Why do you seek a position on the ENA Board of Directors?
I am eager to become a member of the ENA Board of Directors because I am deeply passionate about advancing the practice of emergency nursing and advocating for the well-being of both nurses and patients in high-pressure environments. Throughout my career as an emergency nurse, I have seen firsthand the critical need for strong leadership, innovation, and advocacy in our field. The ENA plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of emergency nursing, and I am motivated to contribute my skills and experience to help drive the association’s mission forward.
With a strong background in clinical care, quality improvement, and nursing leadership, I am confident in my ability to support ENA’s goals of enhancing education, improving patient safety, and advocating for policies that benefit emergency nurses. Additionally, my experience working in multidisciplinary teams and mentoring new nurses has equipped me with the collaborative mindset necessary to effectively contribute to the board.
I am dedicated to ensuring that emergency nurses receive the resources, support, and recognition they deserve, and I believe serving on the ENA Board will enable me to have a meaningful impact on the profession and its future.
How does your academic, professional background and experience within ENA make you a qualified Board candidate?
My academic and professional background, along with my experience within the ENA, make me a well-rounded and qualified candidate for the ENA Board of Directors. I hold both a PhD and DNP, as well as six nursing certifications, which have provided me with a solid foundation in nursing practice, leadership, and healthcare management. My clinical experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges our profession faces.
Throughout my career, I have actively engaged with ENA, participating as a delegate to the General Assembly every year since 2019, presented educational programs, and served on multiple committees. During my term on the Nominations and Elections Committee, I contributed to shaping policies, advocating for professional development, and supporting initiatives that improve the quality of leaders that we are electing to govern our association. Joining the Clinical Practice Guidelines committee has allowed me to take a role in directing the evidence-based practice for emergency nurses.
Additionally, my collaborative nature and ability to work across disciplines make me an effective team member, and I am committed to bringing diverse perspectives to the table. My experience and dedication to advancing emergency nursing will enable me to contribute meaningfully to ENA’s continued success and growth.
Outline the specific skills you bring, or contributions you hope to make to the ENA Board of Directors.
I bring a range of skills and experiences that will enable me to make meaningful contributions to the Board of Directors. First, my leadership experience in both clinical and organizational settings has equipped me with a strong ability to make informed, strategic decisions. I have a proven track record in quality improvement initiatives, developing and implementing evidence-based practices that enhance patient care, improve workflow efficiency, and support staff development.
Additionally, my experience in mentoring and educating new nurses has provided me with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, which I believe are crucial for collaborating with board members and ENA members. I am committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued in decision-making processes.
My background in policy advocacy will also contribute to ENA's mission of advancing the profession through legislative efforts and influencing healthcare policy at the local and national levels. I am passionate about driving change, particularly in areas like workplace violence and public safety.
I hope to contribute by focusing on enhancing member engagement, supporting workforce initiatives, and advocating for improvements that benefit both nurses and the patients we serve. I am excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact.
Provide a narrative that exemplifies how you demonstrate the Board competencies.
I consistently demonstrate the competencies of the ENA Board through my leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to improving emergency nursing. For instance, I led a quality improvement initiative to increase patient throughput in our emergency department. By collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and implementing evidence-based practices, we achieved a measurable increase in throughput and patient satisfaction. A side effect of the intervention, which demonstrates business acumen, is the resulting increased care reimbursement. By achieving benchmarks that were not previously attained the budget was improved without sacrificing the organization’s mission and vision.
In addition, I demonstrate professionalism and decision making through my work with nursing committees and educational programs. For instance, I led a project aimed at achieving the CMS goals for stroke care, bringing together nursing staff, physicians, and support personnel to improve patient care. This initiative allowed me to choose a target where change could be affected and following through to promote better patient outcomes.
Finally, I actively engage in policy advocacy, supporting legislative changes that improve nursing practice and patient safety. My involvement in these efforts showcases my ability to advocate for the profession and promote leadership planning, through developing relationships and strengthening the bonds of nursing organizations.
To reach Ben, contact him at coeb@health.missouri.edu.