It is already November—we are fully into fall, planning for the holiday season, and we get to celebrate Medical-Surgical Nurses Week! 

During the week, stay tuned to our social media channels and website to see the activities we have to offer you during the celebration week. If you need them, we have PDF posters you can print and display in your workplace to advertise our specialty and remind others what week it is on our website. 

Throughout the week we will be offering our members many free perks including continuing education, yoga via Zoom, webinars, and contests. In addition to these giveaways, AMSN members will receive 20% off purchases at nurseology.com.

Don’t forget to check out the AMSN Store to update your med-surg nursing wardrobe or purchase a new pen or coffee mug to recognize our specialty. Med-Surg Nurses week is all about celebrating our specialty so send us your stories and photos and use #MSNW22 in your social media posts as you celebrate with your colleagues!

The Pulse is our brand-new online community where you can ask questions of fellow medical-surgical nurses, discuss hot topics in healthcare, and chat directly with one another using the chat function.

You may want to take time out of your celebrating to check out our new AMSN community, The Pulse. The Pulse is our brand-new online community where you can ask questions of fellow medical-surgical nurses, discuss hot topics in healthcare, and chat directly with one another using the chat function. 

You can access it from our website to get started. The Pulse has three forums where you can have discussions related to Advocacy, Clinical Practice, and the Nurses’ Lounge.

In addition to the forums, you can also register for events and search for fellow members to connect with or search the online library for relevant clinical information to advance evidence-based practice. We are continuing to add content to The Pulse, and the great thing is that you also get to add content as you answer one another’s questions and tell us what is happening in your practice areas. 

However, you decide to celebrate our medical-surgical specialty this year, don’t forget to take time for yourself. Find some time this month to do something just for you. I know I have told you this before, but I still need the reminder sometimes so you might as well.

Take time to reflect on the year and remember the good times and the fun or funny things you’ve experienced in the last year. Make a list of fun things you want to accomplish during the next year. It is always good to reflect on what you have accomplished (not what you failed to do), and think about your personal and professional goals for the upcoming year. 

Thank you for everything you do, and do not hesitate to put yourself first this month (or every month!)—you deserve it!