Influencing change
FIGURE
Pat Reid Ponte, RN, DNSc, senior vice-president for patient care services and chief of nursing, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Mass., attempts to view the heart of leadership in broader terms. Ponte, a nurse since 1976, has a passion for leading multidisciplinary care in an academic research setting. "My current role allows me to further develop, explicate, and evaluate how patient and family-focused care in the oncology setting contributes to creating an environment of transparency, safety, accountability, and positive outcomes," she says.
Ponte follows the advice she gives students. "I've had the gift of working in institutions and departments that support staff, and value patient-centered care and the scientific pursuit of knowledge," she says. "Continuous learning has been an underpinning of my career with the endless pursuit of trying to contribute in the most effective way."
The art of nursing
FIGURE
Jo-Ann Kamencik, RN, PhD(c), MBA, influences nurse students as assistant professor and director, health systems management and clinical management programs at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tenn. A nurse since 1981, Kamencik enjoys watching her graduate students "transform into advanced practice nurses who make a difference in health care."
When asked to describe the future for nurse executives, she replies, "To keep up with the constant change, you must commit to learning and increase knowledge and understanding on a daily basis. A variety of 'coping skills' in your repertoire will support you well."
She continues, "Current nurse leaders are key senior members of health care teams; their contributions are critical to quality patient care delivery and organizational success. It's all about the art and science of nursing that prepares nurses to assume these leadership roles and to positively contribute to the challenges that lie ahead."