Embracing a personal change

I have often focused on the concept of change in my end-of-the-year editorials. The end of this year, however, symbolizes a personal change for me as I retire from editor-in-chief of The Nurse Practitioner journal. I have had the privilege and honor to serve in this role for over 20 years; my personal and professional growth has been palpable. As I reflect on the journey, I am thankful to the many individuals who worked beside me to produce an exceptional journal every month that fulfilled our mission to “meet the needs of NPs and other advanced practice nurses and clinicians by providing practical, cutting-edge clinical and professional information.” Dr. Linda Pearson, former editor-in-chief, in a September guest editorial, provided an overview of the rich history of the journal, from the initial vision to its realization; we can only appreciate the courage and risks exhibited by early NPs during challenging times. Throughout 2025, the editorial team has highlighted our celebration of the journal's 50th year of publication, a remarkable accomplishment. I am thankful to all the NP leaders who lent their voices to the special “50 Years, 50 Voices” series on topics integral to the NP role, and particularly with heartfelt gratitude to the hard-working members of the Editorial Advisory Board. Our achievements today have been dependent on the help of many and go beyond the basics of writing and publishing. WRITING Writing a regular editorial provided a place where I was free to express me without fear of censorship, reprisal, or removal. Even today, freedom of speech and freedom of the press were never in question. Over the years I selected topics that addressed difficult and sensitive subjects, which sometimes required at least a slight baring of my soul without trespassing on the personal ethos of others. Deciding what to write about was always my biggest hurdle, but once I decided, the track was clear and the words would follow. The team worked their magic, and an editorial was complete. Every editor in writing has a message to communicate. Although a lot of the content in the journal is factual and clinical, I resort to words from my muse Maya Angelou, “The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.” Readers have told me that they felt they came to know me as a person more through my writing than my conversations. This type of comment was affirming and encouraged me to continue to reveal myself, realizing that once in a while, my voice was heard in the heart. My heart is little saddened about my departure but gladdened to consider what the future holds for the journal. THE FUTURE The Nurse Practitioner still offers monthly print as well as online issues, a rarity today. Our authors represent the best of clinicians, educators, and researchers. Content is curated for wide appeal to all APRNs and other related health care professionals, including international colleagues. I acknowledge the help and continued support from the International Board Members in promoting the journal in their professional circles. The editorial team is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, evidenced by the depth of the content in every article and the risks we have sometimes taken in publishing a controversial topic. Maintaining excellence and advancing the standing of the journal was not possible without the full support of my publisher. I am confident The Nurse Practitioner will continue to be a vital resource for NPs and others as it moves into 2026. And me, “Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else.”—Fred Rogers Happy New Year to all! Jamesetta A. Newland, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, DPNAP, FAAN Editor-in-Chief [email protected]