Deborah Gillum
Deborah Gillum
- PhD, MSN, RN, CNECredentials: PhD, MSN, RN, CNE
Place of Employment: Bethel College
Which Nursing Organizations are you currently a member of: STTI, ANA, Indiana State Nurses Association
Board(s) currently serving on: STTI, Elizabeth A. Mahnken Scholarship Foundation, Elkhart Career Center Advisory Board, Lake Michigan College School of Nursing Advisory Council
Tell us about your journey to the boardroom. What inspired you to seek a leadership position?
My natural inclination is to be a leader, and as jobs need to be done in the community, I step in to fill the role. I believe I fulfill the role as a servant leader.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
I read nursing in leadership books and attend conferences on leadership.
What impact have you had serving on a board? Example?
Provided much needed college scholarships and many have gone on to make a tremendous difference themselves, was previously the President of a local daycare board to provide low cost childcare to needy families and have assisted with many boards that help to provide nursing education—all to help fulfill the healthcare needs of the community.
What advice would you give someone going into a board leadership position for the first time?
Make sure you have enough time to fulfill your commitments. There are few things worse for a board than someone who is on there to build their resume but does not actually contribute.
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?
Leadership conferences are great, although sometimes costly. There are many, many books available.
Why do you feel it is important for nurses to serve on boards?
Our skill sets lend themselves to thinking holistically about a problem.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to nurses serving on boards?
Time, time, time!
Boards: STTI, Elizabeth a. Mahnken Scholarship Foundation, Elkhart Career Center Advisory Board, Lake Michigan College School of Nursing Advisory CoContinue 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.