Karen Garvey
Karen Garvey
- BSN,MPA/HCA, DFASHRM, CPHRM, CPPSCredentials: BSN, MPA/HCA, DFASHRM, CPHRM, CPPS
Place of Employment: Parkland Health and Hospital System
Which Nursing Organizations are you currently a member of: None, but I belong to others for patient safety and healthcare risk management
Board(s) currently serving on: American Society of Healthcare Risk Managers (ASHRM)
Tell us about your journey to the boardroom. What inspired you to seek a leadership position?
I had a great leader/boss whom I aspired to be like in my professional career. I took time to shadow executive leaders to determine which direction to navigate my career. I’ve had several leaders (nurses, physicians, operational leaders) along the way that have assisted in my leadership growth and supporting me. These folks, my drive, and the support of all of my subordinates that have allowed me to learn from them are why I am in the position today.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
I continue to teach and mentor which keeps me current in the ever-changing healthcare landscape. I also attend conferences on leadership and read a lot on leadership to further develop my skills. I have enlisted a coach to assist me with my growth as well.
What impact have you had serving on a board? Example?
My tenure is very young (6 months) but the impact locally has been beneficial to my team and local community.
What advice would you give someone going into a board leadership position for the first time?
Being a first-time board member and newly into the role; keeping an open mind, learning from others, and working collaboratively towards common goals while supporting the mission of the organization.
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 books, Harvard Business Review articles, find a strong mentor, and let a leader know of your aspirations.
Why do you feel it is important for nurses to serve on boards?
Nurses have such influence with the diversity of their work. I’m an example as I’m a nurse but am not working as a leader is a traditional nursing role.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to nurses serving on boards?
Time, energy, and lack of support by the organization where they’re employed. It may also be the conceived lack of alignment by nurses themselves.
Boards: American Society of Healthcare Risk Managers (ASHRM)Continue 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.