Dear Duke University School of Nursing Community,

Earlier this year, on January 2, our School celebrated our 95th anniversary. The milestone coincides with a critical time in the profession of nursing. Recent headlines in the popular press chronicle troubling trends in workplace safety for nurses and providers, challenges to the pursuit of advanced nursing degrees due to changes in federal student loan policy, and nurses striking for safe staffing in multiple cities.

At times like these, we honor the privilege of nursing: the opportunity to be invited into some of life’s most challenging, meaningful, and tender moments, when people are at their most vulnerable. We uphold the promise of nursing, that we will be there for these people, provide them with evidence-informed, person-centered care, and work tirelessly on behalf of them and their communities. And we step into the power of nursing—the power to serve in the communities we come from, to educate the healthcare workforce of tomorrow, to advocate, to lead, to innovate, and to create change.

Reflecting on the legacy of Dean Emerita Dr. Mary Champagne, who served the School at another critical time, I am inspired by how she embodied the privilege, promise, and power of nursing. I hope you are likewise inspired to remember Dr. Champagne, as well as to read about how we are advancing health for all people across the lifespan, from neonatal to geriatric care.

We are the largest group of healthcare professionals and the most trusted. While we have always been on the frontlines of change, we have sometimes acted quietly, not seeking attention. This moment demands that we use our voice. We must champion and amplify the stories that show how we serve communities, drive innovation, and transform the future of healthcare. Together, let us step into our power and wield our influence with purpose and dignity. Our patients, our colleagues, and the next generation of nurses are counting on us. When nurses use our power, we change healthcare for everyone.

Sincerely,
Michael V. Relf, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN
Mary T. Champagne Distinguished Professor of Nursing
Dean, Duke University School of Nursing
Associate Chief Nurse Executive for Academic Partnerships and Innovation, Duke University Health System