Occupational Well-Being Role Models

My name is Kimberly B., MSN, RN, NE-BC. I've been at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) since 2008.

I support the Vanderbilt Medical Group (Clinics) as a Sr. Nursing Projects Manager/Magnet Program Director in Adult Ambulatory Administration. I chose to focus on occupational wellness because I desired improved job satisfaction and engagement. Focusing on my primary role as a Magnet Program Director working remotely for the last 3 years, I yearned for face-to-face contact with frontline staff and leaders. I started with small steps like I began rounding across the ambulatory division in partnership with our Quality Manager. Preparing goodie bags and 1-pager resources to leave with the teams allows me to promote professional development, mentoring, and shared governance. In addition, I can build rapport with the frontline and gather valuable insights into future Magnet stories. I had to overcome feeling "non-essential" with a sense of disconnect from the frontline, which was challenging for me as a nurse leader. I was determined to rekindle a sense of inclusion and connectedness for myself. Instead of focusing on feeling "non-essential," I now prioritize intentional bi-weekly rounding focusing on common themes impacting our frontline staff.  

VUMC has the tools to help me achieve my goal. Some tools include utilizing multiple shared governance forums, the Teams Channel, and rounding as a platform to engage with all nurses and their teams. Another good resource I found helpful was I enjoy working in small focus groups on projects stemming from the larger councils and committees. This enables me to interact and contribute across the system and within my entity. Because of my journey to occupational wellness, I have encouraged and recruited multiple frontline staff members to sub-committees including Falls Prevention, BCMA, and Hand Hygiene. We now work on occupational wellness together by consistently engaging with nurse leaders and staff while mining for the best Magnet stories to share as our highlight reel. As a remote worker and a well-seasoned professional nurse, I encourage all staff to discover your passion and prepare to launch.

Do what brings you joy; it does not feel like work if you love what you do! 

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A Shared Governance Committee

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