Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1241832
34 Working Nurse l WorkingNurse.com April 27–June 15, 2020 Lori Burnell, RN, Ph.D., NEA-BC Sr. Vice President / Chief Nursing Officer Valley Presbyterian Hospital The nursing profession has provided me with innumer- able opportunities for continuous learning and higher education. Lifelong learning enhances my critical-thinking and problem-solving skills: to be able to care safely for the 1:1 intensive care patient, to speak confidently in front of an auditorium full of nurses about my research on com- passionate care, and to serve as a chief nursing officer at three very different organizations. I am grateful for how lifelong learning has influenced my experiences, from the bedside to the boardroom. My future aspirations include combining my faith, nurs- ing knowledge and experience by writing daily devotion- als that will nourish the spirits of those who are suffering. Jennifer R. Castaldo, RN, BSN, MSHA, NEA-BC Vice President / Chief Nursing Officer Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital An area I find myself drawn towards is legislation and healthcare policy. My professional goals include learning more about the politics involved in our national health- care system. In the coming years, I hope to do more to advocate for nursing on the state and national levels. It is critical that nursing professionals be at the table when healthcare legislation is discussed. I would like all nurses to consider every person on earth to be their patient, not just the people we get paid to take care of. Make advocacy the core of your work — for your patients, for your colleagues and for future generations. Derek Drake, RN, DNP, NE-BC, CNML, CNL Chief Nursing Officer St. Francis Medical Center While I love my job as CNO, I dream of one day becom- ing CEO of a hospital or health system where I can truly direct and influence every aspect of the healthcare experi- ence. While I feel I have a good understanding of the business aspects of healthcare, I know there is still far more to learn. There are many different ways to learn, but I learn best through formal, structured education. Therefore, I have made the decision to pursue my MBA degree, beginning Q: We emphasize the importance of lifelong learning for nurses. Tell us about something you still want to study or learn, whether formally or informally. What are you doing (or planning to do) to pursue that interest? Lifelong Learning Leadership from Complexity to Crisis CNO ROUNDTABLE