THOT-member Parkland Health’s Dr. Karen Wright selected for critical role
The Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies Advisory Committee has selected Dr. Karen Wright, senior director of professional practice, nursing research, and clinical education at Parkland Health, to serve on the committee in the capacity of “Employer of Nurses.”
“Dr. Wright’s deep clinical, research and educational expertise and perspective will be invaluable for the advisory committee in its work to measure current and future nurse workforce supply and demand and make recommendations to grow and support our nurses,” said Maureen Milligan, PhD, CEO, Teaching Hospitals of Texas. “I’m confident the committee’s work and the other committee members will benefit greatly from Dr. Wright’s participation and insights particularly on the critical clinical perspectives of education and practice.”
The advisory committee serves as a steering committee for the Texas Center for Nursing and Workforce Studies (TCNWS) at the Department of State Health Services. The committee has 21 members, each of whom is a subject-matter expert in a different discipline, such as nursing and health care organizations, nurse employers, state agencies, nurse researchers, nurse educators, and one member of the public.
The advisory committee:
- Guides the accuracy of reporting data and research results
- Develops priorities and an operations plan for the TCNWS
- Provides policy recommendations to assure an adequate nursing workforce for Texas
- Identifies any issues concerning nursing professionals that need further study
Parkland Health has long been a leader in supporting its nursing workforce and identifying and deploying the strategies and tactics its nurses need to feel empowered and valued. Among these tactics are schedule autonomy, virtual nursing, mentorship, and nurse residency program for new nurses.
“The hallmark of Dr. Wright’s nursing career is her commitment to the professional practice of nursing and leading hospitals’ work to train, support, engage, and retain their nurses,” added Milligan. “She is an ideal clinical representative for the advisory committee.”
Dr. Wright also recently served on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s task force to address healthcare workforce shortages. She was one of 11 leaders from THOT-member hospitals who served on the committee, which issued its final report and recommendations in October.
Learn more about THOT’s work to build and support Texas’ nursing workforce here.
