Merry Fort
Merry Fort
- RNCredentials: RN
Place of Employment: Accountable Healthcare Staffing
Which Nursing Organizations are you currently a member of: AONE, Georgia Organization of Nurse Leaders
Board(s) currently serving on: Georgia Board of Nursing
Tell us about your journey to the boardroom. What inspired you to seek a leadership position?
Nursing has been my passion for 28 years and I wanted to give back to my profession and find a way to support other nurses.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
Any opportunity provided by the organizations to which I am a member I embrace.
What impact have you had serving on a board? Example?
Actively worked in Georgia to support the Georgia Nursing Association’s journey to the eNLC. It was a long and challenging journey.
What advice would you give someone going into a board leadership position for the first time?
Learn everything you can about the responsibility and expectations of the position. Ask questions of those with more experience and listen.
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?
Participate in AONE, participate in your state Nursing Association, and participate in your state Nurse Executive Organization. Developed a network of mentors that you can call on.
Why do you feel it is important for nurses to serve on boards?
Nurses are in a unique position to have an impact on the future of nursing and healthcare.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to nurses serving on boards?
The public sees nurse at the bedside and not as leaders.
Boards: Georgia Board of NursingContinue 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.