Credentials: PhD, RN, CS, FNP, CNE
Place of Employment: Bethel University
Which Nursing Organizations are you currently a member of: ANA/TNA, Sigma Theta Tau, AACN, NLN
Board(s) currently serving on: McKenzie Regional Hospital Board of Trustees
Tell us about your journey to the boardroom. What inspired you to seek a leadership position?
I was contacted by the Chairman of the Board and asked to serve based on my healthcare expertise.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
Completing a PhD and researching leadership literature for writing purposes.
What impact have you had serving on a board? Example?
Quality reports were given to the Board members at the meeting so there was no time to study the data and formulate relevant questions. I refused to vote to approve the data unless the information was forwarded to the Board members a week before the meeting for adequate review. This policy was adopted offering the Board members a chance to have better oversight. Thus, I have been able to question some findings with changes implemented to improve care as a result.
What advice would you give someone going into a board leadership position for the first time?
Study the organization, seek external information as well as internal information, expect adequate data to be provided for informed decisions and do not participate if this request is denied, talk with other board members about their perceptions, prepare for meetings, and ask delving questions.
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?
Any resources that would support learning about leadership and service on boards.
Why do you feel it is important for nurses to serve on boards?
We should be at the table. We have the broadest view of healthcare as well as the best view of the patient experience. This knowledge should be used to inform decisions about healthcare.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to nurses serving on boards?
Lack of understanding of the nursing profession. I believe that most individuals still do not understand what I stated above in regard to why it is important that nurses serve on boards.
