As we begin a new year, January often invites reflection. Many of us think about New Year's resolutions—personal commitments to do better, grow stronger, or focus more intentionally on what matters most. At the Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA), while we don't make resolutions in the traditional sense, we remain firmly committed to something even more meaningful: our strategic plan, which continues to guide our work, priorities, and advocacy on behalf of nurses across Louisiana.
Looking back on the past year, I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together under each pillar of our strategic framework.
Under the Health Policy and Advocacy pillar, LSNA amplified nurses' voices at every level. We hosted Nurses Day at the Capitol and Health Advocacy Day, ensuring nurses were present and engaged in policy discussions that directly affect our profession and the patients we serve. Our delegation participated in ANA Hill Day, bringing Louisiana's nursing perspective to the national stage. We also developed and released two position papers—one addressing Artificial Intelligence in Nursing and another focused on Nurse Well-Being—both timely and critical issues shaping the future of healthcare.
Our work in Leadership reflected LSNA's commitment to strengthening nursing influence and representation. Through the Nurses on Boards Committee, members thoughtfully reviewed applications for key nursing leadership roles, including appointments to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and the Louisiana Board of Examiners for Nursing Facility Administrators. Additionally, a delegation of LSNA leaders attended the ANA Membership Assembly, ensuring Louisiana nurses had a voice in national conversations and decisions.
In the area of Membership, LSNA showed up—literally and figuratively. We were present across districts during Nurses Week celebrations, Nursing Excellence Awards, and pinning ceremonies, honoring both the legacy and the future of our profession. We also proudly hosted the 40 Under 40 event, celebrating rising nurse leaders who represent innovation, excellence, and the promise of what lies ahead.
Our commitment to Practice Excellence and Workforce Development remained strong. LSNA developed new continuing education programs, began building a Speakers Bureau, and completed the Nursing Workforce Effectiveness Initiative, providing critical insights to inform workforce planning. We also worked closely with the Louisiana Organization of Nurse Leaders (LONL) to develop coordinated strategies to better support nurses transitioning into practice.
Finally, under Operational Excellence, we focused on strengthening the foundation of our organization. This included developing action plans to review policies and procedures, establishing a new Finance Committee, naming an Inclusiveness Committee Chair, and beginning the important work of identifying next steps toward an internal financial audit. These efforts are essential to ensuring LSNA remains strong, transparent, and sustainable.
As we look ahead, our strategic plan will continue to guide our next steps into 2026. In collaboration with our Interim Executive Director, we will focus on building an even stronger foundation for LSNA—one that supports, engages, and advocates for nurses at every stage of their careers.
As we move forward into this new year, I invite you to continue supporting the work of LSNA and to help us recruit new members. Our strength has always been rooted in our collective voice, our shared purpose, and our commitment to one another. I encourage you to get involved—consider joining one of our committees, or even think about running for a Board of Directors position at the district or state level. Your participation, whether through committee work or leadership roles, helps shape the future of nursing in Louisiana and ensures our profession remains vibrant and influential. We are stronger together—and the work ahead is important.
With gratitude and optimism,
Lesley Tilley, DNP, RN, NE-BC
President, Louisiana State Nurses Association
New Orleans District Nurses Association, District VII 
