Episode 5: The Top 6 Reasons to Join a Professional Organization

Episode Summary

In today’s world of ever-evolving healthcare needs, nurse leaders are being asked to juggle more responsibilities than ever before. So it makes sense that many of these busy professionals would hesitate to add another commitment, like membership in a professional organization, to their respective plates. 

However, according to Drs. Susan Hernandez and Donna Montgomery, the benefits of joining a professional organization like the North Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership (NTONL) far outweigh any potential scheduling snafus or inconveniences. Many nurse leaders find that NTONL makes it easier and more enjoyable to meet their commitments. 

Within a rapidly changing environment, NTONL is a forum for nurse leaders to promote compassionate, effective, and efficient healthcare. It’s also a safe space for nurse leaders to network, troubleshoot difficult issues, and build each other up.  

In this episode of CarePoints with Kenny Schiff, Drs. Hernandez and Montgomery discuss the many advantages associated with professional organizations in general and NTONL, specifically.

On the podcast, Drs. Hernandez and Montgomery talk about how NTONL promotes essential continuing education and training while connecting nurse leaders with community-specific support. They also emphasize the importance of creating judgment-free spaces in which nurse leaders can connect, address obstacles, and brainstorm solutions to complex problems. 

As nurse leaders continue to manage myriad responsibilities in high-pressure environments, joining a professional organization like NTONL can ultimately help nurse leaders stay up-to-date educationally, get the support they need to thrive, and give back to their professions.

Featured on the Episode

Name: Dr. Susan Hernandez 

What she does: Dr. Susan Hernandez, DNP, MBA, RN currently serves as the Health System Chief Nurse Executive for UT Southwestern Medical Center. She is the Past President of the North Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership (NTONL), where she is committed to developing and supporting leaders in nursing. 

Organization: UT Southwestern Medical Center

Words of wisdom: “Give [NTONL] a shot. It’s not extra work, and it’s incredibly valuable. Share your ideas, your opinions, your thoughts, and your expertise with all of those who are already involved. It’s worth the time, and it’s a lot of fun.”

Connect: LinkedIn

 

Name: Dr. Donna Montgomery 

What she does: Dr. Donna Montgomery, DNP, MBA, RN is the Chief Clinical Informatics Officer for Lone Star Communications. She has spent over 35 years as a healthcare leader in varying roles including nursing management, IT management, product line development, process improvement, informatics, and executive leadership data.

Organization: Lone Star Communications, Inc.

Words of wisdom: “One of the things that we are really wanting to do in NTONL is encourage up-and-coming young leaders to come and join us. It’ll be good for us, and we hope that it will be good for them.”

Connect: Link