Nakeisha Archer, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC, CNOR, CSSM

Candidate for President-Elect (One to be Elected)

Nakeisha M. Archer, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC, CNOR, CSSM, is the Director of Perioperative Services, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston. She earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Prairie View A&M University, Texas; a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, Houston, Texas; and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston.

Archer has been a perioperative nurse for 19 years and a member of AORN for 9 years. She is a member of

• AORN of Greater Houston (2013-present),
• the Ambulatory Surgery Specialty Assembly (2013-present),
• Perioperative Nursing Informatics Specialty Assembly (2013-present),
• the Pediatric Specialty Assembly (2013-present),
• the Leadership Specialty Assembly (2013-present), and
• the Sterile Processing/Supply Chain Management Specialty Assembly (2013-present).

Archer has attended Congress nine times in the past 10 years, eight times as a delegate.

Archer has received

• a Good Samaritan Bronze Award for Excellence in Nursing (2017-2020);
• Top Ladies of Distinction Award (2017);
• Perioperative Director of the Year, AORN of Greater Houston (2018);
• Woman of Excellence, Federation of Houston Professional Women (2018); and
• Excellence in Nursing Leadership, Prairie View A&M University (2022).

Highlights of Archer’s service to AORN include that she is

• Treasurer of AORN (2021-present);
• Board liaison to the Leadership Specialty Assembly (2022-present);
• chair of the Finance and Audit Committee (2020-present); and
• chair of the Board of Directors Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (2020-present).

She has been

• a member of the AORN Board of Directors (2019-2021),
• Board liaison to the Task Force to Define the Role of DNPs in Perioperative Services (2020-2021),
• president of AORN of Greater Houston (2016-2017),
• advisor to the Nominating Committee for AORN of Greater Houston (2017-2018),
• an author for Outpatient Surgery Magazine (2019-2021), and
• an author for the AORN Journal (2022).

In other leadership roles, Archer is

• a member of the Cardinal Perioperative Advisory Board (2018-present).

She has been

• an item writer and cut scorer for the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) Certified Surgical Services Management (CSSM) Exam (2018-2019);
• a speaker on change management at the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses Leadership Conference (2016); and
• a conference speaker for People First: Preparedness and Support During Crisis, Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership (TONL) (2019).

In her community, Archer is

• a member of the Word of Restoration International Church (2013-present).

She has been

• team nurse for the Fort Bend Youth Football League Sienna Stallions (2018-2019) and
• a presenter for Career Day at Channel View High School (2013-2022).

Election Statement

Health care has changed forever. Through immense focus, AORN continues as the premier organization providing steadfast support to members and the perioperative community. To remain the leader, we must do more to support members and perioperative nursing at large; differently. The microclimate reveals the imminent need for AORN to have influential leaders who are brave, innovative, collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and agile to make crucial decisions quickly. AORN needs a President-elect with a proven record of membership focus, fiscal responsibility, enthusiasm, transparency, and strategic effort; that leader is me.

My leadership style is built on heart and mind. My heart shines through my authentic relationships with nurse leaders at the bedside; understanding their personal and professional struggles, desires, and triumphs fuels my passion. Everything I do is directly in support of advancing nursing. My professional presence demonstrates efficiency in multimillion-dollar financial management, human resources, and strategic planning as a Perioperative Director. As your Treasurer during the most challenging time in history, gaining a deeper understanding and effective execution of Association finance have prepared me to be your President-elect. Members are undoubtedly AORN’s most essential asset. Knowing this, AORN requires a President-elect who fully understands financial health, business modeling, while balancing heart and mind to support membership benefits and strategically funding our mission. This ensures highly valued membership while keeping costs minimal.

Selecting the most qualified candidate who uses their holistic view to lead and vote in the Boardroom for what matters most to nurses and patients is critical to our organization's future. I am confident that my poise, leadership disposition, inclusiveness, character, detail orientation, financial strength, integrity, and clear and concise communication are irreplaceable assets to AORN’s Boardroom and members. These are the essential traits required to lead a dynamic Board.

These past two terms of invaluable experience serving as a Board member and your Treasurer have prepared me to be an influential, forward-thinking, and vibrant President-elect. I have collaborated on significant financial/operational decisions while leading through uncharted waters. Accompanied by my characteristics and ability to evaluate all aspects of a decision, I have equipped myself to serve you. At this pivotal time in health care history, AORN requires a well-rounded leader with consistent Board experience that can grab the torch without hesitation to continue propelling AORN forward. I am courageous, committed, dedicated, and prepared; it would be an honor to serve you and continue our mission as your President-elect.