Why do you seek a position on the ENA Board of Directors?
I seek to continue my position on the Board of Directors to give back to this organization that has given me so much.
Emergency nursing is dynamic and has sometimes felt isolating, challenging, and even impossible. Yet, through it all, with the support of ENA, I have never felt alone. ENA has been a steadfast pillar in my professional journey for nearly ten years.
ENA has helped me find my voice, cultivate a network of support, advocate nationally, and has molded me into the leader I am today. Without ENA, I am unsure where I would be in my nursing career.
I am committed to sharing this legacy by empowering and supporting ENA members to grow in their practice and into their full potential. I want to continue to be the voice of the members, advance the association's mission and vision, and ensure members have the support they need to thrive.
How does your academic, professional background and experience within ENA make you a qualified Board candidate?
I am deeply passionate about emergency nursing and nursing education.
My clinical background includes emergency nursing in a variety of settings, from freestanding departments to community hospitals to tertiary care centers, which has given me a comprehensive understanding of care environments and insight into organizational operations.
Through my work in pre-licensure academia and nursing professional development in the emergency department, I have gained valuable perspectives on what present and future generations of emergency nurses need.
My experience within ENA began at the state level, progressing from being a delegate to being elected state president. This experience propelled me into national committee work, including serving as co-chair of the Education Planning Committee and, ultimately, as a director on the Board of Directors.
Serving the last three years on the Board of Directors, I have deep knowledge and insight into what is necessary to make informed, strategic decisions.
All of this culminates into a diverse, well-rounded view of emergency nursing, ENA, and the challenges emergency nurses face stretcher-side, in committees, and at the council level.
Outline the specific skills you bring, or contributions you hope to make to the ENA Board of Directors.
One of the skills I bring is my ability to be analytical and precise. My background in nursing professional development has uniquely positioned me to view everything through a questioning lens using the Socratic method. This approach is essential for testing assumptions, clarifying information, and justifying reasoning, ensuring I have the information necessary to make informed decisions and provide insight into my thought process.
The most significant contribution I hope to continue to make to the Board of Directors is mentorship.
I am a testament to ENA's leadership growth potential. When I began my journey with ENA, I was shy, timid, and hesitant to speak up. However, through countless leadership opportunities and the guidance of mentors within ENA, I have grown into a leader I never anticipated becoming. My professional growth is a direct result of my mentors' support, wisdom, and belief in me.
I am dedicated to mentorship and committed to empowering, teaching, and coaching the next generation of emergency nurses so they can grow into the leaders they are meant to be.
Provide a narrative that exemplifies how you demonstrate the Board competencies.
I am deeply committed to professional growth and development and, as a result, have improved tremendously in the board competencies throughout my time on the Board of Directors.
During my tenure on the Board of Directors, I encountered council-level challenges that strengthened the council and highlighted my ability to leverage Board competencies to overcome challenges and drive organizational success.
I worked closely with the council presidents, fostering supportive relationships with open dialogue to manage conflicts presented. I sought clarifying information, challenged opinions, utilized bylaws, and guided the presidents to make informed decisions aligned with the mission and vision while ensuring strong governance. While some decisions were challenging, it was essential to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and kindness in these crucial conversations.
As a result, my support and mentorship helped the council presidents navigate these challenges effectively.
To reach Rachael, contact her at rachael.ak.smith@gmail.com.