When it comes to leadership, we can all use words of wisdom from visionaries who have come before us, paving the way for nursing as we know it today. Euripedes, one of the greatest Classical Greek authors, wrote, “Along with success comes a reputation for wisdom.” Words of Wisdom from Pivotal Nurse Leaders shares insights from those who have achieved exceptional success in the profession.
Exceptional and insightful leaders in their own right, Beth Houser, chief nursing officer of Baylor Regional Medical Center in Grapevine, Texas, and Kathy Player, president of Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona, have assembled an inspirational collection of thought-provoking nuggets from more than 20 nationally recognized nurse leaders. They include Faye Glenn Abdellah, RN, EdD, ScD, FAAN, the first nurse to hold the title of deputy surgeon general of the United States; Linda Aiken, RN, PhD, FAAN, FRCN, who has made groundbreaking contributions to the profession through her research of the nursing shortage and nurse retention; and Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona, RN, MD, MPH, FACS, former surgeon general of the United States, who has worked in a variety of jobs in health care, including paramedic, nurse and physician.
To cite a few other contributors to the book and the wisdom they share: Shirley Chater, RN, PhD, FAAN, reflects on the importance of leaders not working in isolation, but building championship teams to achieve positive outcomes. Loretta Ford, EdD, FAAN, and Joyce Clifford, RN, PhD, FAAN, emphasize knowing when it’s time to step aside and permit a new generation of nurses to advance the profession. Leah Curtin, RN, MS, MA, FAAN, shares her perspective about the importance of maintaining integrity. Judith Shamian, RN, PhD, LLD, provides insight about the negative outcomes that result when leaders abuse authority. The seven chapters that comprise Words of Wisdom from Pivotal Nurse Leaders are beautifully illustrated as well as motivational.
The book is replete with insightful lessons learned, practical real-world perspectives and thought-provoking suggestions to help the reader improve personal leadership and advance teamwork. The life lessons of the contributors are engaging, because they are written from the perspective of leaders who practice what they recommend. What they have to say is important and helpful. The more you reflect upon what is shared in the book, the more your understanding of leadership principles will be strengthened.
Col. John S. Murray, PhD, RN, CPNP, CS, FAAN, is director of education, training and research for the Joint Task Force National Capital Region Medical, Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and president of the Federal Nurses Association (FedNA).
