in the best way, exhausting. It was the kind of tired that comes from doing something that matters.

One moment, in particular, will stay with me forever: the vote to approve membership for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). As the amendment passed, the room erupted in overwhelming, heartfelt excitement. Delegates cheered, hugged, and celebrated a historic step toward a more inclusive and representative ANA. The joy was palpable, a collective recognition that our profession is strongest when every nurse’s voice is valued.

Being part of that moment left me energized, inspired, and deeply proud. The Assembly reminded me that advocacy is not confined to Washington, D.C. or national meetings; it is something we carry home with us. I left feeling renewed and ready to continue the work in Texas, bringing the momentum, ideas, and hope from the Assembly back to the nurses and communities we serve.

— Serena Tobar, MSN, NPD-BC

Voting for ALL Nurses – As a first-time delegate to the ANA Membership Assembly in 2026, I felt overwhelmed with honor and a sense of purpose for the profession. The preparation meetings introduced important topics that I would get to exercise my voting rights and represent the trust of Texas nurses, and gave the group a centering purpose and drive to achieve change.

I felt invigorated and ready to tackle the big issues, because we as nurses deserve it, our profession deserves it, and those in our care deserve it. I witnessed nurses from all over the country get up, speak with great passion and emotion, and represent the voices of their home states. It was an experience that is unforgettable, and it started a new fire in me!

— Gina Alvarez, DNP, MBA, RN, MEDSURG-BC

Traveling to Washington DC to represent Texas nurses was a full-circle moment for me. As a first-generation college graduate whose education was fully funded by federal loans and partially repaid by Title VIII funds, it was particularly meaningful to me to speak on behalf of students like myself who depend on governmental funding to be able to attend nursing school. Nursing represents the largest group of healthcare professionals, and when we put our voices together we can make change happen. Join Texas Nurses Association, join committees and boards in your local area or hospital system, or get involved locally in your regional government. We need more nurses sitting at the tables where decisions are made. We are stronger together!

— Halli Carr, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, CNE

My nursing journey began as a CNA, then an LPN, before becoming an RN and eventually serving in executive leadership. At every stage, one lesson has remained constant: every role in nursing matters. That belief was affirmed during the ANA Membership Assembly, where I had the honor of representing Texas as a voting delegate. One of the Assembly's most significant moments was the vote to welcome LPNs and LVNs into ANA membership, an important step toward recognizing the full spectrum of nursing contributions. Our profession is strongest when we value the unique contributions of every nurse and recognize that exceptional patient care is never the work of one individual; it is the result of collaboration.

Another lesson we must never forget is that leadership is not defined by a title. Every nurse can influence culture, improve patient outcomes, and advocate for change, whether at the bedside, in the boardroom, or on Capitol Hill. The future of nursing depends on honoring where we came from while remaining committed to creating opportunities for those who come after us.

The ANA Membership Assembly reminded me that meaningful change happens when nurses show up. Every resolution debated, every vote cast, and every conversation contributes to the future of nursing. We cannot simply inherit the profession; we have a responsibility to strengthen it for those who will follow.

Advancing the nursing profession begins with engagement. Nurses must move beyond believing someone else will advocate on our behalf and instead become active participants in shaping healthcare. That means joining professional organizations, serving on committees, mentoring emerging nurses, participating in policy discussions, writing to legislators, sharing your stories, and using our collective voice to influence decisions that affect our patients and our profession. Advocacy is not reserved for a select few; it is part of what it means to be a professional nurse. My participation in the Membership Assembly has strengthened this belief.

— Veronica Ceaser, MSN MBA, LNHA, RN, GERO-BC, CMGT-BC, NE-BC

The 2026 American Nurses Association Hill Day offered me the opportunity to share the experience with my 16-year-old daughter, who aspires to become a nurse. I was so proud to be part of a profession that eagerly welcomed her into the fold, encouraged her by offering advice on schooling opportunities, and embraced her by asking her questions while listening intently. Although our delegations were composed of nurses, we may not have known yet, while on the Hill that day, we worked in tandem to deliver a unified message to our congressional representatives, just like working together on a busy clinical unit; we understood the mission and our roles in carrying it out. For a young mind, witnessing the cohesiveness of nurses doing important advocacy work beyond the bedside made an indelible impression, one that will live in her mind every time she thinks of a nurse.

In the next few days, I was privileged to be in the room where it happened. The landmark decision made by the ANA Membership Assembly (MA) was to welcome Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) into the ANA. Celebrating the 130th anniversary of the ANA, I can’t imagine a more fitting gift to nursing, including ALL nurses. One thing that struck me in the lead-up to the vote was a comment from a seasoned nurse and attendee of the MA, who stated that this issue had been on the table for 20 years. Nurses, we are going to have to move faster on future decisions; the world will not wait for us. Tradition guides us, but the unity of all nurses and decisive action propel us into the next phases of healthcare delivery and the creation of workable solutions for nursing. I have never felt more strongly about my participation in professional nursing organizations such as the Texas Nurses Association and the ANA, and I am forever changed by these experiences. Haven’t considered engaging yet? Now is the time. Start by showing up at your local meetings, joining a committee, or writing a story; if I can do it, anyone can.

Here’s to the future and the power of nurses!

— Lori Forbus, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CENP

This was my second trip to the Membership Assembly and ANA Hill Day, and it did not disappoint. As nurses, our journey does not always include an understanding of the importance of participating in and advocating for our profession. The power of nurses is always the defining theme for me at these conferences. It is the first thing you see and feel. The energy in the room reflects the tremendous potential we have to create meaningful and impactful change. I currently work for a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), and I can say that everything TNA and ANA were advocating for mirrored what community health centers are asking for. We share aligned goals that span across different healthcare settings. FQHCs cannot survive without support from programs such as Title V and other tuition reimbursement initiatives. These centers often struggle to provide services because they are located in underserved areas where there are not enough physicians practicing. As a result, there is a growing need for greater practice independence for nurse practitioners.

My lasting impression from this experience is realizing how powerful we are when we come together as a profession. Understanding our influence and impact is something all nurses need to embrace. We matter. We are a driving force in healthcare, and our voices have the power to shape policy, improve access to care, and create positive change in the communities we serve. The power of nurses is real, and we should never underestimate it.

— Daniel Cabrera DNP, MBA, RN