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Happy #NursesWeek 2019!

 

As experienced nurse leaders, the Kirby Bates team is happy to honor all nurses this week. We’ve asked our leaders to reflect on why they became a nurse, their favorite things about being a nurse, and why they are excited about the future of nursing.

Read their answers below and then visit our LinkedIn and Twitter pages to share your stories.

Karen Kirby, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAAN, President & CEO
Karen Kirby, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAAN, President & CEO

What is your favorite part of being a nurse leader?

The ability to work with nurses and other disciplines across the organization in making meaningful improvements in the healthcare system

Favorite quote on nursing:

NURSES: If Florence Could See Us Now!

Why are you excited for the future of nursing?

The endless opportunities to impact the health and well-being of others, through a wide variety of roles and settings.

Melissa Fitzpatrick, MSN, RN, FAAN, Chief Operating Officer
Melissa Fitzpatrick, MSN, RN, FAAN, Chief Operating Officer

What is your favorite part of being a nurse?

I love the opportunities that nurses have to make a difference in the lives of others. The global impact of nurses can be felt across the continuum of care, in industry, in academia, in research, and in government to name a few. The ways that nurses’ knowledge and skills can be applied are unlimited!

What is the value of nurses in our society?

As the most trusted professionals, nurses elevate society by bringing compassion, and clinical competence to those in the most vulnerable times of their lives. In doing so, nurses improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, communities, and populations around the world.

Doris Sinkevich, MS, RN, CENP, Executive Vice President Interim Services
Doris Sinkevich, MS, RN, CENP, Executive Vice President Interim Services

Why did you become a nurse?

I wish that I had a more altruistic answer, but here is the truth. I chose this path because I had several aunts who were nurses and it was a common career path choice at the all girls high school I attended. Little did I know then, that those simple influences started me on the best career one could ever choose. This choice to pursue nursing opened doors and avenues for me that gave me the privilege to impact patients, families, hospitals, systems, and fellow professionals. If I knew then what I know now, I would make the same choice all over again!

Favorite nursing quote:

From the social reformer, statistician, and founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale: “I attribute my success to this—I never gave or took an excuse.”

What is the most important quality of an effective nurse leader?

Resilience. Challenges are ever present with increased technology, regulatory requirements, high consumer expectations, and resource limitations. The resilient nurse leader sorts through the chaos, creates the most positive work environment, and makes it appear easy as care is delivered – one patient at a time.  

Why are you excited for the future of nursing?

Nursing is once again becoming a sought after choice for young career seekers or second careerists. There are countless career choice opportunities now open to young women and men. Nursing is not a default career choice for the current generation. This is wonderful as those in the stages of nursing education and development are choosing to make a difference. With a focused and positive outlook set in place by choice, there is no limit for what future nursing professionals will set in their sights to achieve.

Pamela DeCampli, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Transition Officer
Pamela DeCampli, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Transition Officer

Why did you become a nurse?

My grandmother believed it was an honorable profession that was valued and needed. I loved working with a team of people advancing wellness as a nursing assistant and knew nursing would provide a rewarding career.

What is your favorite part of being a nurse?

The versatility of the profession. There are so many career options.

What is your favorite part of being a nurse leader?

Seeing leaders I have mentored and coached succeed in their careers.

Why are you excited for the future of nursing?

We continue to be the most trusted profession.

Jane Fitzsimmons, MSN, RN, Executive Vice President Executive Search Services
Jane Fitzsimmons, MSN, RN, Executive Vice President Executive Search Services

What is the most important quality of a nurse leader?

A vision for the future.  Leadership vision drives strategies which result in outcomes which have impact. Vision for the future understands impacts on the hundreds being served today as well as the implications for the hundreds of thousands who will be served in the future. It is well exemplified by Robyn Begley as she led the expansion of our professional organization to a more inclusive model, AONL.

Favorite nursing quotes:

“Save one life… and you are a hero. Save one hundred lives… and you are a nurse.” – Chuck Stephanek

“They may forget what you said – but they will never forget how you made them feel.” – Richard Evans

Colleen Chapp, MHA, MSN, RN, CENP, FACHE, Vice President Interim Leadership Services
Colleen Chapp, MHA, MSN, RN, CENP, FACHE, Vice President Interim Leadership Services

Why did you become a nurse?

I wanted to be a nurse since junior high when working as a candy striper. I really wanted to make a difference and be a part of the healing profession. I loved caring for patients, helping their families during periods of trauma, and working as a team with other nurses and healthcare professionals to make a positive life difference.

Favorite nursing quote:

“Let whoever is in charge keep this simple question in her head (not, how can I always do this right thing myself, but) how can I provide for this right thing to be always done?” – Florence Nightingale, Notes on Nursing

What is the most important quality of an effective nurse leader?

Trust. An effective nurse leader builds a trusted relationship with patients, families, colleagues, his/her manager, medical staff, and the community. Being a trusted leader provides opportunities for others to realize healing, success, making a positive difference in someone’s life… which can be life-altering.

Why are you excited for the future of nursing?

There are more opportunities than ever before for nurses. I am as excited about nursing today as I was 45 years ago when I graduated. There is more opportunity to influence care delivery at the bedside as well as politically. Even with the advent of more technological advances, the compassion of a nurse will always be a beacon of light.

Peggy Loughery, MSN, RN, Executive Search Client Partner
Peggy Loughery, MSN, RN, Executive Search Client Partner

Inspired by compassionate care:

I recently went on visits to DAISY Award ceremonies and I was reminded about the power of compassion.  This quote has special meaning and really resonates with me: “A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” – Steve Maraboli

Favorite leadership quote:

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” – Reinhold Niebuhr

 

Judy Hayes, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Executive Search Client Partner
Judy Hayes, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Executive Search Client Partner

Why did you become a nurse?

I was always strong in the sciences but knew I was someone who could work on the technical or bench side of science, but the person who had the most influence on my choice was my Nana. When she developed Type 2 diabetes, we all became part of her care team. We helped with shots, but most importantly we would bring her dinner and tea and watch her favorite TV shows with her – this to me was the caring of nursing that absolutely drew me to the profession.

What is your favorite part of being a nurse?

The privilege of being a part of my patient’s life. I remember a professor in nursing school speaking to this, but I never fully understood it until I began to practice. I still remember patients that I cared for in my first year of practice.

What is your favorite part of being a nurse leader?

The opportunity to be a part of creating the environment for other nurses to be able to practice. These are times of great change and opportunity – nurse leaders will be critical to assuring all of the practice environments support the delivery of quality care.

What is the most important quality of an effective nurse leader?

Caring because it is the route to healing. It was best exemplified by my mentor in critical care when we learned that our patients and families are always watching and listening to us, even if they don’t appear to be.

Why are you excited for the future of nursing?

The opportunities to make an impact on the next iteration of healthcare and the art and science of nursing can, and should be, embraced by all of us.

 

How are you celebrating Nurses Week this year?
Visit our LinkedIn and Twitter pages to share your stories.