Lilia Pino
Lilia Pino
Credentials: PhD, FNP-C, BSN
Place of Employment: CVS Health – MinuteClinic
Which Nursing Organizations are you currently a member of: NAHN, NAPNAP, AANP, FNA, SIGMA
Board(s) currently serving on: Chair of the Council of Business Advisors (CoBA) with the National Association of Hispanic Nurses
Tell us about your journey to the boardroom. What inspired you to seek a leadership position?
It’s a privilege to be employed by one of the most innovative health care companies, which recognizes the quality care delivered every day by Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. I’ve been with MinuteClinic for the past 12 years and there has always been encouragement to stretch and grow, personally and professionally. My leadership journey started over 10 years ago when I became a or clinical lead for MinuteClinic. In 2016, when the opportunity to join the Council of Business Advisors (CoBA) for the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) was presented, I jumped at the opportunity. Having a father who is from Cuba, I know that traditionally Hispanics have a strong collective connection. As a member of NAHN since nursing school, I have gained an even greater sense of pride to be able to give back to the Hispanic community while simultaneously representing my organization, MinuteClinic, and more broadly, CVS Health.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
At MinuteClinic and CVS Health we foster continued learning and have access to a wealth of knowledgeable leaders who are willing to mentor and guide those open to new opportunities. That expanded exponentially with CVS Health’s acquisition of Aetna, as well as MinuteClinic’s affiliations with other health care systems. I’ve actively sought out mentors in areas where I could benefit or where my curiosity to learn more has been sparked. I also serve as a mentor and having mentees allows me to learn and grow as well, especially when it comes to adapting to different learning styles.
What impact have you had serving on a board? Example?
– I’ve impacted NAHN in representing CVS Health as we have a partnership that allows bidirectional communication and shared resources. My lens is multifaceted in that I am a provider (APRN), a NAHN member, a researcher, and an educator. As a CoBA member it is our shared responsibility to use our collective knowledge and access to resources in a mutually beneficial fashion.
– I’ve impacted CVS Health and MinuteClinic over the past 3 years as a communication conduit between CVS Health & NAHN, developing meaningful relationships with the NAHN Board of Directors, membership, other CoBA representatives and the CVS Health Diversity Team. I’ve also shared my experiences with MinuteClinic providers nationally (over 3000 providers) and encouraged all to become part of a board, as it is a truly rewarding experience.
– My mindset has been impacted. Prior to this opportunity, I had never thought to become part of a board, and honestly was not aware there was a need. Being a member of the CoBA and learning about the NOBC has been an eye-opening and rewarding experience. Serving on a board is a way to actively give back to your community and/or organization and make a difference for those the board serves.
What advice would you give someone going into a board leadership position for the first time?
Go into the opportunity with an open mind and be eager to stretch. Your knowledge is what makes you special and a valuable asset to any board on which you participate.
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?
Self-reflection – have a good idea of your strengths and areas of opportunity. Don’t ever be afraid to look something up, no one has all of the answers. Ask questions, be inquisitive, and do your research. Don’t be afraid to give healthy and respectful push-back.
Why do you feel it is important for nurses to serve on boards?
Nurses have a unique and varying perspective. Our scope is broad – nurses are healers and nurturers, scientists and researchers, educators and learners, and so much more. Part of the beauty of our profession is the flexibility – if there is an aspect of nursing that one dislikes, then we simply need to travel a different avenue. Having different and distinct perspectives and mindsets on a board should be valued and celebrated.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to nurses serving on boards?
Awareness of the opportunities available, limitation (or perceived limitation) of the time commitment (i.e., thinking you don’t have the time), and understanding that, as a nurse, they offer a unique perspective that is valid and valuable in all arenas.
Boards: Council of Business Advisors (CoBA) with the National Association of Hispanic NursesContinue 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.