Nurses Appreciation Week just wrapped up but here on Guam, the celebration of nurses continues. On Sunday, the Guam Nurses Association hosted its 2025 Conference and Leadership Forum at the Hyatt Regency Guam. Under the theme "Power of Nurses" the event brought together healthcare professionals to focus on leadership, advocacy, and advancing excellence in nursing.

The highlight was keynote speaker , Dr. Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association who traveled to Guam to share her message.

"The nurses here on Guam, there is a nursing shortage and how can we help and support education a the university, and community college level, and really help fight for Medicaid. Making sure that the patients here - the people of Guam get the care that they need. Being here and hearing the stories, are so important, so I can take them back to Washington, DC with me," she said.

In addition to Dr. Kennedy, local leaders like Shion Shironishi, Rose Grino, and Dr. Kevin Hitosis spoke on the importance of self-worth, evidence-based practice, and the impact nurses have on every level of care.  The forum also offered five continuing education contact hours for participants—another step in advancing nursing excellence on island.