Credentials: PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC/AC
Place of Employment: Children’s Hospital Colorado
Which Nursing Organizations are you currently a member of: NAPNAP (National and Colorado Chapter), STTI, Society of Pediatric Nurses, ANA, AANP, Colorado Nurses Association, Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Faculties, NONPF
Board(s) currently serving on: The Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners
Tell us about your journey to the boardroom. What inspired you to seek a leadership position?
Your movement got me started. I spent 6 years on the NAPNAP Executive Board and many years on my local NAPNAP board. While on the Exec Board this program started. I have also been on my local chapter for STTI.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
I am working on CNE certification, I belong to groups to work my way up, I am currently on the Education Committee of SPN, and I have applied to NCSBN for a board or examiner position.
What impact have you had serving on a board? Example?
As president of NAPNAP local chapter, we focused on getting prescriptive authority and succeeded and we were the NAPNAP Chapter of the Year that year. During the two years that I was membership chair, we arranged to increase our chapter by two schools. This was a very large job and took a committee of committed folks to make it happen. We did an amazing job!
What advice would you give someone going into a board leadership position for the first time?
Just do it. You never know exactly what the role is and will never know unless you try. I wanted to be on a pediatric board at the State level, but the Governor assigned me to the State Board of Psychologist Examiners. I have learned so much and met some great colleagues along the way.
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?
Look at organizations you belong to and see what the needs are. I started on the Nominations Committee before being elected to NAPNAP Executive Board. It is easier to get involved if it is something you are passionate about.
Why do you feel it is important for nurses to serve on boards?
We are creating our future. If we do not like what we see, only we can change it.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to nurses serving on boards?
Generational differences.
Time is always a factor. Unfortunately, people assume that it is a lot of work to be on a board, however, there are others to help you along the way. There are people just like you who want to move up or on and want to groom their successors.
