Board of Directors Spotlight: Alissa Brown
Welcome to the Board of Directors Spotlight series. Meet Alissa Brown, MSN, RN, CMSRN, NPD-BC, who holds a director position on the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) Board of Directors. She is a nurse manager with 14 years of experience in medical-surgical nursing. Get to know Alissa here.
What does medical-surgical nursing mean to you?
Medical-surgical nursing, to me, is the cornerstone of nursing practice. It focuses on providing care to patients with a wide range of medical conditions and surgical needs. This specialty emphasizes a holistic approach, integrating critical thinking, patient assessment, intervention, and evaluation. It requires nurses to possess a broad knowledge base and strong clinical skills, as they manage complex care needs from acute illnesses and post-surgical recovery to chronic conditions.
This field is about maintaining stability for patients and promoting their recovery through evidence-based practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient-centered care. Moreover, it’s a dynamic environment where no two days are the same, requiring adaptability, quick decision-making, and the ability to educate patients and families about their conditions and care plans.
What is the value of volunteer leadership?
By taking on leadership roles outside of formal job settings, individuals can develop skills such as strategic thinking, team management, and organizational planning. These roles provide a real-world platform for honing leadership abilities and expanding one's capacity to influence and lead in both volunteer and professional environments.
Additionally, volunteer leadership offers the opportunity to strengthen professional networks through collaboration with diverse groups, including community members, fellow professionals, and other volunteers. These connections often lead to valuable partnerships, mentorships, and even new career opportunities.
What’s on your mind this month?
Safe staffing and staffing shortages have been on my mind this month. Staffing shortages are critical, especially where they can significantly impact patient care and staff well-being. It’s a tough situation that often results in increased workloads, burnout, and challenges in maintaining a high standard of care. Finding sustainable solutions is crucial, from improving recruitment and retention strategies to exploring more flexible scheduling and supporting staff through education and development.
How did you get started with AMSN?
When I became a unit educator, my manager came to me and told me she wanted me to join AMSN. After I did, I started getting the call for volunteers. I applied to be a co-host for the Med-Surg Moments podcast, which is how I started volunteering.
What was your journey to the AMSN Board of Directors, and why did you decide to join the board?
I enjoyed working with AMSN through the podcast and other volunteer roles, like item writing and chapter editing for the core curriculum. Over the years, I had developed a good relationship with the leadership at AMSN and wanted to be a part of it. When I felt ready, I applied for the board of directors.
What are your goals as a member of the AMSN Board of Directors?
As a member of the AMSN Board of Directors, my goals center on supporting the organization’s strategic plan to ensure its initiatives align with the evolving needs of medical-surgical nurses. This includes smart budgeting and financial stewardship to effectively allocate resources, enabling the implementation of impactful programs without compromising financial sustainability. Building a strong sense of community among members is equally important, as a connected and supported network of nurses can share knowledge, collaborate on best practices, and create a unified voice to advocate for the profession.
By focusing on these priorities, I aim to contribute to the growth and success of AMSN while strengthening the professional community that drives excellence in medical-surgical nursing.
What is one contribution you’ve made to medical-surgical nursing, big or small, that you are most proud of?
The work I’ve done on the podcast and behind the scenes. It was so fun as an original co-host to help develop the formula as well as be the first board liaison to continue to develop the podcast from a strategy side behind the scenes.