Each year, the Corridor Business Journal shines a spotlight on young professionals who have made a meaningful impact on the region early in their careers. We are proud to introduce you to the 20th class of Forty Under 40 honorees, chosen by a committee of past honorees. Emily Ward Associate Chief Nursing Officer | University […]
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Emily Ward
Associate Chief Nursing Officer | University of Iowa Health Care
Age: 39
Family: Husband, Troy; son, Cyrus; daughter, Chloe; beagle, Honey
Residence: Solon, Iowa
Hometown: Milan, Illinois
Education: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
What do you consider your “big break” in your career, so far? I was the nurse manager of a critical care unit, where I had spent my entire nursing career. I was incredibly passionate about critical care and did not have a desire to go anywhere else or do anything different at that time. I was asked to step into a director level position over a group of medical-surgical units, which is very different than critical care. It stretched me personally and professionally, and I wasn’t even sure if I should take the leap. But I did, and I really believe that it was that opportunity that allowed me to showcase my true abilities as a nursing leader, which further allowed me to grow and develop into the Associate Chief Nursing Officer position that I have been in now for the past eight years, overseeing the entire adult hospital at UI Health Care.
What’s the biggest issue facing the Corridor, and why?
Nursing workforce challenges. Nurses are essential to our health care system, and there are several key contributing factors:
1. We have an aging population that requires more care and a growing demand for health care services, with a limited supply of new nurses entering the field.
2. We have an aging workforce that is nearing retirement age. As these seasoned nurses leave the field, there are not enough new nurses to fill their roles, leading to a significant loss in experience and expertise.
3. Burnout and stress are highly prevalent in the nursing field, often leading to high turnover in positions and reduced job satisfaction.
4. Compensation and benefits can impact the attractiveness of the nursing profession. Nurses can feel that their compensation does not reflect their workload and responsibilities.
5. Workplace violence is an increasing area of concern, creating dangerous work environments and leading to job dissatisfaction.
