Shannon Stone
Shannon Stone
- DNP, RN, CCRN-K, SCRN, NEA-BC, CNMLCredentials: DNP, RN, CCRN-K, SCRN, NEA-BC, CNML
Place of Employment: Las Palmas Medical Center
Which Nursing Organizations are you currently a member of: American Nurses Association, American Association of Critical Care Nurses, American Association of Neuroscience Nurses, National Association for Healthcare Quality
Board(s) currently serving on: American Board of Neuroscience Nurses, American Board of Nursing Specialties, Texas Organization of Nurse Executives
Tell us about your journey to the boardroom. What inspired you to seek a leadership position?
I became a nurse in 2012 after having been in restaurant management for over ten years. I felt compelled to make a difference in others’ lives after my uncle suffered a fatal hemorrhagic stroke at a young age. As a neuroscience nurse, I realized the potential of nurses educating the community regarding the effects of strokes and the implication of leading unhealthy lifestyles. When I was serving and educating others about the implication of strokes and the adverse effects they have on our community, I realized the impact I could have at a larger level. I am honored to have been selected to two national boards promoting nurse growth and development. I am humbled by the many wonderful experiences I have had thus far in my relatively short career and am both eager to continue my journey and encourage others to join me as we promote nursing.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
I continually seek new opportunities to grow and develop as a leader. I have several mentors that have been instrumental in my growth. I mentor several individuals myself and encourage them to do the same. I was also able to implement a program at my facility, Executing Visionary Opportunities Leading Valued Enrichment (EVOLVE) that grow nurse leaders in order to create a sustainability and succession plan for new facility leaders. It has shown promising results and we are eager to begin the second cohort of the EVOLVE program.
What impact have you had serving on a board? Example?
My most impressive experience thus far has been serving on the American Board of Neuroscience Nurses. This board specifically promotes certifications within the neuroscience community. Research indicates better patient outcomes are achieved when certified nurses care for the patient. We all have a responsibility of improving the health of those we serve. It also goes without saying that healthcare is a business and better patient outcomes attract patients shopping for facilities thereby positively affecting the bottom line for the organization.
What advice would you give someone going into a board leadership position for the first time?
The best advice I heard was to observe and understand the mission, vision and values of the organization for which you serve. If you find yourself on a board whose mission, vision and values you cannot align with, you are doing a disservice to yourself, the board, and the population the board serves.
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 believe that by attending the Nurses on Boards training that Texas Team has provided is an excellent resource. American Society of Association Executives also hosts a conference about exceptional boards that provides insight on how to serve on a board. Finally, look locally and start small!
Why do you feel it is important for nurses to serve on boards?
Nurses provide a unique perspective. Beginning in nursing school, nurses are taught to look at things more globally than other professions. We look at the whole and how each part functions to complete the whole. This perspective is valuable and applicable to life as we see it within our communities.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to nurses serving on boards?
I believe the lack of awareness is the most significant barrier to nurses serving on boards. Nurses need to support other nurses and promote growth of the profession while they promote the health within communities both locally and nationally.
Boards: American Board of Neuroscience Nurses, American Board of Nursing Specialties, Texas Organization of Nurse ExecutivesContinue 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.