Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1111624
Working Nurse l WorkingNurse.com 37 April 29–June 10, 2019 Celebrating National Nurses Week Robyn M. Nelson RN, Ph.D., MSN Dean, College of Nursing West Coast University I initially wanted to be an elementary school teacher, but I could not handle 3rd graders! I changed to nursing, focused on teaching medical-surgical nursing and completed my Ph.D. in nursing administration. That was before I assumed any offi- cial leadership position, but we all know that leadership is about influence, regardless of formal title. Shortly after completing my doctorate, I started a new MSN and was elected by the faculty to be director of the under- graduate programs. I was then offered a deanship at a health science university, and for the past eight years have been dean of the college of nursing for a private university located in three states. I believe the key to my leadership journey has been the men- torship of and networking with exceptional nurse leaders. ❖❖❖❖ ✲ In academia, a senior nursing executive's title is usually dean of nursing or chief nursing administrator. My stu- dents call me the "the Box Lady" because a picture and mes- sage appears in a specific box in their learning management system. My role as dean is part of a matrix organization, linked to five physical campuses and an online environment where nursing majors are connected by virtual lines. Either way, my role is all about curriculum and ensuring that our program is in compli- ance with the requirements of accrediting bodies, boards of nursing and state regulators. The complexity of my daily role is made manageable by tech- nology. However, this means we are never disconnected, which is an issue in itself! Jinhee Nguyen RN, MSN Vice President and Patient Care Executive Adventist Health Glendale I started my career at the trauma center at LAC+USC Medical Center. Nearly six months into my new role, I was assigned as relief charge nurse while the night charge nurse was out sick. Afterward, my nurse manager sent me a thank- you note saying, "You brought organization to the chaotic department that night." As I grew further into emergency nursing, I earned my MSN and received my CNS license in critical care/trauma. I wrote the proposal to create the first CNS position in the UCSF Medical Center ED. My leadership journey continued in roles such as ED director and associate vice president of nursing operations. One thing is for sure: You never stop learning in your leader- ship role. It's about learning from others, listening and doing more to become a better leader every day. ❖❖❖❖ ✲ My typical day starts with reviewing our hospital cen- sus and house supervisor reports for any events. I do "senior leader rounding" on at least one nursing unit per week, where I have a chance to meet staff nurses and listen to their concerns, answer questions and recognize team members for great work. I also attend bed huddles to address patient throughput issues and prioritize staffing resources. Afterward, the executive team and I take turns leading "safe- ty huddles" to support quality and patient safety. Along with my chief medical officer, I attend medical staff/department meetings to represent nursing and promote stronger M.D.-RN working relationships. I have also been working with our tal- ent acquisition team on RN recruitment strategies and my nursing leaders on retention strategies. The best part of my work is getting to write thank-you notes to staff and or visit nursing units to present awards and recognitions. It's an uplifting experience. PORTRAIT OF A CNO