Study: Nurses on boards have significant impact

Board members view nurses serving on boards as “boundary spanners” with significant impact on the direction of health care organizations, according to a study. Published in the December issue of the Journal of Nursing Administration, the qualitative study is the first to explore the impact of nurses on boards from the perspective of 16 nonnurses serving on boards. The board members said nurses have a deep understanding of quality and safety, business operations and finance, policy, human resources and employee well-being. In addition, they understand how board decisions affect employees and patients. The nurse board members promote a shared level of communication, foster camaraderie and elevate board credibility and respect.