Voice of the President | September 2022
This edition of Voice is dedicated to professional development, covering a wide range of career stages, from advice for first-time managers to preparing for the C-suite. Early on in nursing school, I can remember being prepared to be a lifelong learner. At that time, I was probably a little naïve about what that really entailed. Reflecting back, I’m literally in awe when I consider the layers of education, training, mentorship and support I’ve had throughout my time as a nurse.
In more recent years, as I’ve served as a CNO and as AONL president, I’m often asked about my career path and how I landed where I’m at today. Not too long ago I’d start off that conversation by saying “Timing is everything.” This was meant to imply that I was in the right place, at the right time, for the right circumstance… in other words, it was mostly luck. Recently, I am realizing that my career opportunities have been less about timing and more about hard work, determination and having the courage to seize the moment. “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity,” according to Roman philosopher Seneca. In fact, when I truly think about some of those pivotal moments, even though the timing couldn’t have been more off, the presenting opportunity was too good to pass by.
Accepting a new promotion, joining the nurse manager fellowship program, enrolling in a doctoral program, even running for president-elect were opportunities that presented themselves during moments in my life when I felt my plate was full. What about these critical moments made me choose one path over another? Some might say I was a glutton for punishment! While that may be true, I felt a sense of pride and honor that another nurse leader had the confidence in me and the wherewithal to gently nudge me to capitalize on the moment.
In my experience, the most fulfilling professional development experiences have coupled a mentor who had faith in me alongside a community that embraced me. My recent experience in the inaugural Coldiron Senior Nurse Executive Fellowship program is a great example. This program was created by the Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy in partnership with the American Nurses Association, The American Organization for Nursing Leadership and the Healthcare Financial Management Association to enhance and expand the development of senior nurse executive leaders.
. . . the most fulfilling professional development experiences have coupled a mentor who had faith in me alongside a community that embraced me.
The program had a rich and well-rounded curriculum geared toward empowering nurse leaders in executive roles to make health care more patient centered, cost effective, accessible and quality-driven. Even more valuable than the content was gaining access, and thereby friendships, with some amazing thought leaders across the country. As a result of this single professional development opportunity, I can tap into a group of profound, diverse and bold nurse leaders who are always willing to offer support and guidance on navigating any number of health care’s complex issues.
Here at my own organization, Norton Children’s Hospital, we’re on a journey to help all nurses see themselves as leaders. This year we began offering a 6-month program for bedside nurses to build and refine their leadership skills. Aligned with my own rewarding experiences of mentorship and community, the participants are sponsored by another nurse and matched with a mentor. Through some creative tactics and exercises, the group is fully immersed with each other during the initial program launch day. While it’s still in its infancy, it is already receiving raving reviews and inquiries from those who want to participate in future cohorts.
All the authentic voices in this issue – new managers, new directors and chief nurses, new faculty members – present just some of the paths nurses can follow. And perhaps reading their journeys will prompt some of our members to take a next career step and other members to foster the development of a nurse leader.
As I recount the incredible professional development opportunities available to nurse leaders, I’m reminded of the Warren Buffett quote, “Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a seed a long time ago.” If we each take the time to plant some seeds today, we can rest assured that the future of nursing leadership will be shaded by a forest of trees.