My first experience with governance was decades ago, with a community nonprofit organization. Since then, I've had the privilege to serve on multiple local, regional, and national boards. Some of these experiences have been with health care institutions, while others have been outside of this industry. One thing I've learned along the way is that every governing body has richer discussions and makes better informed decisions when the board members come from diverse backgrounds. That's a major point made by one of the authors in this edition, Antoinette (Toni) Hardy-Waller, CEO of The Leverage Network, an organization devoted to advocating for the promotion and advancement of African Americans in leadership.
Other authors included in the following collection add their thoughts on trustee diversity through discussions around the benefits of increasing the number of nurses and women on boards. Their written contributions support a second learning from my governance experience: Nursing knowledge, experience, intellect, problem-solving skill, and passion for people make these professionals value added at a wide variety of strategic tables.
The latter point needs to be made to nurses as much as to boards. I sometimes wonder if my colleagues realize the value we can (and should) add to decision-making groups. I'm not sure if it is the natural humility of those who care for others, a perceived "lack of time" for more than employment and family activities, or a limited knowledge of what trustees do that inhibits talented nurse leaders from seeking governance roles. I'm hoping that reading and learning more about this subject will spark a renewed interest in pursuing board appointments.
Something I already knew before becoming involved with boards is that nurses are advocates who want to make life better for patients, families, and populations. Hands-on care throughout the continuum, executive practice, and participation in governance are three different ways we can do this. We have a pretty good understanding of how we can contribute to the next era of health care through the first two. It's time to become more self-confident and better prepared to serve others through the third.
As this edition goes to the printer I am sad to be adding a note about one of our colleagues who epitomized advocacy. Connie Curran, RN, EdD, FAAN, a former vice president for the American Hospital Association, creator and editor of Nursing Economics, and entrepreneur, died on November 10, 2014. Connie was the inspiration for many nurses who now serve on boards, as this was one of her passions. In fact, the article by Laurie Brown is based on education that Connie delivered to the Northwest Organization of Nurse Executives just before our profession lost this great leader. If you serve on a board today or have the opportunity to serve in the future, it will be because of those who encouraged us, educated us, and inspired us as Connie did.
-Kathleen D. Sanford, DBA, RN, CENP, FACHE
Editor-in-Chief
Nursing Administration Quarterly