In its 33-year existence, the Triangle Chapter had historically been a stable and successful chapter. However, in recent years, it began a slow demise and was in danger of being dissolved. One small group of leaders, "Powered by Insight," stepped up with a vision of what the chapter could become. It was this vision that would lead the chapter from near "asystole" to become the largest chapter in North Carolina in five months.
Making sense of the almost nonexistent records was an immense task. However, when the smoke cleared, it was determined there were 45 confirmed chapter members. The new president requested help from those who had shown support in the past. For the first time, a new board was formed that also included a new president-elect, a new treasurer-elect and a secretary. Without having any guidance from the previous leadership, they depended on one another as they outlined how to proceed. They defined the roles and responsibilities of each office and drafted guidelines within the Mission, Vision and Values of AACN to aid in future succession planning and implementation.
The president and the new board identified the lack of CE contact hours at previous meetings and the infrequency of meetings as potential partial causes for the decline in chapter membership. As a result, President Robert Beck declared that every monthly meeting would include continuing education and contact hours.
Engaging current members, new members, student nurses and hospital administration has led to more than 200 confirmed members. Volunteers have stepped up to participate in future elections and community service projects in order to meet the chapter president's challenge to "Reclaim Its Priorities" by "Paying It Forward Every Day."
