Operational Definition of Board that Qualifies for Inclusion towards the Goal:
For purposes of the NOBC data collection, the operational definition of boards that qualify to “incorporate the unique expertise of nurses” are those that have strategic influence to improve the health of communities and the nation. They include any corporate, governmental, non-profit, advisory or governance boards or appointments that have fiduciary and/or strategic responsibilities.
The Nurses on Boards Coalitions places a high value on all types of board service and encourages nurses to serve in a wide range of boards available to them. However, for purposes of measuring our progress in order to have an even greater and far-reaching impact, board and governance roles where nurses already have a significant presence within the nursing profession are not counted toward the goal. NOBC is measuring progress and impact beyond our profession and extending into communities across our nation in order to improve health.
There are four types of boards including Advisory, Non-Profit, Private and Public Corporate Boards as well as appointments. It is our intention to be inclusive with regard to a wide range of boards that count towards the goal and all nurses serving in any of these types of boards will count toward our goal.
Examples of boards to be counted include:
Private and Public Corporate Boards
All corporate industry boards of various structures and sizes ranging from startup companies, entrepreneurs and corporate enterprises in all industries including insurance, finance, manufacturing, agricultural, food and beverage, technology, medical devices, pharmaceutical, transportation, and other product and service industries count towards the goal.
Non-profit, non-nursing Boards
This category includes all types of non-profit organizations regardless of size that serves the needs of communities, states, our nation, and global missions.
Examples include Philanthropic boards and foundations, United Way, American Red Cross, public health-board of directors, local food pantries, literacy councils, poverty advisory groups, elder adult services, and many other human services.
All hospital or health system boards, including private, public and non-profit health provider organizations are included.
Advisory Boards
All types of organizations may offer advisory board roles to provide strategic advice, ranging from start-up companies, small businesses, and non-profit organizations.
Commissions and Appointments
Numerous and varied, they may be appointed by the President, governor, mayor, or legislature to serve on advisory boards, commissions, task forces, or positions.
Citizen-elected boards (e.g. school boards, county board of supervisors)
Examples of boards to be collected but not counted toward the numeric goal:
Board roles where nurses have already achieved dominant representation
- Nursing Association boards
- Governor appointed state boards of nursing
The dedicated nurse leaders who have served and continue to serve on important nursing association boards and boards of nursing have laid the foundation that enables the work of the NOBC.
This definition is intended to be referenced by the Nurses on Boards Coalition and its members for determining which board positions qualify for inclusion toward the goal of “10,000 by 2020.”
Revised October 17, 2016
First, we want to publicly document the progress being made to get nurse leaders on boards. Second, the coalition wants to build awareness with the public and corporate and nonprofit leaders that having a nurse as a trustee or board member on just about any board is a smart move toward achieving shared goals of improved health and efficient and effective health care.
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