Our nursing world of administration has lost a visionary leader on October 21, 2011. Joyce first joined the Nursing Administration Quarterly (NAQ) Editorial Board in 1982 and served on the board for several years. As Rhonda Anderson, a long-time board member, recalls her earlier days with Joyce:
Joyce and Trish worked with June Werner (another NAQ board member) and me to advance primary nursing. Our organizations were instrumental in developing and implementing this professional model of care. We were blessed with Joyce's vision and passion. She was always positive, as we were challenged by many about this change in practice that led to a professional accountability practice model. The profession is so blessed to have had her leading the way. She truly was the "lady with the lamp" marching the profession forward and advancing our profession.
Joyce was a trailblazer, wasn't she! It only took a few to show the way." (Pat Yoder-Wise)
Joyce was extremely generous. In fact, I think her generosity was one of the most important legacies that distinguished her from any other leader I have worked with. She was quick to share, reach out, connect, give away, and spread her knowledge, experience, resources, and time. Joyce said,
When something upsets me (in a high-stakes leadership situation), I am careful to differentiate between my reaction and response-do not let your reaction have too great an influence on how we respond in challenging situations.
Her caring, loving spirit will continue to inspire and influence me for my lifetime. (Lois Skillings. Lois replaced Joyce on the NAQ board at Joyce's request.)
Joyce invited me regularly to attend the Institute for Nursing Healthcare Leadership, which she established after her 25 plus years as senior vice president and nurse-in chief at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. I regret I was never able to attend, as I recall so many wonderful experiences as colleagues and friends with her and her husband Larry in their home. All who knew Joyce appreciated her kind, considerate, compassionate, and gentle ways. She is described as the architect of the nursing professional practice model-a model that has been recognized nationally and internationally. Joyce's legacy and inspiration, with focus on the patient and family, are a tribute to her and all nurses worldwide.
-Barbara J. Brown, EdD, RN, CNAA,
FNAP, FAAN
Editor-in-Chief
Nursing Administration Quarterly