Maryanne Locklin
Maryanne Locklin
- PhD, RNCredentials: PhD, RN
Place of Employment: Aurora University
Which Nursing Organizations are you currently a member of: American Association of the History of Nursing
Board(s) currently serving on: Rush-Copley Medical Center
Tell us about your journey to the boardroom. What inspired you to seek a leadership position?
When I retired from the University in 2006 I was asked to serve on the hospital Board of Directors. From 2006 until 2017 I continued to teach part-time in the School of Nursing while serving on the Board. I realized almost immediately that my knowledge of healthcare allowed me to ask thoughtful questions and present information that confirmed to others that nurses understand the healthcare system, from direct patient care to economics as well as the impact that the political system plays in healthcare.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
I work to maintain my understanding of Quality and Safety initiatives. I clarify the quality and safety indicators being monitored for the Board members who appreciate that I have the ability to present complex data in a clear voice. The other board members (lawyers and business professionals appreciate that I can give a report that is understandable to the non-medical person. I serve on the Ethics Committee of the hospital as a Board representative, however, I have so much more to give to the committee because I taught Healthcare ethics for over 11 years at the graduate level. Following my PhD in nursing, I obtained a certificate in Healthcare ethics. I established myself as a someone with credentials and expert knowledge in the field of ethical decision making. I read anything, and everything related to healthcare to prepare for a board meeting.
What impact have you had serving on a board? Example?
I chair the quarterly quality and safety committee meetings composed of physicians and nurses who are involved in the day-to-day work of maintaining the integrity of the quality and safety initiatives and the data that is involved in this work. I ask questions and I challenge everyone when I feel the need to express why numbers are not improving or are they aware of the latest research in an area of interest. The physicians like my style which is a combination of “light-hearted” but deeply knowledgeable of the subject under discussion. I know I’ve gained their respect.
What advice would you give someone going into a board leadership position for the first time?
Do your homework. Being a board member cannot be taken lightly. Just showing up is not enough. Know the business of that institution. Challenge any decisions that come up for discussion within an ethical framework. Use your nursing analytic problem-solving abilities to contribute to the discussion. Never stop learning.
What are a few resources you would recommend to someone looking to gain insight into becoming a better leader and eventually obtaining a board position?
I read anything I can get my hands on. I love history, I learn from medical and nursing history how the system works and have worked (or not). Read books written by business leaders. A well-read person is a confident person.
Why do you feel it is important for nurses to serve on boards?
We are tireless workers, we are detectives, we have the analytic skills, and we question the status quo.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to nurses serving on boards?
We simply don’t recognize our own strengths. I was not offered the board position because I’m just a nurse. I am a highly educated nurse, who can make a contribution to the institution.
Boards: Rush-Copley Medical CenterContinue Reading
The Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC) represents national nursing and other organizations working to build healthier communities in America by increasing nurses’ presence on corporate, health-related, and other boards, panels, and commissions.