Dianne Morrison Beedy
The Ohio State University, USA
Title: Getting nurses on boards: the “why†and “how to†for professional career advancement
Biography
Biography: Dianne Morrison Beedy
Abstract
Despite the call globally for a dramatic increase in board memberships for women and diverse candidates, and the focus on improving the health of nations and communities through the service of nurses on boards, few nurses are aware of the benefits of board membership or the steps to make such roles a reality. In November, 2014, twenty one US organizations came together to announce a new, nationwide effort to get 10,000 nurses onto boards of directors by 2020. Similarly, in collaboration with the International Council of Nurses, the 3-year Nursing Now Campaign seeks to empower nurses to take their place at the heart of tackling 21st century health challenges. Taking a place at the table through board service can move nurses to advanced leadership and C-suite positions. Understanding approaches to identifying and successfully achieving board membership and skills for effective board service will be presented. A work plan for developing a blueprint for first-time entry into board service or for progressing up to more complex, prestigious boards will be discussed. Board membership can be a career catalyst for nurses while providing much-needed diversity and unique skill sets to boards ultimately improving organizational outcomes.