The Missouri and Arkansas Centers for Nursing and Action Coalitions came together on June 15 to provide a Nurses on Boards (NOB) training in Branson, Missouri. The training focused on nurses’ service on boards and on committees that promote a Culture of Health. It was the first for two partner states working together.

The event was planned by Tina Lear, executive director of the Missouri Center for Nursing and Missouri Action Coalition, and Patti Scott,  DNP, RN, PNP -BC, NCSN, Director, Center for Health Advancement, Arkansas Department of Health, Little Rock, Ark and a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Public Health Nurse Leader working with the Arkansas Center for Nursing/Action Coalition.

Lear and Scott consulted with national experts, Marion Karr and Kimberly McNally. McNally is a nationally recognized nurse executive, executive coach, trainer and author, including co-author of the Nurse Executive’s Coaching Manual, published by Sigma Theta Tau. Karr is president of Avery Executive Search and developed the Accomplishment Culture program.

The 44 attendees, 30 from Missouri and 14 from Arkansas, learned about the importance of having nurses at the table, how to apply nursing expertise on boards or committees, types of boards or committees that promote a culture of health, and engaging stakeholders to foster change. Participants completed individual leadership assessments and worked as teams to understand and capitalize on their leadership styles to promote change and best practices. There will be follow-up webinars to continue leadership development. There will also be surveys and follow-up of attendees over time to assess their participation on boards and committees.

Missouri and Arkansas were excited to work together on this event and look forward to a lasting partnership as they foster these dynamic nurses through their service careers.