Decades ago, as an English literature major in college, I became a fairly serious Shakespeare scholar. I debated the merits of various sonnets, examined the similarities and differences found in his comedies and tragedies, and sometimes questioned whether Will himself had actually written the works attributed to him. This array of knowledge was not always tremendously useful or important in my daily work as a nurse, but now, as I wrap up my editorial life, I am taking a very quick trip back with a quote from Romeo and Juliet, "Good night, Good night. Parting is such sweet sorrow[horizontal ellipsis]" (Hankins, 1969, p. 870).
What you read here is my farewell editorial; this is my final issue as JNN's Editor-in-Chief. Over the course of the past 8 years, I believe JNN has changed and grown in response to our readers' needs for new knowledge and evidence to support their practice, to changes in the healthcare "industry," and to my growing comfort and confidence in my own editorial skills and voice. We have moved to a Web-based, electronic-only manuscript management system. We have an online presence through JNN Online, our iPad app, and social media. We have achieved a respectable impact factor. Our manuscript reviewers and Editorial Board members are strong and have mentored first-time authors both here in the United States and in other parts of the world. Designated articles allow readers to earn free continuing education credits. We have a strategic plan that will carry the Journal forward in ways that will allow it to change and adapt.
I could quote a zillion cliches about saying goodbye. Instead, I am going to rely on the magic and imagination of Disney studios one last time. The Lion King tells us the story of Mufasa and his son Simba. As Simba learned the role of leader of the pride (read Editor), Mufasa taught him about responsibility, integrity, and the elements of a successful group effort. He helped him identify the essential needs of the pride and the skills he would need to manage. Simba learned about planning for the future and about possible changes to come in their world.
DaiWai Olson, a face and name familiar to many of you, will assume the Editor-in-Chief position at the beginning of 2016. He has been my Simba for the past several months-however, unlike events in the film, I am not dying nor do we have an evil Scar lurking in the background. I have returned to my Iowa roots and am back in Hawkeye country with my family. I have moved, literally and figuratively, to a new place in life. My work with JNN has been personally and professionally fulfilling in many, many ways. I have come to know our readers, authors, and reviewers well and will truly miss the day-to-day contact with you, but I am ready to leave. I am closing the circle on my professional life.
My final wishes are that you keep reading and learning from JNN and that you give DaiWai the same support and encouragement you gave me. Remember, in the words of Rafiki:
It's the Circle of Life and it moves us all Through despair and hope, through faith and love Till we find our place on the path unwinding In the Circle, the Circle of Life (Hahn, Minkoff, & Allers, 1994)
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