Expertise: Healthcare and Nursing Executive Practice & Leadership

Ms. Donna Herrin-Griffith is a healthcare and nurse executive leader with over 30 years in the industry. She currently serves as 2009 President of the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), the professional association of over 6,400 registered nurses in executive and leadership practice, an elected position of service to the profession.

In addition to her faculty appointment, she has recently served as consultant to health systems across the US and in the Middle East. She also consults with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (Memphis, Tennessee) as Senior Advisor where she was formerly Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive. In this system there are 7 hospitals, consisting of 1800 beds and 4,000 nurses.

Teaching:

Ms. Herrin-Griffith teaches graduate students in leadership, resource management, health finance and health policy. Courses include:

• NUR 631 Resource Management in Health Systems
• NUR 632 Economic and Policy Implications for Leaders in Health Systems
• NUR 633 Applied Leadership in Health Systems
• NUR 634 Internship in Nursing Leadership
• NUR 639 Residency in Leadership II
• Psychiatric Alterations

Scholarly Activities:

Ms. Herrin-Griffith's professional accomplishments include the following:

• Ten years service on the editorial board of the peer review journal: The Journal of Nursing Administration
• Extensive list of publications in journals and one book chapter across many leadership topics
• Presentations on leadership topics to national and international audiences
• Academic appointments (in addition to her professorship at the UAH)
  • The University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, College of Nursing (Assistant Dean for Practice)
  • The University of Memphis (Executive MSN program)
• Professional service in several associations including the following:
  • The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
  • The American Nurses Association
  • The American Nurses Credentialing Center, Magnet Recognition Program
  • The American Hospital Association

Journal Publications:

• Thomas, J., Collins, A., Collins, D., Herrin, D., Dafferner, D., & Gabriel, J. (2008) "The Language of Business: A Key Nurse Executive Competency. Nursing Economics 26(2), 122-127.
• Thomas, J. & Herrin, D. (2008). "The RWJ Executive Nurse Fellows Program: A Model for Learning in an Executive MSN Program" (Part III of the Executive MSN Series). Journal of Nursing Administration. March.
• Thomas, J. & Herrin, D. (2008). "Executive MSN Program: Incorporating the 14 Forces of Magnetism " Part II of the Executive MSN Series). Journal of Nursing Administration. February.
• Thomas, J. & Herrin, D. (2008). "The Executive MSN Program: Using the American Organization of Nurse Executives' Nurse Executive Competencies as Foundation for Curriculum "(Part I of the Executive MSN Series). Journal of Nursing Administration. January.
• Herrin, D. & Spears, P. (2007). "Using Nurse Leader Development to Improve Nurse Retention and Patient Outcomes: A Framework". Nursing Administration Quarterly, 31 (3); pp 231-243.
• Prince, S. & Herrin, D. (2007). "The Role of Information Technology in Healthcare Communications, Efficiency and Patient Safety". Journal of Nursing Administration 37 (4), 184-187.
• Hasse-Herrick, K. & Herrin, D. (2007). "The AONE's Guiding Principles & AACN's Clinical Nurse Leader: A Lesson in Synergy". Journal of Nursing Administration 37 (2); pp 55- 60.
• Herrin,D., et al. (2006). "A Model Academic - Practice Partnership". Journal of Nursing Administration. 36(12), pp 547- 550.
• Herrin,D., et al. (2006). "Future Nursing Administration Graduate Curricula, Part 2." Journal of Nursing Administration,, 36 (11), pp 498-505.
• Herrin, D. (2004). "Shared Governance: A nurse executive's response". Online Journal in Nursing. January 31.
• Herrin, D. (2003). "Workforce Development: A Model for Organizations". In Healthy Work Environments: Lessons from the Field. American Organization of Nurse Executives. Chicago.
• Herrin, D. (2002). "Nurse to Patient Ratios Do Not Work". Nursing Leadership Forum, 6(4), 93-94.
• Herrin, D. & Reineck, C. (2002). "A Compendium of Innovative Leadership Projects: The American Organization of Nurse Executives' 2001 Poster Sessions". Journal of Applied Nursing Research.
• Nalle, M., Brown, M., & Herrin, D. (2001). "The Nursing Continuing Education Consortium: A Collaborative Model for Education and Practice". Nursing Administration Quarterly. (26)1.
• Herrin, D. (2001). "Nurse Manager Skill Tune-Up". Nursing Management. December.
• Herrin, D. (2001). "When Nurses Fear". Nursing Management. April.
• Herrin, D. (2001). "E-Learning: Directions for Nurses in Executive Practice". Journal of Nursing Administration. January.
• Herrin, D. (2000). "Patient Safety and Medical Error: What Nurses Need to Know". The Tennessee Nurse. The Tennessee Nurses Association. July.
• Herrin, D. (1999). "Commentary on Urden's The Impact of Organizational Climate on Nurse Satisfaction: Management Implications", Nursing Leadership Forum. Fall.
• Herrin, D. (1997). "21st Century Leadership: The New Nurse Manager". The ANA Centennial Series. (Audio Tape CE Study Program). American Nurses Association.
• Herrin, D. (1994). "Linking Management and Advanced Practice at the Department Level". Aspen's Advisor for Nurse Executives. August.
• Herrin, D. & Prince, S. (1994). "The New Nurse Manager: Partner in Managing Cost and Quality". Hospital Material Management Quarterly. Fall.
• Herrin, D. (1993). "The Core Curriculum for Advanced Nursing Management Practice" . Herrin & Associates.
• Herrin, D. (1990). "The Roles and Effective Utilization of Assistive Personnel in Health Care Organizations". Position Statement. American Nurses Association / Alabama State Nurses Association.

PRESENTATIONS

International

• "The AONE Nurse Manager Fellowship Program". The International Council of Nurses (ICN). Durbin, South Africa. Scheduled July 2009.
• "Nurse Executive Competencies". The International Council of Nurses (ICN). Durbin, South Africa. Scheduled July 2009.
• "Nursing Leadership: The Time is Now". The Middle Eastern Gulf States Nursing Leadership Summit. Doha, Qatar. Scheduled May 2009.
• "Innovative Care Model for New Academic Medical Canter". Sidra Medical & Research Center, Executive Team. November 2008.
• "Pillars of Excellence". Middle Eastern Gulf Region Nursing Leadership Invitational Program. Sidra Medical & Research Center. June 2008.
• "Planning for the Future: Developing an Organizational Workforce Strategic Plan". Canadian Long Term Care Association. National Meeting. May 2001.
• "Competencies: A Quality of Care Issue", The Puerto Rico Hospital Association and Puerto Rico Nurse Executive Association. September 1998.

National

• "Challenging Times Require Powerful Partnerships". American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2009 Spring Annual Meeting. Opening Session. Scheduled March 2008. Washington DC.
• "Nursing Leadership for the Future". National Student Nurses Association, Mid-Year. Leadership Luncheon. November 2008. Reno.
• "Issues Facing the Profession: Panel Discussion". National Student Nurses Association, Mid Year Conference. November 2008. Reno.
• "The Future of Collaborative Care". The Cerner Corporation Users Conference. October 2008. Kansas City.
• "Nurse Executive Competencies: Academic Perspectives". The University of Hawaii, Faculty Session. September 2008. Honolulu.
• "The AONE Nurse Executive Competencies". The Hawaii Organization of Nurse Executives Annual Meeting. September 2008. Honolulu.
• "Executive Nurse Competencies", Keynote Session. From Best Practices to Next Practices. QHR Leadership Sessions, June 2008, Brentwood, TN.
• "Exploring the Controversy of Nurse Executive Education: DNP, PhD, MBA, MHA, or MSN-Administration". April 2008. American Organization of Nurse Executives Annual Meeting. Seattle.
• "A Great Work Environment: The Key to Addressing Workforce Shortages". National Nurse Manager Update. April 2003. Las Vegas. (Session Attendance: 300).
• "Ready or Not: Key Factors in Achievement of Magnet Status". National Nurse Manager Update. April 2003. Las Vegas. (Session Attendance: 200).
• "Planning for the Future: Developing an Organizational Workforce Profile". Strategic Staffing Management Conference. April 2001. (Session Attendance 200).
• "An Executive's Guide to Internet Use for Nursing Professionals". American Organization of Nurse Executives, National Meeting. Intensive Session. March 2001.
• "Learning Pathways: Achievement of Orientation Cost and Quality Outcomes". American Organization of Nurse Executives, Poster Session. Nashville. March 2000.
• "Report of the AONE Study on Workforce". American Hospital Association - Regional Policy Board, March 1999. Atlanta.
• "21st Century Leadership: The New Nurse Manager". American Nurses Association, National Convention. June 1996. Washington DC (Attendance 1000).
• "Work Redesign, Restructuring, and Downsizing: Strategies for Nursing Professionals". AWHONN National Convention. Nashville TN. 1995 (150 Participants)
• "Tuning Up for 21st Century Leadership: The New Nurse Manager". AWHONN National Convention. (250 Participants)
• "The Perinatal Managed Care Project". Poster Presentation. Presented at the following: National Maternal-Child Health Convention. 1995. Sigma Theta Tau, Creative Caring in Nursing Practice Conference. 1995. AWHONN National Convention. 1995.
• "Collaborative Nursing Management: Excellence in Nursing Leadership". Presented at the following: American Organization of Nurse Executives, National Meeting. Poster Session. 1993. American Academy of Nursing, National Conference/Scientific Session. Poster Session. 1992. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Nurse Executive Council. 1992.

State (Alabama & Tennessee)

• "Best Practices: Community Collaborative - The Nursing Institute of the Mid South. The Tennessee Hospital Association. November 2007. Nashville.
• "Nursing Leadership and Nursing Excellence: A View from the Top". Keynote Session: Tennessee Leadership Institute for Nursing Excellence. The Tennessee Center for Nursing. September 2008.
• "CEO-CNO Panel: Nursing Shortage Perspectives". Tennessee Hospital Association Annual Meeting, November 2007.
• "Leading An Organization Toward Magnet". Tennessee Hospital Association Annual Meeting, September 2004.
• "The Nursing Workforce: Today's Concern-Tomorrow's Crisis". Coordinated Health Services' Workforce Summit for East Tennessee. Knoxville, 2001.
• "Nurse Manager Development: Core Curriculum". University of Tennessee Community Continuing Education Consortium. May-June 2001.
• "21st Century Nurse: Riding the Crest of Opportunity". East Tennessee Association of Critical Care Nurses. Knoxville. 2000.
• "Healthcare 2000: The Changing Landscape", Coordinated Health Services. Knoxville. 1998.
• "Nursing Leadership". Honor Society Induction. Carson-Newman College. 1998
• "Managed Care: Nursing Challenges", Panel. The University of Tennessee Continuing Education Program. 1997.
• "Nursing's Agenda for 2001". The Alabama Organization of Nurse Executives. 1996.
• "Acute Care Challenges". Panel Presentation. The Alabama League of Nursing. CE Program. 1996.
• "Managed Care: What Nurses Need to Know". Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA) CE Program. 1996. (400 Participants).
• "Work Redesign, Organizational Restructuring and Downsizing: Strategies for Nursing Professionals". ASNA CE Program, Plenary Speaker. 1995. (500 Participants).
• "Tuning Up for 21st Century Leadership: The New Nurse Manager". ASNA State Convention. 1994.
• "The Core Curriculum for Nurse Managers". Cosponsored with Mutual Assurance. 1993. (5 Days) Topic Areas:
  • Personal and Professional Development
  • Clinical Systems and Operations Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Environmental Management
  • Financial Management
• "Evaluation of Colleagues, Team and Self". AWHONN Alabama Leadership Conference. 1993.
• "Shared Governance: Empowering the Workplace". ASNA Ethics Conference. 1992.
• "Delegation". ASNA State Convention. Program Faculty. 1992.
• "Role Development of the Nurse Manager". Alabama Organization of Nurse Executives (AlaOne). 1992.
• "The Alabama Nurse Manager Study: Research and Implications". AlaOne Convention. 1992.
• "Collaborative Nursing Management: Excellence in Nursing Leadership". ASNA CE Program. 1992.
• "Collaborative Nursing Management: Excellence in Nursing Leadership". AlaOne Conference. 1991.
• "The Alabama Council of Nurse Managers". Birmingham Nurse Executives. 1991.
• "The Roles of Assistive Personnel in Perinatal Units". NAACOG Alabama Section Conference. 1990.

Regional

• "Using Nurse Leader Development to Improve Nurse Retention and Patient Outcomes". Innovations in Nursing Excellence, Sigma Theta Tau, Beta Phi Research Day. March 2008.
• "Making a Difference: Nursing Excellence". Country Cottage Nurse of the Year Program. October 2007. Huntsville.
• "The Leader in You". Sigma Theta Tau , Memphis. Induction Speaker. April 2004.
• "Nursing: The Face, The Hands, The Heart". Keynote speaker. West Tennessee Great 100 Nurse Week event. 2003.
• "The Nurse Reinvestment Act: Nursing Leadership Implications". Sigma Theta Tau. Memphis. 2002.
• "The Nursing Workforce: Today's Concern-tomorrow's Crisis". Sigma Theta Tau, Beta Phi Chapter. Huntsville, AL. 2001.
• "Challenges in Cultural Change: Implications for Patient Safety". Healthcare 21 Business Coalition. Knoxville, 2000.
• "Managed Care". UAH College of Nursing. CE Program. 1996.
• "Nursing Report Card Project: Quality and Safety of Nursing Care". Sigma Theta Tau Research Program. 1996.
• "Setting the Stage for Excellence: Participative Governance for Nursing Professionals". Creative Caring in Nursing Practice. Sigma Theta Tau Conference. 1995.
• "The Alabama Nurse Manager Study". The North Alabama Directors Council. 1993.
• "Topics in Nursing Leadership". UAH College of Nursing. 1993.
• "The Alabama Nurse Manager Study". Directors/Faculty Forum. 1993.
• "Research Report: The Alabama Nurse Manager Study". Sigma Theta Tau Research Forum. 1993.
• "Case Management". NAACOG Huntsville Chapter. 1992.
• "The Role of the Nurse Manager". (3 Sessions). 1992.
• "Case Management". North Alabama Critical Care Nurses Association. 1992.
• "Certification Forum". Program Faculty: OGN Updates. 1991.
• "Collaborative Nursing Management". North Alabama Educators Council. 1991.
• "The Evolving Role of the Nurse Manager". Presentation to Administrative Staff (CEO). 1991.
• "Financial Skills for Nurse Managers". CE Program Huntsville Hospital. 1991.
• "Mandatory CE: Taking the Responsibility Seriously". CE Program Huntsville Hospital. 1991.
• "Product Line Management". CE Program Huntsville Hospital. 1990.
• "Self Scheduling". Management Development Program. Huntsville Hospital. 1990.
• "Leadership and Empowerment for the 90's". North Alabama Directors Council. 1990.
• "Customer Service". Huntsville Hospital Care Program. Monthly 1990-91.
• "Leadership and Empowerment for Nurse Managers". Huntsville Hospital Leadership Development. 1990.
• "Staffing and Scheduling". UAH College of Nursing. 1990.
• "Women's Health Care Delivery Systems". Vanderbilt University. 1990.
• "The Role of the Nurse in a Decentralized Nursing Division". Perinatal Nursing CE Program. 1990.
• "The Nursing Shortage at the Local Level: Strategies for Coping". NAACOG Huntsville Chapter. 1988.
• "Family Centered Maternity Care". North Alabama Perinatal Outreach Center. Quarterly, 1986-90.
• "Teaching Expectant Parents". Huntsville Hospital CE Program. 1984-86.
• "Healthy Pregnancy". 8 week program. Huntsville City Schools and March of Dimes. 1985-86.
• "Computer Based Nursing Assessment". Huntsville Hospital CE Program. 1986.
• "Family Centered Maternity Care: Update". Huntsville Hospital CE Program. 1985.
• "Emergency Delivery". Huntsville Police Academy. 1985.
• "Brothers and Sisters To Be: Sibling Education". Program Faculty. Perinatal Perspectives. 1985.
• "Community Resources for Healthy Pregnancy". Future Homemakers of America, Regional Conference. 1985.
• "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome". Huntsville City Schools. 1984.
• "Regional Obstetric Services". Madison County Health Council. 1984.
• "North Alabama Perinatal Services". March of Dimes. 1984.
• "A.B.R.: An Alternative Birth Experience". Program Faculty. Perinatal Perspectives. 1983.
• "Intrapartum Fetal Monitoring". Calhoun Community College. 1980.
• "Emergency Delivery". UAH Paramedic Program. 1979.
• "Expanding Roles in Obstetric Nursing". Graduate Program, UAH. 1979.

Research Interest:

Research interests and funding in the following areas:

• Nurse Leader Development
• Resource Management
• Workforce Planning

Education and Certifications:

Ms. Herrin-Griffith's credentials include:

• Masters degree from Vanderbilt University
• Triple Board Certification:
  • Healthcare Executive and Fellow (FACHE) of the ACHE
  • Nurse Executive Advanced, Board Certified (NEA-BC) by the American Nurses Center
  • Certified Nurse in Executive Practice (CNEP) by the AONE

Awards:

• Vanderbilt University Alumni Award for Nursing Excellence 2009
• Tennessee Nurse's Association Award for Nursing Administration Excellence 2008
• "50 Women" of the Mid-South 2005
• Executive Nurse of Distinction Award, Tennessee Hospital Association, 2004
• American Organization Nurse Executives' Personal Growth Award, 2000
• Nursing Management "Mover & Shaker". Profiled July 2000.
• Quality Improvement Award, Huntsville Hospital, 1993
• Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing, Inducted 1989
• Ruth Camp Scholarship, Graduate Studies, 1990
• Federal Nurse Traineship, Graduate Studies, 1990
• The National Distinguished Registry in Nursing, 1988, American Nurses Association
• Who's Who in American Nursing, 1986-87, 1990-91, 1996-97
• Internship, March of Dimes, Medical University of South Carolina, 1987