Rachelle Woods, MSN, RN, ACRN (she/her)
STI/HIV Public Health Detailer, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Years as an ANAC member: 2
Mile High/Denver Chapter member
What does Certification Day mean to you?
Certification Day means reflecting upon the reasons we chose to pursue initial certification…and celebrating every one of those reasons! This month, I celebrate the profession of nursing and a nurses’ dedication to continued professional development. I celebrate the message certification sends to those I interact with along my journey; I am competent and dedicated to your health and well-being. I celebrate the opportunity to offer encouragement, support and mentorship to those considering taking this step in their own professional development. I celebrate being a part of the ANAC community and how, as an organization, we are powerful in ending the HIV epidemic.
What does ANAC mean to you?
While pursuing my MSN, the Mile High Chapter supported my professional growth through conversation, resources and learning opportunities. It was wonderful having the support of the ANAC community to lean on during this time! The desire to help others succeed through shared experiences and knowledge was palpable! Today, I take these shared experiences and apply them in bettering the lives of the people of Colorado in the fight against HIV. To me, ANAC means “a community of like-minded, passionate professionals lifting one another through shared experiences and expertise for the betterment of ourselves, our organization and the communities we interact with.”
What’s your favorite aspect of ANAC membership?
ANAC’s dedication to professional development. ANAC consistently offers a mix of opportunities for ongoing professional development and support. As a clinical educator, this is something I value in a professional nursing organization. If you haven’t been to
ANAC’s annual conference, I highly recommend it!
What words of wisdom might you pass on to those entering the field?
Be the curious sponge. Learn from others. Seek opportunities for growth. We owe this to ourselves and those who look to us for timely, unbiased, evidence-based support and guidance.
