����������

Nurse Watch is compiled in conjunction with the AHA’s American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) and highlights articles of interest to nurse leaders, nursing professionals and other health care leaders. For more about AONE, visit . 

Nursing Student Inspired by Her Late Mother’s Caretakers

When Ellie Nichols’ mother lost her fight with cancer when Ellie was in sixth grade, her mother’s nurses helped her through it. “The nurses, they were always my support system,” Nichols told the , describing how their empathy and ability to explain her mother’s condition to her in layman’s terms made the transition bearable. That emotional connection inspired Nichols to pursue a career in nursing. Today, she is a senior nursing student at Creighton University, and wants to work in pediatrics when she graduates. “I’ve enjoyed working with patients, talking to them, getting to know them, and being someone who’s there for them in the time that’s scary for them,” Nichols said.

AONE Foundation Grant Applications now Available

The AONE Foundation for Nursing Leadership Research and Education is accepting proposals for research studies focused on nursing leadership in sustainable workforce development, . With an application deadline of July 2 at 3 p.m. CT, the foundation will award one $50,000 grant and up to six $5,000 to $10,000 grants for this research. Applications must be submitted online. 

Nursing Appointments in the Field 

Savannah, GA-based Optim Healthcare appointed Lora Duncan to the role of chief nursing officer, Savannah CEO . Duncan previously served as director of nursing practice and professional development at Charleston Area Medical Center.

Turlock, CA-based Emanuel Medical Center named AONE member Antonio Garcia its chief nursing officer, the organization . Garcia was previously the chief nursing officer at Doctors Hospital of Manteca, CA.

Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond, VA, appointed Jody Bishop to the role of vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer, the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Bishop most recently served as administrative director of the hospital.

Barriers to Top-of-License Practice Identified

Communication challenges, chaotic workplace environments and being pulled into non-nursing tasks are some of the main barriers to nurses working to the top of their licenses, research in the May issue of the Journal of Nursing Administration finds and . Researchers held focus groups with 14 RNs; the groups identified the elements of top-of-nursing license practice and discussed the barriers the RNs faced in working within their scope of practice.