I wonder how many of us actually stick to those all so demanding New Year resolutions that are a vital part to the start of the year. I know I would be very slim if I had! It is not always about what we can give up but what we can take on, or what changes we can make to our lifestyles in order to better ourselves.

Having read Jessica’s editorial for this issue, I felt uplifted and enthusiastic all over again. I remember the first time I became involved with BARNA as a committee member. Filled with intrepidation I went along to my first meeting. I had lots of questions; what should I wear? Who will I meet? Will they like me? Can I be of any use and what have I let myself in for?

Well, all of those were unnecessary. What I have learned is how rewarding it can be to be part of an organisation such as BARNA. I have had the opportunity to meet some of the most interesting people and have passed through open doors that I did not even know existed.

I have met PACU nurses in America and Nurse Anaesthetists in Europe, shared many experiences, compared our educational issues and learnt that we all have many of the same problems to overcome. These range from Governmental issues, local policies, nurse training, the age of the majority of nurses in this speciality, to simple issues like getting the patient back to the ward!

I realised that I had become quite insulated within my own department and was unaware of the different practices and attitudes of other operating departments. I have met some amazing people who have influenced my whole outlook on many issues that I was probably quite ignorant about. I have had my eyes opened and appreciate what an exciting and worthwhile role I am in, and most of all learnt about so many new issues and the effect they have on our patients.

I owe so much to becoming involved in BARNA. I could have continued with my selective blinkers on but I am so glad they are off! What I am trying to say here is that until you take a challenge, or step outside your comfort zone, you do not always know how rewarding something can be until you have tried it. Take a chance and be involved, come to the BARNA Conference in Greenwich on Friday 5th June 2009. You will find a friendly bunch who would be delighted to enlighten you on how you can become part of the BARNA committee. I can guarantee you won’t regret it!