Mary Koslap-Petraco
Mary Koslap-Petraco
- DNP PNP-BC CPNP FAANPCredentials: DNP, PNP-BC, CPNP, FAANP
Place of Employment: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner House Calls
Which Nursing Organizations are you currently a member of: NAPNAP, AANP, NPALI, The NPA NYS, Sigma Theta Tau
Board(s) currently serving on: Every Child by Two Executive Board
Tell us about your journey to the boardroom. What inspired you to seek a leadership position?
My passion and commitment to immunizations and public health lead me to develop leadership skills and expertise. I also made myself available to provide expert advice on immunizations and public policy.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
I continue to offer to share my knowledge of vaccines and vaccine policy to any groups who are in need.
What impact have you had serving on a board? Example?
I have used my expertise as a Public Health Nurse to make system changes at the local, state, and federal levels.
What advice would you give someone going into a board leadership position for the first time?
Be a good listener, but do not be afraid to share your expertise and experiences. Do not be afraid to take a stand as needed.
What are a few resources you would recommend to someone looking to gain insight into becoming a better leader and eventually obtaining a board position?
Become a content expert and take advantage of courses and conferences, write and publish papers, offer to serve as a content expert at every opportunity, and do everything with a smile.
Why do you feel it is important for nurses to serve on boards?
Nursing brings a unique perspective based on the holistic paradigm that nursing is based on. Nurses also look at issues from a global perspective which is inclusive of the individual in the context of family.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to nurses serving on boards?
Most boards are run by men and most nurses are women. It is the same glass ceiling issue. Also, boards may believe that they will get more expertise from physicians rather than nurses. Nursing has its own unique body of knowledge and the public is always aware of that.
Boards: Every Child By Two Executive BoardContinue Reading
The Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC) represents national nursing and other organizations working to build healthier communities in America by increasing nurses’ presence on corporate, health-related, and other boards, panels, and commissions.