Patricia Cummings, RN, is a clinical nurse manager at Howard University Hospital. She holds the distinction of inoculating Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband with their first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Cummings has been a nurse for more than 15 years and is passionate about health promotion and education. She was born in Guyana and moved to the U.S. about 20 years ago.
In February, we’ll highlight healthcare leaders who are prominent figures in their organizations and are making transformational impacts in nursing.
Meet Patricia Cummings, a clinical nurse manager at Howard University Hospital
Talk about your career path and how you ascended to that role.
I have never envisioned myself being a nurse leader. I wanted to be a nurse when I was 16 years old. I was privileged to live with a family member who was a registered nurse. She would come home and tell about their stories and her experiences. And I was very intrigued and always wanted to help people in whatever capacity, so she influenced me into the world of nursing. When I graduated from nursing school, I went through the typical bedside med surg nursing, and I did that for about eight years. And after I decided I wanted to try different areas. That’s one of the great things about nursing. It is very versatile and allows you to venture off into other areas. So I did some home care consulting for the first few years and case management for a few years. And then, the opportunity presented itself for me to acquire a nursing leadership position. And I was recommended by someone I knew who saw something in me and thought I would probably do well in nursing leadership. And so I started, and over the past five to six years, I’ve grown to love nursing leadership, which is my passion. And I can’t envision myself doing anything else.
What are the most important attributes of today’s nursing leaders?
Today’s nurse leader has to evolve in several ways, especially in light of the COVID pandemic. We’ve had to become creative and tweak some of how we lead. So the nurse leader of today has to be a great communicator. There are persons, whether it’s the staff we’re privileged to lead or the patients we care for, with issues and heightened anxiety just because of everything that’s happening. And so, a nurse leader must listen intently and respond appropriately, be empathetic, and be compassionate. Servant leadership, which I strive for, is one of the best leadership styles needed today. A servant leader who serves offers in whatever capacity to assist and make sure that the job gets done and is very humble has to have a high degree of humility. And that helps to earn your team’s trust and gain buy-in for them to do and see the vision and get it done. And a nurse leader also up to date needs to be innovative, conducting research and keeping up-to-date with current technologies, etc., things that will help make work more efficient. Those are the main attributes a nurse leader needs to have in today’s nursing world.
What does it mean to you to be a nursing leader, and how are you making a difference?
Nursing leadership means I get to influence others. I’ve been a nurse leader for about six years now. And when I was thinking about going back to school for my graduate degree, I did my research. And when I came upon Walden University and looked at their curriculum for the nurse executive leadership program, I was very impressed. And as I mentioned, my aunt is also an alumnus. So she influenced me as far as my choice, but just going back to school and having my degree and everything I received through my education has equipped me and allowed me to influence the people I am privileged to lead.
One of my favorite authors, John C. Maxwell, is a leadership guru. Not just nursing leadership, he has a quote, “He who thinks he’s a leader and has no followers is simply taking a walk.” I love that quote because it says if you’re unable to influence others and have them follow your vision and see what you’re trying to establish or accomplish, you’re not fulfilling that purpose. As a nurse leader, I get to influence others. I get to have new nurses fresh out of nursing school come to me. I get to be a role model. I get to influence and contribute to their nursing career. And beyond the nurses, the patients who we get to touch. One of the things I love about my job as a nurse manager is that as much as I am in a leadership position, I still get to interact with my patients. So I am around daily with every patient on my unit to assess their satisfaction, etc. And so I love all of it. So influence is my biggest reward as a nurse leader.
What is the most significant challenge facing nursing today?
One of the most difficult challenges facing nursing today, nationally and globally, is the nursing shortage. There has always existed a nursing shortage to a degree. However, the COVID pandemic added to a more significant shortage. A lot of middle-aged and older nurses retired. But the bottom line is that there is a shortage of nurses, which has impacted organizations. Several hospitals around the country have closed down or have decreased their capacity because they cannot afford or not afford to do you’re not able to recruit nurses. And that impacts patient care. So the short has a ripple effect.
As a nursing leader, how are you working to overcome this challenge?
One of the things I tried to do is to keep up-to-date with other nurse leaders and get a sense of what we, as nurse leaders, are doing as a group. One of the things I learned while at Walden University is that, as a nurse leader, you have to keep up with research and what is trending because, very likely, whatever challenges you’re facing individually, it tends to be regionally, nationally, globally, so get intel on what other organizations are doing.
So one of the things that are critical right now is effective recruitment. And that entails screening candidates and becoming creative in where we look for candidates. So I work very closely with my recruitment team. I check in with them every other day to ensure we’re utilizing every possible medium to recruit candidates. At Howard University Hospital, we have very robust nurse residency programs to recruit new grads and provide them with a very efficient experience where they can work alongside experienced nurses and the confidence and skills they need to function. At the end of the residency program, we’ve had a great success rate where most of these candidates are desirous of remaining and staying within the organization. I have encouraged many of my ancillary staff, like CNAs and patient care technicians, to return to school because they know that their team will be willing to help them succeed in their nursing journey. And just word of mouth, I have volunteered to go to various nursing schools, for example, Trinity Nursing and the University of the District of Columbia are some of the colleges were are affiliated with, and speak with nursing students about their career paths and the advocating for them to come to our institution. And as simple as it may seem, I am very involved with the community where I reside and advocating for or spreading the word about nursing. For example, I have two children. One is in high school. One is in middle school, and every career day I attend. I talk with students about nursing, why it is important that they pursue nursing, why we need nurses, and the importance of nurses, etc. And so those are some ways I got the word out about nursing and the fact that we need nurses and with recruitment.
How were you chosen to inoculate Vice President Harris with the COVID vaccine?
The universe allowed it to happen because of me. I couldn’t say that I had too much to do with it. I positioned myself because when the vaccines became available at the hospital where I worked, they allotted vaccines and opened up a clinic. The volume of people that came into our clinic differed from what we anticipated. They needed more nurses to administer the vaccine. As a nurse manager, I offered to assist for a few hours. And incidentally, on the first day that I volunteered, I had the opportunity to vaccinate our CEO, CMO, and the entire C-suite. Once they received word that Vice President Harris was interested in coming to that particular organization, they had confidence in my ability. Everything aligned itself, and I’m so grateful I was chosen.
What nursing leader inspires you the most?
My auntie. But presently, the person I have just been able to connect with and who I communicate with is Sandra Lindsay. She is the RN who is the person who received the very first COVID vaccine in the entire country. I had the pleasure and honor of meeting her a few short months ago, so I’ve connected with her. And I admire who she is as a leader. She’s a nurse and has her doctoral degree, but she exemplified servant leadership. So it’s best in its best form when she volunteered to be not a guinea pig but to be that person to be inoculated first in front of the entire country. And so beyond that, she is a nurse leader. She’s a director, and I just dialogued with her about some of her strategies, and I’m so impressed. She is a great mentor and model for me.
What inspirational message would you like to share with the next generation of nurses?
To nurses, you are needed. As a nurse and person, the world of nursing needs you. You can relate to a particular group of patients. Sometimes, I’ve had experiences where a patient’s preference for a nurse of the same race can relate to that. And so I would say to Black nurses, specifically, you are valuable where you’re needed. You make a difference. The pandemic showed that those patients who were in need, who were on good to where, you know, transitioning, just wanted a person to be there to hold their hand as they took their last breath when family members were unable to be present at the time. And nurses were the only ones at the bedside. Those patients did not have a preference for color or any other defining characteristic. They just wanted a nurse or a person to be there with them. And so I, again, you are needed. You’re valuable. We don’t have enough nurses in hospitals, and so I aspire to do and to be and to be committed to the profession of nursing. It is a noble rewarding profession. And it’s fulfilling. I encourage those who are nursing students to remain committed to nursing school is not easy. But the rewards, in the end, will be fulfilling. And that would be my message that they stay committed to the profession because you are necessary. I advise all nurses to ensure they are aware of themselves and engage in self-care. Because for us to administer care to others, we must be mindful of our needs. The pandemic taught us that we must regularly check our mental health.
Mary Howard, DNP, RN, NEA-BC is the executive director of The Ohio State University East Hospital and is responsible for operations, strategic planning, and program development.
With training in the mediation of workplace and civil rights disputes and alternative dispute resolution, she believes in giving back to the community. She’s a member of the Community Relations Commission with the city of Columbus, the Board of Directors of CRIS (Community Refugee and Immigration Services), and the United Way Key Club.
Howard is an important nursing leader, and we’re pleased to profile her as we celebrate Black History Month with the Black Nursing Leaders Series 2023.
In February, we’ll highlight healthcare leaders who are prominent figures in their organizations and are making transformational impacts in nursing.
Meet Mary Howard, executive director of The Ohio State University East Hospital
Talk about your career path and how you ascended to that role.
II took a career center course in high school to become a nursing assistant in my junior and senior years. I was placed at Columbus Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio as a junior nurse’s aide and progressed to become a senior nurse’s aide. I continued working at Columbus Children’s Hospital while earning my bachelor’s degree in nursing and as a student nursing assistant. Upon graduation, I stayed at Columbus Children’s Hospital and worked as a new grad/staff nurse. I was always interested in becoming a nurse leader. My ultimate goal was to become the chief nursing officer at Columbus Children’s Hospital. However, life sometimes takes us down different paths.
I looked for opportunities to grow as a leader by participating in committees, community involvement, and learning from mentors. My first leadership role at Columbus Children’s Hospital was as a nurse manager three years into my tenure as a nurse. From there, I had the opportunity to serve in progressive nursing leadership roles. First, I was an assistant director at Columbus Children’s Hospital. I later became a director of nursing and chief nursing officer at another organization before coming to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Before my role as executive director, I served as a nursing director and chief nursing officer at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
I have come “full circle.” The learning lab for the career center course I took in high school was at the hospital where I currently work (formerly St. Anthony Hospital). So I went from learning how to give a bed bath and make a hospital bed to serving as the executive director at this hospital and in a neighborhood close to where I grew up – it warms my heart.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
My healthcare journey was influenced early on by my mother. When my siblings and I were younger, on the weekends, she would take us to visit the residents at the nursing home where she worked. I noticed how much our presence made a difference in the lives of the residents, especially those who did not have a family. This fueled a lifelong passion for caring for others and giving back at an early age. I am thankful to my mother for providing me with this lesson, instilling the value of caring for others, and showing empathy and compassion. By the time I was in middle school, I knew that I wanted to be a nurse.
What are the most important attributes of today’s nursing leaders?
Given the ever-changing healthcare environment and stressors created by the pandemic, today’s nursing leaders must create a culture that promotes the health and well-being of their staff, which will positively impact patient care. Nurse leaders who show compassion and empathy help reduce stress among their staff, decrease burnout, and may serve to improve nurse retention. Critical thinking and decision-making skills are essential for nurse leaders to lead through uncertainty and changing times. It is also important to listen to staff, solicit their ideas and involve them in decision-making when possible. Finally, it is always important to lead with integrity to build trust with their team(s), colleagues, and patients: say what you mean, mean what you say, and follow through.
What does it mean to you to be a nursing leader, and how are you making a difference?
I consider it an honor and privilege. It’s a huge responsibility. I strive to make a difference by making decisions that are in the best interest of staff and patient care. Encourage work-life balance, allowing flexible and creative work schedules. Promoting nursing excellence ensures we provide the best possible care to our patients. Celebrating and recognizing staff and, importantly, mentoring and developing future leaders.
What is the most significant challenge facing nursing today?
Staffing shortages leaving staff working long hours and burnout is a major challenge today. Working in a pandemic/post-pandemic climate is stressful. There has been a rise in aggressive behaviors toward healthcare workers and staff are concerned for their safety.
As a nursing leader, how are you working to overcome this challenge?
To overcome these challenges, we promote a positive work culture, offer flexible work schedules, and encourage staff to take advantage of the wellness/self-care programs the organization provides. In addition, we are ensuring adequate staffing and advocating/supporting policies that support staff. It is also essential that we offer market-competitive salaries.
What nursing leader inspires you the most?
It isn’t easy to pick just one, so I would like to highlight two nursing leaders in our organization that are genuinely making a difference. Reggie Pryear is the chief nursing officer at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center East Hospital. He is a strong advocate for nurses. He rounds on the units daily and is very visible to staff. He listens to their concerns and ideas to understand their perspective and includes them in decision-making. He promotes nursing excellence and opportunities for advancement and celebrates staff achievements.
Bernadette Melnyk is the chief wellness officer of The Ohio State University and dean of The Ohio State University College of Nursing. She is a nationally recognized leader and researcher. She has established innovative programs at the college to educate nurses of today and build a pipeline for the future. She has guided the university in “its vision to become the healthiest university and community in the world.”
What inspirational message would you like to share with the next generation of nurses?
Early in my career as a staff nurse and nurse leader, I learned that you must cultivate relationships. The patients we serve and the people we lead must trust us. You must earn it -you can’t just ask for it. Relationships are the threads of teamwork. So, in addition to investing in others, invest in yourself. Educate yourself, develop strengths, and leverage them – invest in your personal development. And importantly, practice self-care.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Healthcare is at the heart of what we do and what I am passionate about—improving people’s lives, providing access to care, and treating people with dignity and respect. Serving and caring for individuals translates to serving and caring for communities. Access to healthcare, especially in underserved communities, is vitally important, and I am proud to be able to do that in a community nearby where I grew up. I am proud to support, promote and sponsor such programs as Moms2B – a program aimed at reducing infant mortality and our annual Healthy Community Day, where we offer several free health screenings. Addressing healthcare disparities and ensuring equitable healthcare is important to me and a purpose I stand ready to fulfill.
Tasha Johnson, MSN, RN, is a clinical nurse educator and aligned AHA training center coordinator for the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health. Johnson is also a per diem administrative nursing supervisor and per diem staff nurse in the ICU.
Johnson is an important nursing leader, and we’re pleased to profile her as we celebrate Black History Month with the Black Nursing Leaders Series 2023.
In February, we’ll highlight healthcare leaders who are prominent figures in their organizations and are making transformational impacts in nursing.
Meet Tasha Johnson, a clinical nurse educator and aligned AHA training center coordinator for the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health.
How long have you worked in the nursing field?
I have been in the nursing field for 20 years – 14 years as a CNA and six years as a registered nurse. I have been with UMMS for seven years.
Talk about your career path and how you ascended to that role.
When I think about my path, I amaze myself. I allowed God to lead and guide my steps. It was and is not an easy path. However, you can do it if you stay focused and committed. I was not one of those people who knew from birth that I wanted to be a nurse. I knew I loved people and, most importantly, serving, helping, and inspiring others.
When it was time to apply for the nursing program, I received a denial letter, not realizing I had one more class to take before applying. I took that class applied again, and again I received a denial letter. At this point, I had already completed pre-req classes required for a BSN to “stay in school mode” and earned an associate of arts degree for those particular classes (earning more points to get into the nursing program). Angry, I threw the letter in the trash and gave up hopes of becoming a nurse. The guidance counselor asked me, “Don’t you want to pick another profession? Maybe nursing is not for you. How about radiology?” My husband told me to get the letter out of the trash and call after the the 4th of July holiday, when the college reopened, and see what was going on. I did, and I learned that my points were not calculated correctly. Technically I earned my acceptance letter, but instead, because of the mistake of calculating my points, nine students who had a seat would have had to give it up for me to get into the program.
Placed on a waiting list, it wasn’t until the third day of the nursing program starting, and I write this with tears of joy, that I received an email from the director of nursing in disbelief to offer me a seat in the program because someone could not continue. I was next in line to get in. Not only did I get into the nursing program, but I was the class president! I believe I am the first Black class president Chesapeake College has had. This motivated me to strive for positions to inspire other Black future nurses and nursing assistants by teaching and showing them how to truly care for patients in their vulnerable moments. I applied and was accepted into the Residency program here at SRH accepting a position in acute care in our Chestertown facility. I found a love for critical care during nursing school and, after serving a year in acute care, transitioned to help those in critical care. After achieving my BSN, this allowed me to operate in a teaching capacity at Chesapeake College as a clinical nursing instructor, a faculty member to teach one of the offered CNA courses, and a faculty member to teach patient care to the Rad Tech program. Scheduling a tour of the hospital for my CNA class with my current director, the Clinical Nurse Educator Role, was brought to my attention. I was ecstatic and jumped at the opportunity.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
I love serving and helping people. When you have a servant’s heart, you put yourself aside for someone else’s well-being. It brings my heart joy to be able to do this and see people get better, put smiles on their faces, and give hope.
What are the most important attributes of today’s nursing leaders?
Important attributes for today’s nursing leaders are professionalism, integrity, communication, and interpersonal skills. We work with many different types of personalities, races, age groups, and people with different socioeconomic backgrounds, and we need to strive for excellence and can do that by maintaining these attributes. As a Black nurse, especially in a leadership position, you will be judged or not taken seriously by some individuals, though the requirements to become a nurse are the same for all. Consistently and persistently upholding professionalism under challenging situations, demonstrating integrity, communicating well, and working well with others will help you stand out and eventually earn respect from your peers and patients.
What does it mean to you to be a nursing leader, and how are you making a difference?
Being a nurse leader is an honor because I feel Black nurses have to work harder to obtain leadership positions or the opportunity to be heard and make a difference.
I feel my position as a Black nurse leader gives other inspiring Black leaders hope and the courage to achieve their personal goals. Inspiring future nurses to share my journey and how I overcame challenges by staying professional makes a difference. Communicating well might seem small, but it makes a difference. Training new staff according to policy shows integrity and makes a difference. How you represent yourself is very important. As a leader meeting new people every week and day here at SRH, I can make a difference and crush stereotypes/biases placed on the Black community.
What is the most significant challenge facing nursing today?
The significant challenge Black nurses face today is extremely significant discrimination in the workplace. I knew discrimination and racism were true, but I did not experience or see it firsthand until I entered the healthcare profession.
As a nursing leader, how are you working to overcome this challenge?
It’s in my character to never back down from a challenge. Challenges, especially when leading to the challenge, increase my motivation to show that I can do it. I have been called the “N” word by patients. However, that still did not change the level of care I gave as if they were my family member. I have been denied positions for which I know I was qualified, but I kept a positive mindset. I may have to work harder to obtain leadership positions. However, when the time is right, and everything aligns correctly, the job, the money, and whatever else I desire with come. I keep a positive attitude. I have affirmations and scriptures before me at all times to keep me grounded and focused. On an organizational level, I’m hoping my voice will be accepted and heard to make a difference or changes by participating in leadership forums and being on committees.
What nursing leader inspires you the most?
The nurse leader who inspires me is Dyshekia Strawberry. Dyshekia is a nurse manager here at SRH for our Cardiac Catheterization Lab. I first met her when she was a clinical coordinator on one of our MedSurg floors, and it was when I got to know her when she was pursuing management here at SRH. She is a Black nurse leader manager. Always professional. She is never opposed to giving me wisdom or career advancement direction. She is smart and business-minded and cares for not only her patients but her staff as well. She elevated to the position she is in today with being a floor nurse, education, and now management, and that is so inspiring to me because I’m sure it was tough, but she kept pushing and going. When the time is right, I, too, would like to move into management, then director, then hopefully a CNO position.
What inspirational message would you like to share with the next generation of nurses?
Stay committed. Stay focused. Don’t give up or run from challenges. Set personal goals and take steps to achieve those goals. You can do it. The color of our skin does not define who we are. Our heart does. Your elevation journey is not a sprint. It’s a marathon. Be confident in your ability to succeed and motivated to achieve your goals.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I can’t express enough the gratitude I feel in my heart to not only share my journey thus far but to be able to share and inspire people on a national level. That is huge to me, and I’m so grateful and honored.
Shameika Smith, RN, BSN, CRRN, is a registered nurse in the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program at Shepherd Center. This rehabilitation hospital provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions like spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, multiple amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain.
Smith is an important nursing leader, and we’re pleased to profile her as we celebrate Black History Month with the Black Nursing Leaders Series 2023.
In February, we’ll highlight healthcare leaders who are prominent figures in their organizations and are making transformational impacts in nursing.
Meet Shameika Smith, a registered nurse in the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program at Shepherd Center
Talk about your career path and how you ascended to your role at at Shepherd Center
I started my nursing career as a Patient Care Technician in 1999 at a hospital in Florida. In the early 2000s, I moved to the metro Atlanta area, continuing my nursing career in several hospitals in Atlanta and Dekalb.
After becoming complacent in my current role, in 2008, I began taking my prerequisites part-time while working at Shepherd. It wasn’t until 2013 that I could give full attention to my studies, concentrating on becoming a nurse. I applied and got accepted to a BSN program. I completed my BSN in 2016 at Chamberlin University College of Nursing.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
I think caregiving has always been in my DNA. I love taking care of people. I love advocating for and encouraging patients when they may be at their lowest point spiritually, mentally, and physically. While working as a PCT was a wonderfully rewarding job, continuing my education and career path would afford me a broader span of what I could do in offering my services.
What are the most important attributes of today’s nursing leaders?
We have many new nurses who would benefit from a great leader. Nurses in leadership should lead with integrity and compassion and have excellent communication skills. We need to be able to share our knowledge and critical thinking skills to help our upcoming nurses be extraordinary.
What is the most significant challenge facing nursing today?
The most significant challenge facing nursing today is a clear shortage of nurses and, even broader, a shortage of nurses who are actually prepared for the nursing field. No matter what, there will always be a staff shortage in the medical field. Upcoming nurses should be nurtured and led to have great critical thinking skills as we work hard due to shortages, and the patient loads are more complicated at times. This can lead to one becoming overwhelmed, burnt out, and making too frequent nursing errors. My area of nursing is also physically demanding because many of our patients have paralysis, and we are their arms and legs.
As a nursing leader, how are you working to overcome this challenge?
As a nursing leader, I am overcoming these challenges by making myself available to help fellow nurses as a resource when they may feel overwhelmed or have nursing questions.
On my off days, I incorporate time to work out at a local gym in Atlanta and get plenty of rest. Spending time with my family is of high importance as well as relaxing.
What nursing leader inspires you the most?
My manager, Angelique Howard-Morris, RN, BSN, inspires me. I’ve watched her start as a PCT, working thru all of life’s challenges and going to school while taking care of her family. Yet, she did not allow anything to stop her from accomplishing her goals.
What inspirational message would you like to share with the next generation of nurses?
It doesn’t matter how or when you start. What matters is getting to the finish line. PERSEVERE! I promise you can do it. It is indeed one of the most rewarding things!
Dean Angela Amar, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, is a professor, active researcher, and administrator for the UNLV School of Nursing. This nursing leader is a national expert on mental health nursing, sexual and dating violence, diversity in nursing leadership, and forensic nursing. Her research has earned funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and the National Institute of Nursing Research.
Dean Amar is an important nursing leader, and we’re pleased to profile her as we celebrate Black History Month with the Black Nursing Leaders Series 2023.
In February, we’ll highlight healthcare leaders who are prominent figures in their organizations and are making transformational impacts in nursing.
Meet Dean Amar, Dean and Professor at the UNLV School of Nursing
Talk about your career path and how you ascended to your role at the UNLV School of Nursing.
My Dad was very sick and hospitalized a lot when I was in high school. I admired the nurses who took care of him. I’d always liked science and wanted a career where I’d connect with people. Nursing was the perfect choice for me.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
My Dad was very sick and hospitalized a lot when I was in high school. I really admired the nurses who took care of him. I’d always liked science and wanted a career where I’d connect with people. Nursing was the perfect choice for me.
What are the most important attributes of today’s nursing leaders?
Nursing and healthcare are in a period of great transition. The nursing leader of today has to be able to respond to the multiple issues confronting the field. Leaders need to make employees feel valued, heard, and respected. Nursing leaders must respond to challenges with flexibility and the ability to change course as needed. Finally, they must be able to communicate a vision, work with others to plot a course, and inspire others.
What does it mean to you to be a nursing leader, and how are you making a difference?
As a leader, I use my voice to help others. My various professional roles have expanded my reach, so I sit at many tables, often as the only nurse or Black woman. In these forums, I speak out on issues and bring the voices of those I represent. Also, I mentor a lot of nurses across the country. I use my experiences to help others and learn from my mentees.
What is the most significant challenge facing nursing today?
In the aftermath of the pandemic, nursing is in trouble. Our nurses are feeling burnout and fatigue. They’re not feeling valued and heard. We are headed for a shortage. Academic nursing is seeing retirements in leadership and senior faculty which makes for gaps in increasing enrollment. Further, COVID-19 exposed health inequities and racial injustice in our society and healthcare.
As a nursing leader, how are you working to overcome this challenge?
As Dean of the UNLV School of Nursing, one of the most diverse universities in the country, we work to prepare students as expert clinicians, scholars, and leaders who are prepared to address the challenges facing the profession. Our school of nursing also works with local nursing leaders to address the problems facing our region. I also work through my leadership in national organizations to make meaningful changes for the nation.
What nursing leader inspires you the most?
Just one! That’s hard. In my career, I’ve benefited from multiple mentors. I learn so much and am inspired by so many nursing leaders. Dr. Carolyn Mosely has been my mentor since I was an undergraduate student. She pushes me and many others to be our best. She has led in multiple capacities in universities, nursing and professional organizations, and communities.
What inspirational message would you like to share with the next generation of nurses?
Keep doing the work you’re doing to change the system. We see you. You bring a new and fresh perspective and approach that is so needed in our healthcare system. Change is hard. It gets messy, but the end is worth it. So keep working and keep fighting for change. And keep bringing new insights and perspectives. The profession needs you.
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