A Letter from IONL President, Cathy Smithson I am a SCUBA diver as travel time and weather permits. I have questioned my own intelligence when I think about getting in a small boat on such a vast sea with a group of strangers but this is the process required for the adventure.  When on a "dive trip” you quickly develop camaraderie with the individuals assigned to your boat.  You may or may not know the other divers when you start the trip, however some universal practices occur: divers assist each other; divers look out for each other; and divers share experiences.  If there is an equipment issue, boat engine failure, sudden storm, or diver emergency, the other divers immediately respond and develop the team to assist whatever the issue may be.  This is the same for nurses who achieve licensure and choose a career in nursing.  Getting on the boat offers experiences and opportunities worth the risks. I have just finished the first day of orientation for AONE Chapters Leaders and Affiliates.  It has been a day of discussing the work and direction of nursing across the nation.  We spent the day reviewing legislative activities, the AONE strategic plan, issues pertinent to nurses and current hot topics for healthcare.  As I talked with nurse leaders from Maine to California we focused on the practice of nurses, strategized how to improve the delivery of healthcare, reviewed tactics to achieve the Future of Nursing recommendations and provided encouragement to each other to persevere in the day to day struggles and successes of our careers.  Many of us started the day knowing few of the attendees but our commitment and passion for nursing created the synergy to accomplish the work.  We all climbed in the boat of nursing and became a unified group, enthusiastically supporting professional nursing practice.   The same situation exists in Illinois with the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders.  You may attend a meeting as a single member, but you will become part of a unified group for nursing leadership AND there is plenty of room on the boat for novices and experts! The coming year will  offer educational meetings with nationally recognized nursing experts, networking to our members, monthly continuing education programs, regional meetings, and resources to new nurse managers.  Our Illinois boat will navigate healthcare reform, nursing practice, staffing, education issues, and carry the most valued member for patient care, NURSES. Please join me and the entire IONL Board for an exciting year.  Let IONL assist and support you in your nursing career.  The adventures await and the experiences are only available by signing up and climbing on the boat.    Cathy A. Smithson MS, RN President Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders