Deborah McCoy
Deborah McCoy
- RN, HCS-D, COS-CCredentials: RN, HCS-D, COS-C
Place of Employment: Professional Home Health Services
Which Nursing Organizations are you currently a member of:
Board(s) currently serving on: HomeCare Association of Louisiana, Community Healthcare Education Network
Tell us about your journey to the boardroom. What inspired you to seek a leadership position?
I was asked to serve on the HomeCare Board and then again for the Education Network.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
Study, listen, and learn.
What impact have you had serving on a board? Example?
The Education network has grown and expended to offer 2x year continuing education for nurses, nursing facility admins, social workers, case managers, PT, OT, SLP, RRT. Pur event over the last 2 years have reached max capacity. Our next event in September will be held at a much larger venue with expected attendance to exceed 400.
What advice would you give someone going into a board leadership position for the first time?
Listen to those who have been service and learn from them first. Then, gently add suggestions for change/growth.
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?
Read ‘The Way of the Shepherd’ by Kevin Leman
Why do you feel it is important for nurses to serve on boards?
Many times, insurance providers, CMS, pharm, and all the other so-called healthcare leaders like to use the phrasing “patient-centered care” but alas fail to include the nurses providing that very scope of care in their algorithms. Nurses spend more actual clock hours at the bedside than any MD. Nurses need to ever remain a true advocate for the patient. Serving on a board provides an avenue to be heard and a part of the decision-making process.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to nurses serving on boards?
Lack of confidence.
Boards: HomeCare Association of Louisiana, Community Healthcare Education NetworkContinue 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.