CNOs should keep on using their voice to speak up for nursing, says this nurse leader.
Nursing was a second career for Claire Zangerle.
At age 28, Zangerle was working in clinical exercise physiology in cardiac rehab, and was inspired by what the nurses were doing.
"I can do that, I can educate, I can do all these great things the nurses are doing," Zangerle said, "I can take the clinical knowledge that I learned in exercise physiology and elevate that into nursing."
After receiving a Bachelor of of Science in Exercise Physiology from Texas A&M University, Zangerle went on to get a master's in nursing administration from Kent State University, a master's in business administration with a focus in healthcare from Lake Erie College, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Texas Christian University.
Zangerle previously served as principle of CMZ Strategies, LLC, offering nurse leader coaching and nursing organization strategy. She is the former chief nurse executive at Allegheny Health Network and CEO of the Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio. Zangerle spent several years at the Cleveland Clinic where she served in a variety of roles, including as chief nursing officer, director of quality and accreditation and director of preventive cardiology.
Now, Zangerle serves as chief executive officer of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), and senior vice president, chief nurse executive of the American Hospital Association (AHA). In her role at AONL, she leads a membership organization of more than 12,000 nurse leaders whose strategic focus is excellence in nursing leadership. In addition, she works collaboratively with the AHA to ensure the perspective and needs of nurse leaders are heard and addressed in public policy issues related to nursing and patient care.
On our latest installment of The Exec, HealthLeaders sat down with Zangerle to discuss her journey into nursing, and her thoughts on trends in the nursing industry. Tune in to hear her insights.
G Hatfield is the CNO editor for HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
CNOs should work to create workforces with diversity of thought and background, so that patients can receive care from nurses who reflect the community.
Nurse leaders should use their advocacy skills in the legislative process and use their subject matter expertise to educate policymakers.
CNOs should take advantage of social media to connect that public and tell the story of nursing.