NOBC News

Why Nurses Belong in Governance: A Q&A with Laarni Florencio

Nurses bring a perspective to governance that is grounded in care, advocacy, and real-world impact. In this Q&A series, we sit down with nurse leaders who are serving on boards and shaping decisions that influence organizations, communities, and the profession. Through their own words, they share how they found their way to the boardroom, what they have learned along the way, and why nurse voices matter at the highest levels of leadership.

In this feature, we hear from Laarni C. Florencio, MSN, RN, CNL, as she reflects on her board service, the challenges she has faced, and the fulfillment that comes with answering a larger call to lead.

 

What board(s) do you currently serve on?

• President, Philippine Nurses Association of New York, Inc. (2024-2026)
• Executive Board Member, Watson Caring Science Institute (2024-2026)
• Steering Committee Member, Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) Human Rights Cy Pres Task Force and Collaborative Project
• Committee Member, Membership Committee Philippine Nurses Association of America

How did you become connected to the opportunity to serve on this board? I responded to an invitation to become a Board Member online for the Watson Caring Science Institute. I read up on their mission and cause and got excited at the possibility that I can be part of this amazing organization.

In what ways has your experience as a nurse helped you in the board room?

My nursing experience especially in nursing leadership provided unique and valuable insights and skills that influence decision-making and organizational leadership. My nursing experiences translated to the following ways that help me be successful as a nurse leader in the boardroom:

1. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving.

My nursing experience trained me to assess complex situations, identify problems, and implement solutions under pressure. This ability helps me to think critically and act decisively when tackling strategic challenges in the boardroom.

2. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

As a nurse, my experience afforded me to have deep understanding of human needs, emotions, and behaviors. This has been crucial for managing relationships, fostering collaboration, and leading with compassion at the executive level.

3. Strong Communication Skills

My experiences trained me to communicate effectively with diverse groups, and this ability became transferable to board settings, where articulating complex ideas and building consensus is vital.

4. Adaptability and Resilience

The fast-paced and unpredictable nature of healthcare helped me become adaptable and resilient. In the boardroom, these traits help me navigate the uncertainty and drive innovation in response to challenges.

5. Focus on Patient-Centered Care

Being a nurse brings a focus on outcomes that matter most to patients. This perspective helps ensure that organizational decisions align with the mission of improving care and community well-being, especially in healthcare and professional organizations.

6. Team Leadership and Collaboration

I’ve had the opportunity to lead multidisciplinary teams, honing my skills in collaboration and leadership. In the boardroom, this translates to the ability to guide diverse teams toward shared goals.

7. Operational Insights

With my experience in healthcare delivery, I’ve been able to provide practical insights into operations, resource allocation, and the impact of policies on frontline workers and patients.

8. Commitment to Ethics and Integrity

As nurses, we adhere to strict ethical standards in patient care. This commitment to doing what’s right builds trust and credibility in leadership roles.

9. Advocacy Skills

Advocacy is central to nursing. In the boardroom, I advocate to champion initiatives that elevate the practice and profession, improve care quality, equity, and organizational culture.

10. Continuous Learning

Investing in my own professional development helps me keep up with advancements in my field and in care delivery. My commitment to my own growth aligns with the dynamic nature of executive leadership.

Being in the boardroom as a nurse, can drive meaningful change by combining my clinical expertise with strategic insight, ultimately fostering a culture of empathy, collaboration, and excellence.

Give an example of how you’ve made a difference.

As a board member, I have been part of a collective effort that recognizes issues and advocate for programs that offer practical and sound solutions. I have been able to align myself with organizations that share and reflect my causes and values enabling me to find better ways of doing things especially in elevating my nursing practice. As a board member, I can provide a voice aimed in safeguarding the wellbeing and rights of many. In this capacity, I am able to provide insight and help develop projects addressing workforce well-being and leadership development programs.

Through my participation as a Board Member, I was able to advocate for educational initiatives that support the provision of mental health resources during the pandemic. By suggesting innovative strategies and solution, I was able to establish the much-needed training programs that support the competency development of Filipino nurses globally. My participation as a Board member in various organization contributed to programs that helped nurses feel valued and satisfied with their careers and cause.

These examples demonstrate how a nurse on a board can use frontline insights to shape organizational policies that drive positive outcomes for staff, patients, the community and the organization overall.

What was the hardest thing to learn about serving on this particular board?

The hardest thing to learn or unlearn is managing my self-doubt. I often feel I don’t belong in a boardroom. I am always in awe of the talent and commitment that comprises the level of leadership in the room. There is always a palpable passion and purpose, and every member is an amazing role model particularly with the Watson Caring Science Institute. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to serve and be surrounded by such talent and expertise each time. It is an enriching experience; I just need to convince myself and believe that I contribute greatly to their goals and cause.

What about serving on this board is most different than working in nursing?

Serving as a board member makes me feel that there is a higher and global call for excellence at this level. The breadth and depth of the role and span of responsibility are far more global. You are now looking at the connection of things that impact not only a colleague but other disciplines, departments, organizations, the community, the profession and the practice. The scope is expansive and limitless. It is sometimes overwhelming but very fulfilling. The culture of the Board is refreshing and empowering. It is motivating and inspiring to belong to one. The feeling that you are responding to a bigger calling, and purpose is definitely a higher level of fulfillment.

In your opinion, what is the IMPACT of nurses serving on boards?

The impact of nurses serving on boards is profound, as their unique perspectives and expertise drive meaningful changes in organizations, particularly those in healthcare, public policy, and community service. Here are key areas where I think nurses make a significant impact as a Board Member:

1. Improving Patient and Community Outcomes

• Advocating for Patient-Centered Decisions: Nurses ensure that board policies prioritize patient care quality, safety, and accessibility.
• Promoting Health Equity: As board members, nurses can champion initiatives addressing social determinants of health and disparities in care.
• Enhancing Public Health Initiatives: Our community health experience as a nurse supports policies that improve population health outcomes.

2. Advancing Quality and Safety Standards

• Practical Insight into Care Delivery: We provide valuable input on operational processes, identifying gaps that may not be visible to other board members.
• Evidence-Based Decision Making: Our clinical knowledge helps guide strategies to implement best practices in quality improvement and safety.

3. Driving Organizational Success

• Boosting Workforce Morale: Nurses bring a deep understanding of frontline challenges, helping to shape policies that enhance staff well-being and engagement.
• Increasing Efficiency: With experience in optimizing workflows, we contribute to strategies that improve resource utilization and reduce waste.

4. Fostering Innovation and Growth

• Promoting Innovation in Care Delivery: As Board Members, we often propose creative solutions to address evolving patient and organizational needs.
• Encouraging Interdisciplinary Collaboration: We are skilled at building bridges between departments and fostering teamwork across disciplines.

5. Shaping Public Policy and Advocacy

• Incorporating the Voice of Practitioners: We ensure that frontline perspectives are considered in health policy development.
• Advancing Health Advocacy: Our ability to connect patient needs with systemic challenges influences policies at the local, state, and national levels.

6. Strengthening Governance and Ethics

• Ensuring Ethical Leadership: Our commitment to patient advocacy and ethical care strengthens governance frameworks.
• Providing Balanced Perspectives: We bring a holistic view, combining clinical realities with organizational priorities.

7. Inspiring Diversity and Representation

• Championing Inclusion: Our diverse backgrounds and experiences reflect the communities we serve, enriching boardroom discussions.
• Breaking Barriers: Our presence in the board room promotes the inclusion of other healthcare professionals, enhancing multidisciplinary representation

Our impact on boards as nurses extends beyond healthcare, influencing decisions that shape organizations, improve public health, and drive innovation. We serve as role models for leadership and excellence. Our voice signifies representation of the profession. Our contributions lead to more patient-focused, ethical, and effective leadership, fostering better outcomes for individuals, organizations, and communities.

Laarni C. Florencio, MSN, RN, CNL