Brenda Petersen
Brenda Petersen
- PhD, MSN, RN, APN-C, CPNP-PCCredentials: PhD, MSN, RN, APN-C, CPNP-PC
Place of Employment: Caldwell University
Which Nursing Organizations are you currently a member of: Caldwell University
Board(s) currently serving on: New Jersey Physicians Advisory Group
Tell us about your journey to the boardroom. What inspired you to seek a leadership position?
My professional journey has included being inspired by many nurse leaders who “walk the talk” by exhibiting behaviors that I have sought to emulate in my professional journey as a nurse leader.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
I am an eager consumer of nursing literature, particularly in the area of leadership. I seek opportunities for engaging in professional development activities that include attending conferences devoted to building leadership skills.
What impact have you had serving on a board? Example?
As a member of the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Physician’s Advisory Group I have offered expertise in supporting program planning and conferences supported by the New Jersey Department of Health. The mission of this organization is to provide medically-accurate information related to risk avoidance to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and promote healthy behaviors. As a Board member, I serve as a medical content expert and member of conference planning committee.
What advice would you give someone going into a board leadership position for the first time?
Become engaged through active listening and enter with an open mind and enthusiasm. Be prepared to assist with problem-solving and strategic planning.
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?
The most important resources can be obtained through the American Nurses Association and the American Organization of Nurse Executives. Become an active member!
Why do you feel it is important for nurses to serve on boards?
It is critical that nurses are at the table when decisions are being made that affect healthcare. The profession of nursing has so much under-utilized power due to the fact that not every nurse is a member of the ANA. I seek to inspire the next generation of nurses to have a voice by being active members of ANA, and to become a member of a Board and the NOBC. With close to 4 million nurses in the US, I dream of the day when nurses are united. A choir of 4 million voices singing one song! A song of health promotion and disease prevention. A song with nurses as leaders of the healthcare system. With a choir of 4 million voices, our song will be heard around the world!
What do you think is the most significant barrier to nurses serving on boards?
Time – too many nurses wear too many hats.
Boards: New Jersey Physicians Advisory GroupContinue 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.