The American Nurses Association welcomed Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, RN, as its new president Jan. 1.
Dr. Mensik Kennedy will continue work on issues such as racism in nursing, the health and well-being of nurses, full practice authority for advanced practice registered nurses and nurse staffing, according to a news release from the ANA.
"The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges to the nursing profession, with workforce issues making national headlines despite decades of existence," Dr. Mensik Kennedy said in the release. "I am committed to maintaining this visibility and more importantly, the momentum made to call for real solutions that address safe staffing concerns, workplace violence and burnout to ensure nurses receive the support they so desperately deserve. I will also ensure that ANA's work with the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing and journey of racial reconciliation continues."