Volunteering and becoming a leader in a national professional organization can lead to personal and professional growth. Kori Dewing, ARNP, recommends volunteering for ARHP. She has found that volunteering has helped her be a better advocate for her patients by meeting other members who share similar experiences. “It is a rewarding experience and a path that I am pleased to be taking with ARHP,” Dewing says.
The mission of the ARHP cannot be achieved without the time, effort, talent, and experience of its volunteer leadership and committee members. If you want to join the fun, visit www.rheumatology.org to learn about volunteer opportunities. I guarantee you will not regret it.
Linda Ehrlich-Jones, PhD, RN, is past-president of the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals and a clinical research scientist at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Contact her at [email protected].
References
- Kim J, Pai M. Volunteering and trajectories of depression. J Aging Health. 2010;22:84-105.
- Morrow-Howell N, Hong SI, Tang F. Who benefits from volunteering? Variations in perceived benefits. Gerontologist. 2009;49:91-102.
- Musick MA, Herzog AR, House JS. Volunteering and mortality among older adults: Findings from a national sample. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 1999;54:S173-S180.
- McCloughen A, O’Brien L, Jackson D. Esteemed connection: Creating a mentoring relationship for nurse leadership. Nurs Inq. 2009;16:326-336.
- Sims JM. Styles and qualities of effective leaders. Dimens Crit Care Nurs. 2009;28:272-274.