The Reason I Serve: Joan Caley, MS, ARNP, PHCNS-BC, NEA-BC
The Reason I Serve: Joan Caley, MS, ARNP, PHCNS-BC, NEA-BC
Place of Employment: Retired VA Senior Leadership, Current Nursing Faculty
Which Nursing Organizations are you currently a member of? ANA/WSNA, STTI, NACNS, ACHNE, APHN
Board(s) currently serving on: Vancouver Housing Authority (VHA), Support for Early Learning & Families (SELF), Council for the Homeless, Bridgeview, ACEs Action Alliance, Children’s Home Society Southwest Washington Community Council
Tell us how your input on the board creates new perspectives for thinking about board activities or priorities. As a Board Certified Public Health CNS, I offer a population health perspective with special emphasis on the social determinants of health with a focus on vulnerable populations. The nursing process is integral to all my board involvement.
Describe an example of how your input resulted in an ‘A-Ha!’ moment for the board members. Linking housing to health, housing is the stabilizing factor in an individual’s or family’s health … health as defined by the WHO as not merely the absence of disease, but physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, economic and social well being.
How is the impact of your board service unique from the impact of other board members? My perspectives on health and the SDOH.
Please provide an example of how your nursing experience influenced change in board discussions or decisions. The establishment and building of Bridgeview Education and Employment Resource Center to break the cycle of poverty through education, employment & health services offered by community partners, serving VHA residents and other low income individuals and families in the community- a innovation unlike we have found across the country. Secondly, the expansion of resident services to encourage self sufficiency. Thirdly, bringing the evidence of ACEs and early learning to the community.
What advice do you have for nurses seeking their first board role? Get experience in Nursing organizations, esp. your State Nurses Association, ANA, and specialty nursing organizations.
Any additional comments you wish to share: Start early in you career on your unit or in you organization, then get involved in your SNA/ANA & other nursing organizations.
