Pam Thompson, MS, RN, CENP, FAAN

It is my privilege to interview a great nurse leader, Pam Thompson, about her plans in the next phase of her life after retiring as American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) chief executive officer (CEO)/American Hospital Association (AHA) chief nursing officer (CNO). She plans to keep life simple and reflect on how she might best add value to the nursing profession. She assured me she was not looking for another full-time job. She loves her work with young leaders, teaching, and her international work. “I want to better understand how I might contribute to this work,” Pam says. Although writing may be an unknown exploration for her, she has a lot to say and will begin journaling her insights. She is only going to do the things she loves to do but not at the same pace. Bob, Pam's husband, tells her she cannot go from “hair-on-fire” (90 mph) to stop. Pam said she has been practicing. Pam has a love for endangered species and plans to raise bees in her retirement. Other simple pleasures she plans to indulge include volunteering, learning Spanish, and remodeling her kitchen (she and Bob love to cook). I know you will enjoy hearing about her and hearing from her journey as she answers my interview questions.