Doreen Begley, director of the Orvis Nursing Clinic, was elected to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The NCSBN, composed of 59 member boards, including those from the District of Columbia and U.S. territories, provides leadership to advance regulatory excellence for public protection. The election took place at their annual Delegate Assembly meeting in Chicago, Ill. this past August.
Begley brings more than 38 years of experience to the nine member national board and is the only member serving who provides a direct patient care perspective on nursing. As a part of her role within the university, she provides front line, hands-on nursing care to patients every day. The majority of members of the National board primarily working in the nursing regulation setting, not nursing practice.
"I was stunned when I won the election," Begley said. "I wanted to serve on this board so I can continue to be an advocate for both patients and my nursing colleagues at the national and international level."
Begley was eligible to run for election because she is a member of the Nevada State Board of Nursing. She was appointed to this board by former Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn. The NSBN is comprised of seven members. The mission of the NSBN is to protect the public's health, safety, and welfare through effective regulation of nursing.
"It has been an honor to be a part of the Nevada State Board of Nurses. It is an additional challenge to also be able to serve nursing regulation on a national level. I am 60 years young, and that's when people refer to 'growing old', I feel the emphasis needs to be 'growing'. I have had a long and rich nursing career. I have much to offer, and better still, much to yet learn.."
Begley will serve as a Director-at-Large on the NCSBN for a one year term, ending in August 2008. Her term on the Nevada State Board of Nurses ends November 2008; however, she is eligible for re-appointment to a second four year term, and does plan to re-apply. "I look forward to being able to continue to participate in the regulation and promotion of safe nursing practice for the citizens of Nevada."
