Kelly Ruemmele
Kelly Ruemmele
- RN, MSN, CPNPCredentials RN, MSN, CPNP
Place of Employment: UTMB- Regional Maternal Child Health
Which Nursing Organizations are you currently a member of? NAPNAP
Tell us about your journey to the boardroom. What inspired you to seek a leadership position?
I’ve been involved the social media platform supporting Safe Staffing Nurse Ratios – Show Me Your Stethoscope via Twitter/FB and a leader in disseminating recent research articles on vaccinations and pediatric issues Start School Later- National Organization, as well. Initiative to ensure school start times are no earlier than 8 AM Adjunct Nursing Faculty for 5 years at TWUWhat are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
Become involved at a local level in the NAPNAP Houston group. Seek leadership positions within my own organization -UTMB, to support growing the pediatric focus in our Regional Program. Research the ongoing issues/research in healthcare, collaborate with all health care providers. Attend conferences.What impact have you had serving on a board? Example?
I have served in our PTA Reflections elementary group which supports the arts in public schools. I have not been given another opportunity to serve. 2002- National Board for NAPNAP ConferenceWhat advice would you give someone going into a board leadership position for the first time?
Listen first before jumping in! Gather evidenced based research. Seek a mentor in the group.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?
Social media, attend conferences, connect with others by word of mouth.Why do you feel it is important for nurses to serve on boards?
Nursing provide unique insight to the issues facing healthcare today. They are on the front lines on a daily basis and our patients deserve the representation to ensure safety for all.What do you think is the most significant barrier to nurses serving on boards?
Physicians (lobbying, financial investments), corporate entities interested in fiscally sound versus quality of care and/or true outcomes.
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.