By Jane W. Ball, DrPH, MPH, RN
Dear Alumni,
It is amazing to think that Patricia “Trish” Davidson has officially been with the school only since 2013, her impact has been so monumental. But we have gotten used to—and maybe even spoiled by—such impact from our deans and faculty leaders. So as we bid Dean Davidson farewell, we should count our blessings and be ready to support the incoming fifth dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. Our deans have been a big reason for the school’s No. 1 ranking. But we as alumni are no less crucial to the present and the future of our alma mater. I think I speak for all of us when I say we excited and eager to meet the next great leader of Johns Hopkins Nursing. Stay tuned.
Just a year ago, the World Health Organization declared 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, and right on the heels of that special recognition of nurses, the COVID pandemic was declared. And that pandemic revealed to everyone who did not already know it that nurses really are very special health professionals.
Changes in hospitals to manage the number of highly infectious patients with critical illness was challenging for nurses and the entire health care system. Nurses faced stresses from work demands, personal fears of bringing the virus home to family members, children being home-schooled, and in some cases actual COVID-19 infection. Nurses have survived! It is important to celebrate being a nurse and all of your work during the pandemic. Nurses Week (May 6-12) should have special significance this year, so please accept the accolades that come your way and toast your survival of a unique year. #WeGotThis.
The alumni association continued its student mentoring program this year, and expanded the mentorship program to students in the DNP Advanced Practice and DNP Executive programs. The mentorship program, hosted through OneHop, matched 25 students and alumni together. We are excited to learn about these experiences and have communications and check-ins planned for the pairs throughout the spring. Other opportunities for alumni to serve as mentors exist through OneHop. Consider signing up and being available for interactions with students at onehop.jhu.edu.
Usually at this time of year, Alumni Weekend planning is in full swing. Discussions about when to safely plan an in-person event are occurring. Alumni Weekend will occur this fall, but it is highly likely that a virtual format will be chosen once again. Please stay tuned for information about Alumni Weekend, and how our 50-year reunion alumni will be recognized.