Speaker: Kathy Andresen
Kathy Andresen: Hello. My name is Doctor Kathy Andresen, and I am an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of West Florida I've been a nurse for 36 years and have done a variety of things, predominantly in public health and workforce development. I have raised 4 children. I have 5 grandchildren, and I enjoy a lot of different leisurely activities including, kayaking, biking, camping, and crafts. And I'm super, super excited to be part of the GNSA experience and look forward to meeting many of you there.
What will you be speaking about at the 2026 GNSA Conference?
Kathy Andresen: At the 2026 GNSA conference, I will be facilitating a lunch session that will be predominantly focused on mentoring relationships and it will also explore the concept of a menu of mentors, which means. Not one size mentor fits all and how we can kind of explore different mentors that fit our needs at various times in our careers that will have a greater impact on not only our own career pathway but those that we serve.
What does the conference theme mean to you?
Kathy Andresen: So the first part of it, legacy of care, this is the core of our profession. It truly means to me that I want to create an experience for others in my work that leaves a lasting impression of care, engagement, and improvement of outcomes. The leadership and innovation piece, we are all leaders whether you have a title as a leader or not, especially the graduate level, we have a responsibility to use innovative methods to improve outcomes for those that we serve in whatever setting that may be. And then the future sustainability to me means that we have a tremendous responsibility to ensure we share knowledge, skills, and abilities with those that will carry on in nursing, ensuring that we share not only the successes but provide guidance on how to avoid pitfalls that weaken our overall impact as nurses.
What advice do you have for graduate nursing students as they advance as leaders in the next phase of their nursing career?
Kathy Andresen: I would encourage you to engage in reflection, work harder, not smarter, and encourage lifelong learning by engaging in the shared work of our profession. So when something goes well, reflect, pause, reflect on what led to that outcome, and if it fails miserably, reflect on what could be done differently. If you are working on a project for a class or committee, work smarter, not harder. Can this be used for something else to support other career goals? Use that experience for many things. Continue formal learning by engaging in continued education. Encourage others to be the best version of themselves, also known as mentoring. By doing these things, I have had a very fulfilling career journey, and I hope the same for you.
