Team Hands in Stack

Community Launches “The VOICE of Nursing” Employee Resource Group to Elevate and Empower Nurses Across Indiana

At Community Health Network, exceptional care begins with exceptional nurses. Every day, our nurses bring skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication to patients and families across Indiana. To further strengthen this commitment, Community is proud to introduce The VOICE of Nursing Employee Resource Group (ERG) — a new, nurse‑led community created to support, connect, and amplify nursing professionals throughout the organization.

The name VOICE reflects the core values that define nursing at Community:
Visionary, Open‑minded, Inclusive, Connected, and Empowered.

These principles shape the ERG’s purpose: ensuring every nurse feels heard, supported, and empowered to influence the future of nursing practice.

A Community Built by Nurses, for Nurses

The group will focus on building connection, peer support, and shared learning while addressing key issues that matter to nurses today, including:

  • Workplace safety
  • Emotional and physical well‑being
  • Coping with patient loss
  • Work/life balance
  • Career development and mentorship
  • Leadership visibility and communication

“This group exists to support one another, advocate for what we need, and strengthen the culture of nursing at Community,” said co-chair Monica Richey, MBA-HM, BSN, RN, NE‑BC, Nursing Director at Community Heart and Vascular.

She leads the ERG alongside co-chair Dee Dee Snyder, MBA-HM, BSN, RN, RCIS, Director of Nursing in Cardiovascular Services at Community Howard. Together, they bring deep experience and passion for advancing nursing practice and creating meaningful connection among caregivers.

One of Several ERGs Supporting Community Caregivers

The VOICE of Nursing ERG joins a growing community of Employee Resource Groups at Community, each designed to help caregivers feel supported, valued, and connected. These groups foster belonging for employees who identify as differently‑abled, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Black providers, remote workers, and more.

Jerrilyn Dixon, Supervisor of Provider Relations and co-chair of BELONG (Building Empowered Leaders & Opportunities for Network Growth) — an ERG she created in March 2025 — sees the network-wide impact of these groups firsthand.

“In a network of more than 20,000 caregivers, connection can be challenging,” Dixon shared. “I wanted to create a space where people could come together across departments and roles to have meaningful, even vulnerable, conversations as they strive for personal and professional growth. Employee Resource Groups make that possible — they help every caregiver feel seen, valued, and supported.”

BELONG focuses on mentorship, professional development, and leadership-building — the same type of empowering community the VOICE of Nursing ERG now brings specifically to nurses.

Supporting a Stronger Nursing Future

The VOICE of Nursing ERG builds on the foundation of Community’s Black Nurses Salons, created during the COVID‑19 pandemic, by expanding opportunities for all nurses to share experiences, collaborate, and influence organizational priorities.

As executive sponsor, Marci Jones, MSN, MBA, RN, NE‑BC, VP of Oncology and Chief Nurse Executive, emphasizes the importance of partnership and listening.

“Exceptional Care. Simply Delivered. starts with nurses who feel heard, seen, and supported,” she said. “The VOICE of Nursing ERG strengthens our commitment to creating the best possible practice environment for every nurse at Community.”

Shaping the Future - Together

In the coming weeks, Community nurses will be invited to complete a brief survey designed to shape the group’s early priorities. Input from nurses will guide programming, events, resources, and initiatives that best meet their needs.

The group’s first event is planned for early spring, with ongoing opportunities for nurses to participate in discussions, share ideas, and build new professional connections.

Honoring the VOICE of Nursing

Every nurse brings a vital VOICE to Community:

  • Visionary in shaping the future of care
  • Open‑minded in embracing new ideas
  • Inclusive in uplifting colleagues and patients
  • Connected through shared experience
  • Empowered to lead, influence, and inspire

By uniting these strengths, The VOICE of Nursing ERG reinforces Community’s mission and advances its goal to remain “The Best Place to Practice Nursing in Indiana.”