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Leaving a notable legacy

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When students ask Mary Ashley, RN, PhD, CNAA, what leads to a Chief Nursing Officer career, she emphasizes integrity and professional development. "First, I tell them to find their niche and develop a passion for it. Then I stress maintaining integrity and participation in professional organizations," says Ashley, who also urges them to "make valuable contributions in every duty undertaken-to leave a notable legacy."

 

In her role as Associate Administrator and Chief Nursing Officer at Ben Taub General Hospital, Houston, Tex., Ashley strives to create a best practice environment that recognizes staff members' accomplishments and encourages them to excel and achieve career goals. "As a nursing leader, I have the opportunity to influence the profession at a time when innovation and creativity are salient imperatives to meeting dynamic workforce goals. Expecting the best to come, I want to help coauthor nursing's future chapters," she says.

 

Sharing the vision

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Jeanette Ives Erickson, RN, MS, Senior Vice-President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nurse Executive, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, Mass., leads MGH nurses in creating a shared vision for professional practice. "Throughout my life," says Ives Erickson, "I've been surrounded by strong women-my mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and numerous colleagues. From them, I learned that with vision, courage, and perseverance, you can create your own destiny."

 

She encourages nurses to do the same: "At MGH, nurses are our most precious resource; they define us as a hospital, contributing to decisions that shape the future. As the Chief Nurse Executive, I'm privileged to be positioned to help create a professional environment that supports and advances their practice."