Master's Degree Brings Transformative Change For Dallas Director Of Nursing
In her position as director of nursing for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at Parkland Health & Hospital System, Sobha Fuller leads and develops the nursing staff, integrates evidence-based clinical care, serves as a representative for hospital committees on quality and safety of care, collaborates on budget planning and rapid response resourcing during regulatory assessments and disasters.
Great leadership is paramount to success for Dallas' county hospital. With an average of 60 babies being born every day at Parkland, Fuller ensures that the development of pediatric quality metrics and data analysis serves to improve the population health of Dallas County's youngest residents.
Why did you pursue a master's degree?
"Having a culture of inquiry, I thirst for knowledge and professional development. As a nurse executive, I saw the importance of enhancing my executive leadership competencies to ensure my staff meet strategic goals. It was essential to expand my business acumen as well as demonstrating proficiency in quality improvement, patient safety, and change facilitation skills. Now, I have found myself leading at the speed of change and I am thankful every day that I chose to pursue a master's degree."
What would you tell someone who is considering returning to school to earn a master's degree?
"I would say, 'Go for it!' Lifelong learning is important to become the best person you can become. Earning a master's degree formalizes the transformation of change."
What was the biggest challenge you faced when pursuing your master's degree?
"The biggest challenge I faced was balancing my work, school and personal life. Going to school took time away from extracurricular activities and impeded on quality time with my family."
What was the biggest reward for earning the master's degree?
"Personal and professional growth is a great reward. Although, the biggest reward for me was modeling the way to my children that earning a master's degree is possible. It is important that I show them I am becoming the best and so can they."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com
