As nursing professional development (NPD) evolves as a specialty practice, NPD practitioners constantly seek to enhance their knowledge and skills to ensure the best patient outcomes. Sharon Tucker, PhD, APRN-CNS, NC-BC, EBP-C, FNAP, FAAN, has aimed to do so throughout her career. With extensive experience in academia and clinical settings, Dr. Tucker shines light on the importance of health promotion, behavior change, and evidence-based practice (EBP) to improve patient outcomes. In this article, she shares her valuable perspective as she reflects on knowledge gained over the course of her experiences in varied roles supporting both patients and clinicians.

Can you share an overview of your role?

Dr. Sharon Tucker: For more than six years, I have served in a traditional academic role focused on studying, teaching, and practicing programs related to health promotion, disease prevention, mental health, behavior change, organizational change, and EBP. Specifically, I hold multiple positions at The Ohio State University's College of Nursing, including associate dean for health promotion and well-being, director of the Center for Wellness and Prevention, and director of the Implementation Science Core of the Helene Fuld Health Trust National EBP Institute for Nursing and Healthcare. Additionally, I have the privilege of serving as the Grayce Sills Endowed Professor of Psychiatric Mental Health.

Prior to my current academic role, I spent 15 years working in clinical settings such as the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC) in Iowa City, Iowa. In those positions, I served as a leader for EBP, research, and quality. My responsibilities included leading research initiatives aligned with the organizational strategic plan, mentoring staff nurses and other nurse leaders in EBP and research, facilitating evidence-based decision-making, and promoting quality care and outcomes.

How did your career journey lead you to where you are today? Why is this subject matter important to you?

ST: I began my career in the hospital system, specifically in the medical ICU at the prestigious Mayo Clinic. Witnessing the significance of health behaviors in disease prevention firsthand, I developed a deep interest in mental and behavioral health, community prevention interventions, and independent nursing roles. Motivated by these experiences, I pursued a master's degree and a PhD to expand my knowledge and skills in order to make a greater impact on health outcomes.

My dedication lies in facilitating behavior change and assisting individuals in making choices that align with their values, goals, needs, purpose, and available resources—a factor that is often overlooked. Recognizing the challenges individuals face in changing behaviors amidst chaotic lives and limited resources, I have developed expertise in change processes for individuals, clinicians, and organizations.

In terms of my professional qualifications, I am trained as an advanced practice registered nurse, specializing in adult psychiatric mental health (ANCC CNS). Additionally, I am a psychotherapist, integrative nurse coach, and an expert in motivational interviewing (MI). I engage in the practice, teaching, and research of MI, as it plays a crucial role in facilitating behavior change. Moreover, I have completed a certificate program to become a competent mindfulness/meditation teacher, as I believe being a good coach and nurse requires active listening skills and ongoing self-awareness.

Over the past 22 years, I have held various leadership positions, thriving in roles where I can contribute at senior decision-making tables, utilize evidence to guide decisions, prioritize self-care for all individuals, and promote mentoring and scholarship at the highest levels. These leadership opportunities have allowed me to make a significant impact within my field.

How do these roles complement your research and teaching in the field of psychiatric-mental health nursing?

ST: I strongly believe ongoing self-awareness is essential to being an effective practitioner, coach, and leader. Mindfulness and meditation practices play a vital role in cultivating this self-awareness, and I integrate the importance of these practices into my teaching and research.

Furthermore, I recognize the significance of humility in my roles. Being humble and demonstrating qualities such as grace, kindness, love, and self-awareness is crucial in effective role modeling and connecting with others. Maya Angelou beautifully encapsulates this sentiment when she said, "At the end of the day, people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel." By embodying these qualities, I strive to create an environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and understood.

Overall, my diverse roles enable me to bring a holistic perspective to my research and teaching in psychiatric-mental health nursing. By integrating mindfulness, self-awareness, and the values of humility and compassion, I aim to make a lasting positive impact on the well-being of individuals and the field as a whole.

How has your background been important to your work in behavioral health?

ST: Although I am not specifically trained as an NPD specialist, as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS), I played a significant role in educating staff, patients, and families. I collaborated with nurse educators and other health care professionals to promote research and evidence-based practice.

One of my mentees successfully pursued higher degrees and now holds a senior-level position as a nurse administrator. I have also served as the president of the local Rochester chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), advocating for mental health awareness and supporting research advancements. Through collaborations with the American Nurses Association (ANA), I’ve published papers addressing mental health and suicide among nurses and developed resources for the Healthy Nurses Healthy Nation website. One notable contribution was leading the development of a set of videos that guide healthcare professionals on how to engage with students or colleagues experiencing suicidal thoughts. Additionally, I led the development of a software program for mental health self-assessment and individualized tailored resources, set to be deployed soon. I also am certified to provide training in the National Mental Health First Aid program.

As the chair of the Practice Committee of the American Holistic Nurses Association, I advocate for holistic health and well-being. I have collaborated with the American Academy of Nursing on issues related to nurse well-being and fatigue. I have also been involved with the Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS), serving in various leadership roles and addressing financial challenges. Currently, I am president of the MNRS, working to overcome post-pandemic financial challenges and develop a strategic plan for advancing the conduct and implementation of nursing research with diverse scholars to improve population health and health equity into the future.

What are some unique challenges you have encountered in your work?

ST: Oh, so many! The biggest challenge I see is the nursing structure/model we still practice from, which makes nursing advancements very challenging given the focus of staff nurses' intense and complex work at the bedside, the staffing shortages that have arisen into crisis again, lack of time and support for nurses to do non-direct care that inspires and motivates change and research, and the dangers of nightshift work.

This is also influencing the recruitment of great potential nurses and retention in the workforce. It is very hard work and often undervalued and appreciated. Promoting self-care and self-growth is so difficult when you are constantly working extra shifts and mandated to work overtime, not granted vacations and time off, and working understaffed with an unsafe workload.

Leaders in nursing are also burning out. When there are good top-level leaders who value and prioritize EBP and well-being, there is greater motivation and satisfaction among nurses. Patients are also more satisfied, and care improves. There is a return on investment potential, but we can’t expect to keep practicing the same models and expect different results. That said, I am inspired by some innovative and committed leaders who are bringing about change by doing away with unnecessary and wasteful nursing tasks that include unutilized documentation. I am committed to this space and will keep partnering with other great leaders and nurses to find our way, and maybe even be reimbursed for nursing care in the future, rather than absorbed into hospital room charges.

What advice do you have for nursing professional development practitioners wishing to become involved in behavioral health?

ST: My first piece of advice is to discover and embrace your purpose. Take the time to reflect on why you are here on this earth, what your calling is, and what motivates you to get out of bed every day. Engage in introspection to develop your purpose statement by asking yourself important questions:

• Who are you when you are at your best?
• What three words describe your best self, or what three words do you want others to use when describing you?
• Where do you envision yourself in your career and life in the long run?
• What would you do if there were no obstacles in your path?
• What truly inspires you?
• Who or what holds the most significance in your life?

Investing time in understanding your purpose will provide clarity and guide your actions and decisions.

Additionally, I encourage you to explore the concepts of self-awareness and consider incorporating mindfulness or meditation practices into your life. Contrary to common misconceptions, mindfulness and meditation are not about emptying the mind; instead, they involve observing and acknowledging the present moment and learning to understand the narratives we create within ourselves. By cultivating self-awareness, we can be more present and relaxed.

Learn about the transformative power of gratitude and compassion, not only for others but also for yourself and the world around you. Practicing mental health and well-being is possible in any role, and it is essential to teach and role-model these practices to create a positive impact.

Finding your purpose, cultivating self-awareness, and embracing gratitude and compassion can greatly enrich your personal and professional life and give you sustainable tools to get through the difficult times. If you have a strong interest in immersing yourself in the field of mental health, I encourage you to seek out professionals like myself and pursue education and certification to enhance your career in this area.