Nurses as Leaders: Expanding Impact Through Boards, Finance, and Philanthropy — Julie Zerwic
Leadership is about more than guiding teams or managing day-to-day operations. It is about creating opportunities for impact, cascading that vision across an organization, and empowering others to do the same. For me, this has meant embracing not only the academic and clinical aspects of nursing education but also the business, philanthropic, and governance dimensions that strengthen our institutions and communities.
The first time I served on a board, at a Federally Qualified Health Center, I realized the unique perspective nurses bring. I was the only nurse in the room, and I saw immediately how my expertise shaped the conversation. Nurses understand patients, systems, and communities in ways that complement the perspectives of business leaders, policymakers, and philanthropists. Having a seat at the table revealed the influence nurses can have on decisions that affect health care access and delivery. It made me passionate about advocating for more nurses to step into board roles where their voices can guide strategy and drive change.
Philanthropy is another area where nurses, particularly those in leadership roles, can expand their impact. Too often, people shy away from fundraising because they think of it as asking for money. In reality, philanthropy is about enabling others to achieve their dreams and support causes they are passionate about. As a dean, I have seen how building strong philanthropic partnerships can transform programs, expand access, and create opportunities for underserved communities. It is not about the transaction. It is about aligning vision with resources to create meaningful change.
Of course, this requires understanding the financial side of education and health care. Nursing leaders must be comfortable with budgets, portfolios, and long-term sustainability. Finance is not separate from mission — it is what makes mission possible. When we approach finance, philanthropy, and governance as integral parts of leadership, we strengthen not only our institutions but also the communities we serve.
Nurses belong in these spaces. We bring expertise that is too often absent from boardrooms, fundraising conversations, and financial strategy sessions. By stepping into these roles, we change the narrative of what leadership in nursing looks like. We move from being implementers of care to being shapers of systems. And when nurses are recognized as leaders in these broader arenas, the ripple effects are profound — not just for our profession, but for the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
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