During National Nurse’s Week we are honoring military nurses on our website and through social media please join us by using hashtag #milnurse. Today, we are happy to recognize Irene Trowell-Harris, BPW Foundation Women Joining Forces Advisory Council Member, who has dedicated her life to this profession and to serving our country.
Helping Nurses Take a Leadership Role in Healthcare Policy Irene Trowell-Harris, R.N. Ed.D, served as Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Center for Women Veterans from 2001-13. During her military career, Dr. Trowell-Harris held numerous positions, including chief nurse executive, flight nurse examiner, commander, and advisor for nursing and readiness. As a long-time member of the American Nurse’s Foundation, she recently made a $100,000 gift to support the development of nurse leaders. The Irene Trowell-Harris Endowed Leadership Fund will support initiatives that give nurses a greater voice in influencing health care delivery and policy. “Investing in nurse leadership as a legacy is important to me for inspiring and educating future generations of nurse leaders to excel in the civilian, military and Federal sectors,” said Trowell-Harris. Her own successes in nursing have enabled her to be a national role model.