The First Meeting: Insights from a New Voice on the Board

By Laura Kincheloe, Ed.D., MSN, RN, NE-BC with Monica Jimenez, BSN, RN, CMSRN-BC

Last week the Texas Nurses Association (TNA) and Texas Nurses Foundation (TNF) Board of Directors (BOD) convened in-person at TNA headquarters to discuss all that has been accomplished in the last couple of years, as well as the exciting work ahead. For one board member, this experience was more than just fun: it was a “safe place.” Monica Jimenez, BSN, RN, CMSRN-BC, is serving in the role of TNA BOD Secretary for a two-year term and agreed to a short interview recapping her experiences during the board meeting.

Tell me a little bit about your nursing background.  

I received my associate degree in nursing from San Jacinto College and my bachelor’s degree in nursing from The University of Texas at Arlington. I am also nationally certified in Medical-Surgical nursing. I have worked at Houston Methodist Hospital for almost 20 years. Outside of that, I did journey into travel nursing for a short time in the summer of 2008 in Hawaii. I did a little PRN work for UT Galveston. I have worked with a diverse patient population throughout my career as a nurse. In my work I have had the opportunity to care for various dignitaries and politicians, including a past President, professional athletes, patients from foreign countries that came to the United States for treatment, and the economically disadvantaged.

You have just completed your first TNA board meeting as a member. What were your expectations regarding going into the in-person meeting and how did those expectations compare or contrast with your experience?

I really didn’t know what to expect. All my interactions with the office have been very professional so I knew the organization was on top of things. I watched all the orientation videos and thought to myself, these are current videos with up-to-date information. Bravo!

Something interesting to me was that TNA and TNF had a combined meeting, which turned out to be a great idea. We were able to meet each other, bounce ideas around, and get aligned in our priorities for the next year. It was so productive. I thought it was going to be very formal. It was actually a very comfortable and fun day.

By the end of the week, you could say I was blown away. The professionalism in which the meeting was conducted allowed open dialogue and constructive criticism.  I was totally impressed with the work the staff is doing. They wear many hats. They are so in tune with what is happening in the world of nursing.

How have your former experiences as a TNA member prepared you for board service?

I came to TNA several years ago. At first, I was just enjoying the content that TNA provided, so when there was a call for committees, I answered the call. First, I applied for the Government Affairs Committee, or GAC as we call it.  Fortunately, I was selected for the committee and served from 2021 to 2025. Through my GAC service I attended Nurse Day at the Capitol in 2023 and 2025. The GAC is where I learned just how impactful nurses can be in the legislative session and I’m thankful TNA provided that experience. Throughout my GAC service I met other like-minded nurses and TNA staff who motivated me to be a better nurse and give back to the profession.  After attending the conference and gala in June, I felt that my natural progression would be to run for a position on the board.

What was your greatest takeaway from your first in-person TNA Board meeting?

My greatest takeaway is that TNA is doing a lot of great work. The staff produces so many quality programs and educational content. TNA is not afraid to make moves and get noticed for doing the RIGHT thing!  I have served in various positions on other boards. For me, the first year has typically been a time to watch and learn, to observe how the board operates and interacts. However, with this experience I felt that I was able to participate in the conversation right from the start. I was comfortable and felt like it was a safe place.

After hearing about everything happening this fiscal year, what TNA events or programs are you looking forward to the most? 

I’m looking forward to my role as communications committee liaison! I’m energized and excited to continue to implement the strategic plan. I’m honored to be the new secretary, and eager to fulfill all those duties.

 What do you want our members to know about TNA?

I want our members to know that they are our priority! TNA is committed to nurses at all stages of their career.  There is something for everyone within TNA. I’m so happy I put myself out there to the members to get elected to this position. I’m so proud of the work TNA is doing. The addition of LVNs to TNA is just one of the forward-thinking ideas that make Texas a great state to work in as a nurse. I couldn’t have become part of the board at a better time since we have so much room for growth.