Clearly illustrating the fact that nurses can serve in many roles, Gina Severino, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, discusses her the various roles she holds and their importance. Dr. Severino also explains the importance of active participation in professional nursing organizations.
For the past 35 years, I have been a registered nurse. While I have worked in many areas of nursing, my specialty is Critical Care Nursing. My professional role in nursing for the past 17 years has been as a nursing educator. Currently I am a Nursing Professor at Kent State University, Trumbull Campus. My role is not just one of an educator, but one of a life-long learner and mentor. As an advanced practice nurse, nursing leader, and educator, I strive to help students reach their full potential by providing a safe environment that supports the sharing of ideas and promotes respect for all people. I am committed to preparing our future professional nurses to care for individuals throughout the lifespan, using current evidence-based practice and research. My personal and professional mission is to inspire students to become caring professionals, lifelong learners, and to demonstrate the leadership skills that are necessary to advocate for both patients and the nursing profession.
I have been an active member of various Professional Nursing Organizations for the past 35 years and have volunteered to serve on many committees. Some of these committees influence health policy change, nursing practice, and nursing education at both the State and local levels. My belief is that nurses are at the forefront of patient care and I believe that every nurse can make a difference. I try to encourage both nurses and students to become members of their professional nursing organizations and to become actively involved in policy change. Nurses are at the frontline of patient care and have an important seat at the decision-making table.