Devon Berry, Nursing Leader, On Commuting

Thinking about how an individual commutes is an important consideration for academic nursing leader Devon Berry, RN, PhD. Serving most recently as the Executive Associate Dean, Devon Berry believes that the necessity of commuting creates many opportunities for personalizing this aspect of  life in a manner that reflects one's individual tastes and commitments. Berry believes that there are at least three important considerations: Environmental, economic, and health. As a nurse and leader, Dr. Berry sees each of these areas as elements that touch on both his personal and professional life.

Berry understands that there are many different views on the importance of the environment and the direction it is moving. Regardless of one’s perspective, there is the opportunity to make decisions that reflect one’s own value set. As an academic Dean and nursing leader, Devon Berry works with people frequently to help clarify and align values with actions. He believes a simple question everyone can ask is, “Does this choice align with what I want to be true about the best version of myself?” Whether bicycle, car, train, or bus, we can all reflect on our answer to this question.

Berry believes that another important consideration is economics. He encourages people to do the simple calculations that will lead them to factual comparisons about the cost of their choices. Dr. Berry states that time, which has a real value, should be taken into account in these calculations. Even if one does not select the most efficient choice, they will have the piece of mind knowing they understand the opportunity cost associated with their decision. Finally, as a nurse, Devon Berry believes that taking health into account is an especially important consideration. Berry reflects that the long-term health consequences of sitting in a car for an hour versus walking for an hour are significant. Whenever possible, he believes that the opportunity for movement should be maximized. As a leader in academic nursing, Devon Berry hopes that all nurses and all commuters will take into account these three aspects of their commute.