The 10 Most Empowering Chief Nursing Officers of 2024

EDITOR’S LETTER

Leading the Compassion!

DearReaders,

Asthehealthcarelandscapecontinuestofacechallenges,includingstaffshortagesandtheintegrationofadvanced technologies,theleadershipofChiefNursingOfficers(CNOs)ismorecrucialthanever

Thecurrentnursingindustryscenariounderscorestheneedforempoweringandvisionaryleaderswhocannavigate complexhealthcareenvironmentsandadvocateforthenursingprofession.Withtheriseofhealthcaretechnology, CNOsareattheforefrontofimplementingnewsystemsandpracticesthatenhancepatientcareandimprove operationalefficiency.Theirabilitytoblendcompassionatecarewithtechnologicaladvancementsistransformingthe wayhealthcareisdelivered.

InthiseditionofGlobalHealthcareMagazine,weareproudtopresent “The 10 Most Empowering Chief Nursing Officers of 2024.” Theseexceptionalleadersaremakingasignificantimpactintheirorganizationsandthewider healthcarecommunity.Theyarechampionsofpatientcare,advocatesfortheirnursingteams,andinnovatorsinthe adoptionofnewtechnologies.

OurcoverstoryfeaturesBarbaraRevelette,ChiefNursingOfficeratSignatureHealthCare.Barbarahasnavigated throughdiversehealthcareenvironments,includingICUs,emergencyrooms,researchinstitutions,andlong-termcare facilities.Inallthesesettings,shehasfoundimmensefulfillmentinofferingcompassionatecare,especiallytothe elderly.Herextensiveexperienceanddedicationtonursinghavemadeheraformidableleaderwhoinspiresand empowersherteamtodeliverexceptionalcare.

TheprofilesinthiseditionalsohighlightotherdistinguishedCNOswhoareleadingwithvisionandintegrity.Gay Landstrom,SammieMosier,ShannonL.Pengel,andKathleenSanfordareamongtheempoweringleadersfeatured. EachoftheseCNOsbringsauniquesetofskillsandexperiences,contributingtotheadvancementofnursingpractices andthebettermentofpatientcare.

AswedelveintothestoriesandachievementsoftheseempoweringChiefNursingOfficers,weinviteourreadersto exploretheinnovativestrategiesandcompassionateleadershipthatareshapingthefutureofnursing.Thisedition celebratestheirremarkablecontributionsandthepositiveimpacttheyhaveonhealthcaredeliveryandthenursing profession.

HappyReading!

Parag Ahire Project Editor

MANAGING

GRAPHIC

Keypoints:

· BarbaraRevelette (RN,MSN),with over25yearsof experiencein clinicaland operational leadershiproles, advocatesthat compassionate careisthe cornerstoneof healthcare.

· Inspiredbythe birthofherfirst daughter, Barbara’spath evolvedwithan MSNandMBA, guidingher towardsleadership andeducational roleswithin nursing.

· AstheChief NursingOfficerat Signature,Barbara leadseffortsto providelong-term caretotheelderly andthose requiringextended medicaland rehabilitative services.

BarbaraRevelette(RN,MSN),withherdeep-rooteddesireto

helppeopleandacareerspanningover25yearsinclinicaland operationalleadershiproles,firmlybelievesinonething: compassionatecareformsthebedrockofhealthcare.

Herjourneybeganwithnursingatacommunitycollege,inspiredby thebirthofherfirstdaughter ThispathledhertoearnaMasterof ScienceinNursing(MSN)andaMasterofBusinessAdministration (MBA),steeringhertowardsleadershipandeducationwithinnursing.

Barbarahasnavigatedthroughdiversehealthcareenvironments, includingICUs,emergencyrooms,researchinstitutions,andlong-term carefacilities.Inallthesesettings,shehasfoundimmensefulfillment inofferingcompassionatecare,especiallytotheelderly

Now,astheChiefNursingOfficeratSignature,acomprehensive healthcareorganizationknownforitscommitmenttohigh-quality, personalizedcare,Barbaraleadsthechargeinprovidinglong-termcare totheelderlyandthoseinneedofextendedmedicalandrehabilitative services.

Recently,GlobalHealthcareMagazinehadaconversationwith Barbara.Sheemphasizedtheimportanceofempathyandcompassion inhealthcareandvoicedherbeliefinthepotentialofcontinuous educationandleadershipinnursingtoenhancepatientcareglobally.

GHM:WhenwasSignatureestablished?Whatarethecore specialtiesandservicesofferedbySignature?

Barbara:Signaturewasestablishedin2007.Itisacomprehensive healthcareorganizationknownforitscommitmenttoprovidinghighquality,personalizedcaretoitsresidents.Itsspecialtyliesinproviding long-termcaretotheelderlyandthoseinneedofextendedmedical andrehabilitativeservices.Theorganization’sapproachisbasedona resident-centeredphilosophy,ensuringthateveryaspectofcareis tailoredtotheindividualneedsandpreferencesofitsresidents.

AttheheartofSignature’smission,weaimtoenhancethequalityof lifeforourresidents.Weachievethisthroughablendofskilled nursingcare,rehabilitativeservices,andalivelycommunity environment.Westrivetofosterautonomyandindependenceamong ourresidents,providingthemwiththenecessarysupportandresources theyneedtomaintainasmuchself-sufficiencyaspossible.

AtSignature,weprioritizeaddressingsocialisolation,acommonissue amonglong-termcareresidents.Weincorporateavarietyof communityactivities,socialprograms,andtechnologicalsolutionsto helpresidentsstayconnectedwiththeirlovedones.Thisholistic approachensuresthateachresidentreceivesnotonlytherequired medicalcarebutalsoleadsafulfillinglifeinasupportivecommunity setting.

“

My hope is to continue to build on the meaningful relationships within our healthcare system and increase positive experiences, not only for our residents, families, and staff, but for our connective industry at large

GHM:BeingatthehelmofSignature,whatareyour prominentrolesandresponsibilities?

Barbara:AstheChiefNursingOfficer(CNO)forSignature,I overseenursingoperations,drivestrategicinitiatives,ensure compliancewithhealthcareregulations,andleadeffortsto enhanceresidentsatisfactionthrougharesident-centeredcare approach.

Myrolealsoinvolvesshapingthefutureofcaredeliveryto bettermeettheneedsofthoseweserve.AtSignature,we addressthepainpointsofourresidentsby,amongother things,promotingautonomyandindependence,combating socialisolationthroughcommunityactivities,andleveraging technologytokeepresidentsconnectedwiththeirfamiliesand friends.

GHM:Howdoyouempowerandsupportyournursesin theirprofessionaldevelopment?

Barbara:Stayingupdatedwiththelatestresearch,trends,and techniquesisvitalinhealthcare,andcontinuouseducationis thekey.Effectivecommunication,robustleadershipskills,and arobustnetworkareessentialtonavigatethecomplexitiesof healthcare.

Iadvocateforcontinuouseducationandtraining,promote opencommunication,andfacilitatementorshipprograms, pairinglessexperiencednurseswithseasonedprofessionals. Thisstrategyempowersnurses,enhancingtheirskillsand nurturingleadershipqualities.

Addressingnurseburnoutisalsoapriority;Icreatea supportiveworkenvironment,advocateformanageable workloads,andfosteracultureofprioritizingwork-life balance.

Moreover,ourfocusonpatient-centeredcareensuresthatthe well-beinganddignityofourpatientsremainattheforefront ofalldecision-making.Thisapproachleadstoimproved patientoutcomesandamotivatedteam.

GHM:Whatguidancewouldyouoffertoaspiringnursing leaderswhowishtofollowyourpath?

Barbara:Tothoseaspiringtoleadershipinnursing,Isuggest investingincontinuouseducationandgainingdiverse experiencesacrossvariousnursingspecialtiesandsettings.It’s crucialtodevelopstrongcommunicationandleadershipskills, nurtureemotionalintelligence,andbuildasolidnetworkfor effectiveleadership.

Moreover,don’toverlooktheimportanceofself-care andresilience.Thedemandsofnursingleadershipare significant,andmaintainingyourwell-beingisvitalto sustainyourleadershipeffectiveness.

GHM:Howdoyouachieveabalancebetweenyour professionalandpersonallife?Whatareyour interestsoutsideofwork?

Barbara:Achievingawork-lifebalance,especiallyas anurseleaderjugglingfamilyresponsibilitiesand personalinterestsliketravel,requirescarefulplanning andprioritization.Imaintainthisbalancebysetting clearboundariesbetweenmyworkandpersonallife, ensuringthatmyfamilyismyfocuswhenI’mat home.Trustingmyteamanddelegatingeffectively allowsmetostepbackfromwork,confidentthat operationswillrunsmoothlyinmyabsence.

Ialsomakeitapointtoscheduleregulartimefor travelandleisureactivitieswithmyfamily,which helpsusrejuvenateandstayconnected.Open communicationwithmyspouseaboutourschedules andneedsiscrucial,enablingustosupporteachother effectively.

Finally,Iprioritizeself-care,ensuringIsetasidetime foractivitiesIlove.Thiskeepsmeenergizedand motivated,bothatworkandathome.

GHM:Isthereanyadditionalinsightoradvice you’dliketosharewithourreaders?

Barbara:Theintegrationoftechnologyinlong-term careiscrucial.Utilizingelectronichealthrecords, telemedicine,andautomatedsystemshelpsstreamline tasksandimprovecareaccuracy,allowingnursesto focusmoreonresident-specificcare.

Thesetechnologicaladvancementsenhancecare deliveryefficiencyandmeetourresidents’unique needsbetter.Innovationandtechnologyare increasinglybecomingintegraltothefutureoflongtermcare.

Besides,nursesmustworkatthetopoftheirscope, utilizingtheirfullrangeofskillsandknowledge. Theseinnovationsnotonlyoptimizetheefficiencyof caredeliverybutalsoallownursestospendmoretime addressingeachresident’suniqueneeds,thereby improvingthequalityofcareandpatientoutcomes.

SeniorVicePresident& ChiefNursingOfficer

Trinity

Health

Transforming Healthcare Leadership with Excellence and Compassion

I

ntheever-evolvinglandscapeofhealthcare, visionaryleaderslikeDr.GayLandstrom(Senior VicePresidentandChiefNursingOfficer,Trinity Health)arenotsimplyshapingthefutureofpatient care,quality,andinnovation,theyareforgingapath thatprioritizesbothclinicalexcellenceand compassionatehumanconnection.

Dr.Landstrom’sjourneyfrombedsidenurseto esteemedexecutiveleaderexemplifiesdedication, resilience,andapassionforimprovinglives.Her experiencesonthefrontlinesofpatientcareinstilled inheradeepunderstandingoftheintricaciesofthe medicalfield,thechallengesfacedbyhealthcare providers,andtheprofoundimpactnursescanhave onpatientwell-being.

EarlyLifeandEducation:AFoundationfor Excellence

Dr.Landstrom’spathbeganwithadeepthirstfor knowledgeandaresolutedesiretoimprovethelives ofothers.HerPh.D.innursingfromtheprestigious UniversityofMichiganstandsasatestamenttoher unwaveringcommitmenttoadvancinghealthcare

throughresearchandeducation.Thisrigorous doctoralprogramhonedhercriticalthinkingskills, equippedhertoanalyzecomplexhealthcaredata,and positionedhertotranslateresearchfindingsinto practicalapplicationsthatcouldimprovepatient outcomes.

Hermaster’sdegreeinnursingadministrationfrom theUniversityofIllinoisatChicagofurtherequipped herwiththeskillsneededtonavigatethecomplexities ofmodernhealthcaresystems.Thismaster’sprogram providedherwithastrongfoundationinhealthcare leadership,finance,andhumanresources management,allessentialforcreatingathrivingand supportiveworkenvironmentfornursesandother healthcareprofessionals.

TrinityHealth:APlatformforTransformation

AstheSeniorVicePresidentandChiefNursing OfficeratTrinityHealth,Dr.Landstrom’simpactis undeniable.Herleadershiphasdemonstrably improvedpatientcarequalityandsafetyacrossthe organization’svastnetworkoffacilities.Throughher commitmenttoevidence-basedpracticeand

collaboration,Dr.Landstromhasfostereda cultureofcontinuousimprovement,wherebest practicesareimplementedconsistentlyand rigorously Thisfocusonqualityandsafetyhas ledtoameasurablereductioninmedicalerrors andasignificantimprovementinpatient outcomes.

ElevatingPatient-CenteredCare:Dr.Landstrom believesintreatingpatientsasindividuals,notjust medicalconditions.Herleadershipfostersa cultureofempathy,respect,anddignity. She encourageshealthcareproviderstoactivelylisten, understandeachpatient’suniqueneeds,andtailor careaccordingly

EmpoweringtheWorkforce:Thehealthcare industryfacesunprecedentedstaffingshortages. Dr.Landstromtacklesthischallengehead-onby advocatingfornursewell-being,professional development,andwork-lifebalance.Her initiativesnotonlyretaintalentednursesbutalso attractnewones.

EmbracingInnovation:Dr.Landstromrecognizes technologyasapowerfultoolforbettercare.She activelypromotestelehealth,dataanalytics,and AI-drivensolutions,ensuringTrinityHealth remainsattheforefrontofhealthcareinnovation.

ChallengesandTriumphs:ALeaderWho WeathersStorms

Dr.Landstrom’stenurehasn’tbeenwithoutits obstacles.Shehasnavigatedstaffingcrises, budgetconstraints,andever-changingregulations. Yet,herresilienceshinesthrough:

ConfrontingNurseShortages:Dr.Landstrom activelycollaborateswithnursingschools, professionalassociations,andpolicymakersto addressthecriticalshortageofnurses.Her advocacydirectlyinfluencesworkforcepolicies.

ElevatingthePatientExperience:Dr.Landstrom understandsthatexceptionalcareextendsbeyond medicaltreatment.Shechampionsinitiativesthat enhancepatientexperience,emphasizingclear communication,compassion,andcultural competence.

InvestinginFutureLeaders:Dr.Landstromisadedicated mentorwhonurturesemergingleaders.Herlegacy extendsbeyondherachievementstotheleadersshe inspires.

RecognitionandBeyond:ALegacyofInspiration

Dr.Landstrom’scommitmentandexpertisewere acknowledgedin2023withherinductionasafellowof theAmericanAcademyofNursing.Herjourney continues,impactingcountlesslivesandshaping healthcareforgenerationstocome.

Dr.GayLandstrom’sstoryisapowerfulreminderthat leadershipisn’tabouttitles;it’saboutwieldinginfluence, maintainingintegrity,anddemonstratinganunwavering commitmenttohealing.Aswecelebrateher achievements,let’salsohonorthecountlesspatientsand nurseswhoselivesshehastouched.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN LEADERSHIP

WhatisEmotionalIntelligencein Leadership?

Beforetryingtounderstandthetopic, considerthefivesituationsmentioned below

● NewHirecriesduring Performancereview

● StarEmployeequits

● Diverseopinionsofateam onprojectapproach

● Aclientyellsduringa meeting

Allfoursituationsrequirealeader’s attention.Notjustattention,they requirehim/hertoanalyzethe situationthoroughlyandthenreact.

Forinstance-Takethecaseofa secondsituationwhereastar employeehasquit.

Approach1

Imagineyourteamleaderblamingthe employeeandsaying “Is this how you repay us after all that we did for you?”. Howwouldyou,asathird person,feel?

Approach2

Ontheotherhand,imagineyourteam leadertryingtoresonatewiththe situationandsaying “I understand and accept your reasons. I wish you all the very best for your future”.

Reasoning

Asareader,whichapproachappealed toyou?Andifitisnumber2,then why?Itisbecause,inthesecond approach,theleaderwaspractically andemotionallyconsiderateor intelligent.Andsuchsituations requirenotjustpracticalitybuta higherlevelofunderstandingand trust.Alltheseemotionscontributeto

makingaleaderemotionally intelligent. Furthermore,oncealeaderis emotionallyintelligent,he/she automaticallybecomeslikableto his/hercolleagues,clients,etc.

Thiswasonlyabriefofmixing emotionalintelligenceinleadershipto giveabetteroutcome.Weaimto covertopicsrightfrom “What is emotional intelligence?”to “Can every leader be emotionally intelligent?”

WhatisEmotionalintelligence:EQ overIQ?

Theabilitytointerpret,demonstrate, perceive,evaluate,control,anduse emotionseffectivelyand constructivelytocommunicatewith andrelatetoothersiscalled “Emotional Intelligence”. (alsotermedasEIorEmotional QuotientEQ).

However,IQ,CognitiveIntelligence, orIntelligenceQuotientisthemeasure ofahumanbeing’sreasoningability AnIQtestdetermineshowapersonis mostlikelytoanswercertainquestions ormakedecisions.

But,thequestionremains,shoulda leaderbemoreemotionally intelligentorhaveahigherIQlevel?

ImagineyourselfastheCEOofatech startup.Youhavethetechnical abilitiesandanoutstandingvisionto developaproductfromscratch(your IQ).Yet,youstruggletounderstand yourteam’sanxietieswhenitcomes tomeetingprojectdeadlines.You dismisstheircreativeideasas “unrealistic”.Notonlythisbutyou alsostruggletocommunicatewith themeffectively.Thisultimatelyleads toadropinmorale,frustration,andin theend,failure.

Therefore,despitebeingequippedwitha highlevelofIQ,youfailedtosucceedas aleader Thismeansthatyourabilityto understandandmanageyourteam’s emotionsisthekeytoachievingsuccess andunlockingtheirfullpotential.

WhyisEmotionalIntelligencein Leadershipimportant?

Weunderstoodwhatisemotional intelligencewiththehelpofreal-life situations.Butwhyisitsoimportant? Whatistherolethatitplaysinthe smoothfunctioningofanorganization?

EmotionalIntelligenceinleadership helpsinenhancingthefollowing-

1. EffectiveCommunication:A leadermustbeableto communicateeffectivelywith his/herteammembers.By doingthishe/shecaneasilyput acrosstheproject’sgoal,vision, mission,andvalues.Moreover, itenableshim/hertoempathize andlistenactivelytopeers.This willonlybepossiblewhen he/shestriveshardtobecome emotionallyintelligent.For example-Researchconducted byapsychologist,Daniel Golemanbacksthisstatement. Accordingtothis,leaderswith higherEQscoresoutperform thosewithlowerEQscoresin variousaspects.Theseaspects includedecision-making, conflictresolution,andteam performance.

2. ConflictManagement:Allof uscanagreeonthefactthat conflictsareinevitableinany workplace.Maybeoverthe slightesttopiclikecominglate totheofficeorsomethingworkrelated.Butyoucannotavoid conflicts.However,asan effectiveandemotionally

Kathlee Sanfr

Driving Nursing Excellence at CommonSpirit Health

Intheever-evolvinglandscapeofhealthcare,visionaryleadersplaya pivotalrole.OnesuchluminaryisKathleenSanford,affectionately knownasKathySanford.Withover40yearsofexperience,shehasleft anindeliblemarkonnursingpracticeandpatientcare.AstheExecutive VicePresidentandChiefNursingOfficeratCommonSpiritHealth, Sanford’sjourneyisbothinspiringandimpactful.

EarlyLifeandDedication

Whilethespecificsofherearlyliferemainprivate,Sanford’s unwaveringcommitmenttohealthcarebeganearly.Herpassionfor nursingledhertoserveintheU.S.ArmyNurseCorps,wheresheheld keyroles.Thisformativeexperienceshapedherapproachtoleadership, emphasizingteamwork,resilience,andstrategicthinking.Sanford’s dedicationtopatientwell-beingbecamethecornerstoneofhercareer

NavigatingPandemicChallenges

DuringtheCovid-19pandemic,healthcaresystemsacrosstheglobe wereputtothetest,andKathleenSanfordemergedasakeyfigurein navigatingthesechallenges.Facedwithanoverwhelmingpatient overload,Sanfordandherteamwerecompelledtodevisecreative solutions,workingrelentlesslytooptimizebedutilization,efficiently allocatecriticalcareunits,andprioritizepatientsafety.

Concurrently,Sanfordplayedapivotalroleinadaptingcaremodels;she wasaproponentofinnovativeapproachesliketelehealthandvirtual consultations,whichwerecrucialinovercomingthebarriersimposedby socialdistancingmeasures.Heradaptabilitywasacornerstonein

ensuringthecontinuityofqualitycare.Moreover, Sanfordrecognizedtheimportanceofteamcollaboration duringthiscrisis.

Shefosteredanenvironmentofopencommunication, empathy,andmutualsupportamonghealthcare professionals,whichprovedinstrumentalinsustaining teammoraleandoptimizingpatientoutcomes.

AwardsandRecognition

KathleenSanford’sremarkablecontributionstonursing andhealthcareleadershiphavegarneredsignificant recognition.Notably,in2016,shewashonoredwiththe LifetimeAchievementAwardbytheAmerican OrganizationofNurseExecutives(AONE),atestament toheroutstandingleadershipandlastinginfluenceon nursingpractice.

Moreover,Sanford’sexpertiseextendsintotheliterary domain,whereshehasauthoredtwoinfluential managementbooks:“LeadingWithLove”and“Dyad LeadershipinHealthcare:WhenOnePlusOneisGreater ThanTwo.”Theseworkshighlightherprofoundinsights onleadership,underscoringtheimportanceof compassion,collaboration,andstrategicthinking,and haveresonatedwithleadersacrossvariousindustries.

EducationalBackground

KathleenSanford’seducationalbackgroundisa cornerstoneofherleadershipprowess.Initially,she earnedaBachelorofScienceinNursing(BSN)fromthe UniversityofMaryland,whichequippedherwith essentialclinicalskillsandadeepunderstandingof nursingpractice.Subsequently,shepursuedaMaster’s DegreeinHumanResourcesManagementfrom PepperdineUniversity,auniquecombinationthat preparedherforleadershiprolesrequiringa comprehensiveunderstandingofhealthcare organizations.

Furthermore,Sanfordexpandedherexpertiseby obtainingaMasterofBusinessAdministration(MBA) fromPacificLutheranUniversity,sharpeningher strategicthinking,financialacumen,andmanagement abilities.Finally,hercommitmenttolifelonglearning culminatedinaDoctorateinBusinessAdministration (DBA)fromNovaSoutheasternUniversity,whereher studiesfocusedonleadership,organizationalbehavior,

andhealthcaremanagement.This progressiveeducationaljourneyhas undoubtedlycontributedtoher remarkablecareerinhealthcare leadership.

StrategicVision

Sanfordbelievesnurseleadersmust bestrategicthinkers.Hervision encompasses:

● Innovation:Sanford encouragesnursesto embraceinnovation. Whetherit’sadoptingnew technologiesorrethinking caremodels,shechampions creativesolutionsthat enhancepatientoutcomes.

● Adaptability:The healthcarelandscapeevolves rapidly.Sanford’sstrategic agilityallowshertonavigate changeeffectively,ensuring CommonSpiritHealth remainsattheforefrontof patientcare.

● Patient-Centric Approaches:Sanford’s unwaveringfocuson patientsdrivesherdecisions. Sheadvocatesfor personalizedcare, emphasizingdignity, empathy,andholisticwellbeing.

KathleenSanford’slegacyextends beyondtitlesandaccolades.Her leadershipinspiresnursesworldwide, remindingusthatexcellencein healthcarebeginswith compassionate,strategicleadership. Aswelooktothefuture,Sanford’s visioncontinuestoshapethe landscapeofnursingpractice,leaving anindeliblemarkonpatientcare.

How to Unleash the Power of

PSYCHOLOGICALLY SAFE WORKPLACE A PSYCHOLOGICALLY SAFE WORKPLACE

Apsychologicallysafeworkplaceisatermthathasgained

significantattentioninrecentyearsduetoitscrucialrole infosteringemployeewell-being,productivity,and overallorganizationalsuccess.Itreferstoaworkenvironment whereindividualsfeelcomfortableandsecureenoughtoexpress theirthoughts,ideas,andconcernswithoutfearofjudgment, reprisal,ornegativeconsequences.Suchaworkplacecultivatesa cultureoftrust,respect,andopencommunication,allowing employeestobringtheirauthenticselvestoworkandcollaborate effectively.Itssignificanceintoday’sprofessionallandscapeand thebenefitsitcanbringtoemployeesandorganizations.

psychologicalsafetywere50%more likelytoreportfeelinghappyintheir workenvironment.Furthermore,they were45%lesslikelytoreportburnout.

● Findingsfromasurveyconductedbythe WorldEconomicForumin2020indicated thatorganizationswithhighlevelsof psychologicalsafetywere2.5timesmore likelytoreporttheachievementoftheir businessobjectives.

WhatisaPsychologicallySafeWorkplace?

Itisthebeliefthatindividualswon’tbepunishedorhumiliated forspeakingupwithideas,questions,concerns,ormistakes.It fostersanenvironmentwherepeoplecanbrainstorm,voicehalffinishedthoughts,challengethestatusquo,andworkthrough disagreements.Whenpresentintheworkplace,psychological safetyallowsindividualstobringtheirauthenticselves,leading tobettercollaborationandinnovation.

Asperthestudy,nearly300leadersover2.5yearsrevealedthat teamswithhighpsychologicalsafetyreportedhigher performancelevelsandlowerinterpersonalconflicts.Particularly forseniorleadershipteams,thereweresignificantdifferencesin perceivedlevelsofpsychologicalsafety,with62%ofteams demonstratingvariability Thisvariabilityhinderstheexpression ofinnovativeideas,limitsproblem-solving,andpreventsteams fromreachingtheirfullpotential.

Whyisitimportant?

Apsychologicallysafeworkplaceisessentialforefficientand effectivebusinessoperations.Withoutit,employeeswon’ttrust theiremployer,negativelyimpactingtheentireorganization. Encouragingopencommunicationandpsychologicalsafety includesvaluingwork-lifebalancethatmakesemployeesfeel secure.Encouragingauthenticityandprioritizingthe organization’swell-beingcanleadtolong-termsuccessas employeesbecomemoreinvestedinitssuccess.

● Accordingtoasurveyconductedin2018bythe HarvardBusinessReview,organizationscharacterized byelevatedlevelsofpsychologicalsafetyexhibiteda 1.7-foldincreaseinemployeeengagementanda1.4-fold increaseinemployeeproductivitycomparedto organizationswithlowlevelsofpsychologicalsafety

● In2019,theUniversityofPennsylvaniaconducteda studythatdiscoveredemployeeswhoexperienced

● Furthermore,astudyconductedin2021 bytheUniversityofCalifornia,Berkeley, revealedthatemployeeswhofelt psychologicallysafewere57%more inclinedtoremainwiththeirorganization foratleastthreeyears.

6SignsYourWorkplaceIsPsychologically Unsafe

Ifyouareuncertainwhetheryourworkplaceis providingapsychologicallysafeenvironment, therearesomewarningsignsyoushouldbeaware of:

1. Peopledon’tfeelcomfortabletaking risksormakingmistakes.

● AstudybyGooglefoundthatteamswith ahighlevelofpsychologicalsafetywere 1.5timesmorelikelytobeinnovative.

● AnotherstudybytheUniversityof Pennsylvaniafoundthatemployeeswho feltsafetakingriskswerelikeliertobe engagedintheirworkandreportedhigher jobsatisfaction.

2. Employeesrefrainfromspeakingupor sharingideas.

● AsurveybyWorkplaceOptionsfound that65%ofemployeesareafraidtospeak upatwork.

● AnothersurveybytheSocietyfor HumanResourceManagementfound that40%ofemployeeshaveleftajob becauseofalackofcommunication.

3. There’salotofgossipandbackstabbing.

● AstudybytheUniversityofCalifornia,Berkeley foundthatgossipcanleadtodecreased productivity,increasedstress,andevenhealth problems.

● AnotherstudybytheUniversityofMichiganfound thatemployeesexposedtogossiparemorelikely toexperienceanxietyanddepression.

4. There’salotofturnovers.

● ASocietyforHumanResourceManagementstudy foundthattheaveragecostofreplacingan employeeis1.5timestheirannualsalary

● AnotherstudybytheAberdeenGroupfoundthat companieswithhighturnoverratesare2.5times morelikelytoexperiencefinanciallosses.

5. Employeesarestressedandanxious.

● AstudybytheAmericanPsychological Associationfoundthat70%ofemployeesreport feelingstressedatwork.

● AnotherNationalInstituteforOccupationalSafety andHealthstudyfoundthatwork-relatedstresscan leadtovarioushealthproblems,includingheart disease,highbloodpressure,anddepression.

6. Employeesarelessproductive.

● AstudybytheUniversityofWarwickfoundthat happyemployeesare12%moreproductivethan unhappyemployees.

● AnotherstudybytheUniversityofCalifornia, Berkeleyfoundthatemployeeswhofeelsupported atworkaremorelikelytobeengagedintheirwork andtobeproductive.

HowtoCreateaPsychologicallySafeWorkplace?

Ifyoususpectthatyourorganizationmaynotmeetthe criteriaforbeingapsychologicallysafeworkplaceforyour employees,andyouareinterestedinenhancingthisaspect butuncertainaboutthenecessarystepsorinitiativesto undertake,thefollowingrecommendationspresentsix

effectivestrategiesforfosteringpsychologicalsafetywithin yourorganization’sworkingenvironment:

● Setclearexpectationsandgoals:Whenemployees knowtheirexpectations,theyaremorelikelytofeel confidentandsafetakingrisks.Accordingtoastudy bytheHarvardBusinessReview,teamswithclear goalsare2.5timesmorelikelytoachievetheir objectives.

● Provideregularfeedback:Providingemployees withconstructiveandsupportivefeedbackcanhelp themlearnanddevelopwhilefosteringasenseof psychologicalsafetyintheworkplace.Astudyby Gallupfoundthatemployeeswhoreceiveregular feedbackare30%morelikelytobeengagedintheir work.

● Createacultureoftrustandrespect:Acultureof trustandrespectisessentialforpsychologicalsafety. Whenemployeestrusttheircolleaguesand managers,theyaremorecomfortabletakingrisks andsharingtheirideas.ASocietyforHuman ResourceManagementstudyfoundthatemployees whoworkinatrustingenvironmentare70%more likelytobeengaged.

● Celebratesuccesses:Celebratingtheachievements ofemployeespromotesafeelingofaccomplishment andbelonging.Boostingmoraleandmaking employeesfeelvaluedcanhaveapositiveimpact.A studybytheUniversityofWarwickfoundthat employeeswhoworkinapositiveandsupportive environmentare12%moreproductive.

● Offeropportunitiesforgrowthanddevelopment: Employeesaremorelikelytofeelengagedand motivatedwhentheyfeelliketheyareconstantly learningandgrowing.AstudybytheWorld EconomicForumfoundthat94%ofemployers believethatupskillingandreskillingtheiremployees isessentialforfuturesuccess.

● Listentoemployeeconcerns:Whenemployeesfeel heardandaddressed,theyaremorelikelytofeel valuedandrespected.AstudybytheAmerican PsychologicalAssociationfoundthatemployees whofeelthattheirconcernsareheardandaddressed are3.5timesmorelikelytobeengagedintheir work.

HowisitBeneficial?

Notonlydoespsychologicalsafetyimproveyourteam’s performance,butitalsoenhancesemployeeengagement. Whenteammembersfeelthattheirinsightsareappreciated they:

● Theyfeellikearespectedpartoftheirteam.

● Seethevalueoftheirwork.

● Feelacceptedforwhotheyareandtheunique strengthstheybring.

Onceemployeesfeelsecurewithintheworkenvironment youprovideasaleader,theywillalignthemselveswithyour missionandbecomefullycommittedmembersofyour organization.Improvingthequalityofservicesofferedto clientswillelevateyourbusinessandestablishitasa successfulventurewithanotablemarketpresence.Thisisa significantsteptowardssuccess.Thedegreetowhich employeesfeelsecureisdirectlyproportionaltothegrowth andstabilityofyourbusiness.

Conclusion

Inconclusion,apsychologicallysafeworkplacepromotes trust,opencommunication,andinclusivity,increasing productivityandoverallorganizationalsuccess.By prioritizingemployees’emotionalwell-being,organizations createanenvironmentwhereindividualscanfreelyexpress themselvesandcontributewithoutfearofjudgmentor reprisal.Psychologicalsafetyempowersemployeesand fostersapositiveworkculturethatattractsandretainstop talent.

FAQ’s

1. HowcanIdealwithapsychologicallyunfit workplace?

Itisimportanttorememberthatyouarenotalone.Many peoplehaveexperiencedapsychologicallyunsafe workplace.Ifyouareinthissituation,resourcesare availabletohelpyou.Youcantalktoatherapist,alawyer, oralaborunion.Manywebsitesandorganizationsoffer supporttopeoplewhoaredealingwithpsychologically unsafeworkplaces.

2. Whatarethechallengesofcreatinga psychologicallysafeworkplace?

Thereareseveralchallengestocreatingapsychologically safeworkplace.Someofthemostcommonchallenges include:

● Lackoftrustandrespect.

● Acultureofsilence.

● Afocusonblameandpunishment.

● Aneedfordiversityandinclusion.

● Atoxicworkculture.

3. Whatisoneofthelargestbenefitsofa psychologicallyhealthyworkplace?

Oneofthelargestbenefitsofapsychologicallyhealthy workplaceisincreasedemployeewell-being.When employeesfeelsafe,supported,andrespectedatwork,they arelikeliertoreportfeelinghappy,healthy,andfulfilled. Thiscanleadtoadecreaseinstress,absenteeism,and healthcarecosts.

SeniorVicePresident& ChiefNursingExecutive, HCA Healthcare

Sammie Mosier

Inthebustlingcorridorsofhealthcareinstitutions,

nursingleadersplayapivotalroleinshapingpatient care,fosteringexcellence,anddrivingtransformative change.OnesuchtrailblazerisSammieMosier,BSN, (SeniorVicePresidentandChiefNursingExecutive, HCA Healthcare),whosesteadfastcommitmentto nursingpracticehasleftanindeliblemarkontheindustry

EarlyBeginningsandCareerTrajectory

Sammie’sjourneycommencedatthebedside—aplace wherecompassionmeetsclinicalexpertise.AsamedicalsurgicalbedsidenurseatFrankfortRegionalMedical Center,shewitnessedfirsthandthechallengesand triumphsofpatientcare.Littledidsheknowthatthis humblebeginningwouldpropelherintoleadershiproles thatwouldredefinenursingpractice.

ChallengesFacedbyNursingLeaders

Leadinganursingworkforceofover90,000professionals isnosmallfeat.SammieMosiernavigatesalandscape fraughtwithchallenges:

● NationalStaffingCrisis:Thepersistentnursing shortagestrainshealthcaresystemsnationwide. Sammieadvocatesforinnovativerecruitment strategies,retentionprograms,andnursewellbeinginitiatives.

● PandemicImpact:TheCOVID-19pandemic testedhealthcareresilience.Nursesfaced unprecedenteddemands,emotionalstress,and physicalexhaustion.Sammie'sleadership ensuredthatnurseshadtheresourcesandsupport neededtocareforpatientswhilesafeguarding theirownwell-being.

● BurnoutPrevention:Highburnoutratesamong nursesnecessitateproactivemeasures.Sammie championswork-lifebalance,mentalhealth awareness,andpeersupportnetworks.

InnovationsandAwards

SammieMosier’slegacyextendsbeyondadministrative titles.Herimpactreverberatesthroughtangibleinitiatives:

UnitofDistinctionAwards:Sammiespearheadedthe UnitofDistinctionprogramatHCAHealthcare.This annualrecognitioncelebratesoutstandingnursingunits.

Unitsachievingexcellenceinpatientoutcomes, teamwork,andinnovationreceivethisprestigious honor

CorporateResourceCouncil:Inspiredbyaprogram called“AWalkinYourWorld,”Sammiechampioned thecreationofacorporateresourcecouncil.This multidisciplinarycouncilensuresthatnurseshavethe necessarytools,supplies,andsupporttoprovide exceptionalcare.

NursingAdvocacyAgenda:Sammie’svisionextends beyonddailyoperations.Sheadvocatesfornursingas aprofession.Heragendaincludesprofessional development,leadershippathways,andelevatingthe nursingvoiceinorganizationaldecisions.

JaneEnglebright’sLegacy

SammieMosierstepsintotheshoesofJane Englebright,Ph.D.,whoretiresafternearly30years withHCAHealthcare.Jane’simpactisimmeasurable:

1. FirstChiefNurseExecutive:Janeblazed trailsasHCAHealthcare’sfirstChiefNurse Executivein2007.Hervisiontransformed nursingpractice,emphasizingevidencebasedcareandinterdisciplinary collaboration.

2. CentersforClinicalAdvancement:Jane’s legacyincludestheestablishmentofCenters forClinicalAdvancementwithinHCA Healthcare.Thesecentersfosterprofessional growth,education,andclinicalexcellence fornurses.

3. GlobalInfluence:Asthefirstnursetochair TheJointCommission,Jane’sinfluence transcendsorganizationalboundaries.Her commitmenttopatientsafetyandquality resonatesworldwide.

ContinuingtheLegacy

SammieMosier’sleadershipensuresthatnursing remainsabeaconofcompassionandexcellence.Her journeyinspiresnursestoembracechallenges, advocatefiercely,andelevatepatientcare.Aswe celebrateherachievements,wehonorthecountless livestouchedbyherunwaveringdedication.

10 Activities to frame your Self-esteem and think positive about yourself

AsMariaRobinsononcesaid,“Nobody can go

back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Similarly,everybodycanhaveanewbeginningintheir livesbyimprovingtheconfidenceintheirabilities,i.e. self-esteem.Yourself-esteemisdirectlyproportionalto theamountofhappinessandstressmanagementinyour life.Thewayyoufeelaboutyourselfhaslasting impactsonyourpersonalandprofessionallife.Inthis blog,webring10activitiestoframeyourself-esteem andthinkpositivelyaboutyourself.

1.SayNotoyourInnerCritic

Inordertobringself-improvementandbecomea perfectionist,youtendtocriticizeyourselfsubstantially Youhavetomakeyourself-talkpositivesothatyou willstopself-criticizingandstartappreciatingyourself. Youhavetobeawareofyourthoughtsandsay‘NO’ wheneveranynegativethoughtpopsupinyourhead.It canspuryoutogettheacceptanceofyourlifeandyou willendupbeingkindtoyourself.

2.BuildHealthyRelationships

Therelationshipsyouvalueinyourlifestartdefining yourself-esteemindirectly,consideringthosearethe importantpeopleyouspendtimewith.Ifyouare noticingtoxicrelationshipswithpeople,thenultimately youwillendupfeelingbadaboutyourself.Ontheother hand,healthyrelationshipswillassistyouingrowing throughcompanionship.Theywillhelpyoutomaintain apositiveoutlookandletgooffeelingsofdepression, anxiety,andanger.

3.StopComparingyourselfwithothers

Nobodyiscompletelyaccomplishedandyouarenot alwaysmeanttobeone.Whenyoustartcomparing yourselfwithothers,youtendtoputyourselfdownand believeothersareanidealist.However,thegrassis greenerontheothersideandyoumightbeunawareof theweakersideofothers.Insteadofcomparison,you canidentifyyourtalentandstartworkingonyour strengthsandweaknesses.Thiswillbuildyour confidenceandmakeyouadignifiedperson.

4.TrysomeAffirmations

Youcanstartyourdaywithsomepositiveaffirmations suchasI’mahappysoul,I’mbecomingabetterperson everyday,mylifeisfineandI’menjoyingitwell,etc. Thiswillboostyourconfidenceandmakeyoufeel

enthusiasticforrestoftheday.Itwillputyouinselfcompassionatemodeandbringyourmindsetata balancedlevel. Makealistofsuchaffirmationsand injectthemintoyourself-talktoimproviseyourselfesteem.

5.WorkonyourPhysicalandMentalHealth

“Exercising creates empowerment both physically and mentally,” saysDebbieMandel,authorofAddictedto Stress.Youmighthaveexperiencedthedirectcorrelation betweenbeinghealthyandhavingabettermindset.This canbecontinuedforeverifyouworkonphysicaland mentalhealthregularly.Forthatmatter,takeoutsome timefromyourbusyroutineforexercisingdailyand includemeditationandyogainittoraiseyourmoralefor thesakeofhealthylife.

6.DifferentiatebetweenyourCircumstancesandwho youare

Recognizingtheinnerworthandlovingone’simperfect selfarethefoundationstonesforimprovingyourselfworth.Ifyouunderstandyouarenotinthesituationyou arefacing,thenyouwillbeabletoidentifyhowfailureor successcan’taffectyourcorevaluesystem.Withthehelp ofthis,youwillstartbuildingyourself-image,youwill startknowingyourselfinabetterwayandthenothers’ opinionswon’taffectyouthatmuch.Youwillberesilient towhatpeoplethinkaboutyou.

7.TrytonoticeGoodThingsaroundyou

Insteadofgoofingaroundinthepastandfuture,youneed tobemindfultonoticegoodthingsaroundyou.Celebrate yoursuccess,askyourcloseoneswhytheyloveyouor whattheylikeaboutyou,andacceptthecompliments. Thesesmallthingswillrejuvenateyouandraiseyour self-assurance.Whenyoustartnoticinggoodthings aroundyou,gratitudecomesinthewayandselfderogatorythoughtswilljustflyintheairasiftheydon’t exist!

8.LearntobecomeAssertive

Learninghowtobeassertivewillescalateyourselfesteem.Assertivenessisaskillthathelpsyoustandupfor yourrightswhilerespectingtherightsofotherpeople. Assertivepeopleknowhowtoexpresstheirfeelings appropriately;theyarecapableofbeingauthenticwhenit comestooffensivebehaviorfromanotherperson. Assertivenessaidsyoutobecomesocializedinabetter wayandbuildingasatisfactoryenvironmentaroundyou.

9.Readmorebooks

Bookslendyouahandtobelesshardonyourself.Youwillreadallkindsoffictionalornon-fictionalstuffinthebookand authorswilltellyouhowtheywereabletolearnfromtheirmistakesandmoveonfromheartbreaks.Youwillrealizehow smallwereyourproblemsandhowbigthislifecouldbe.

10.Challengeyourselfindifficultsituations

Identifywhatscaresyou,whatmakesyoufeeluncomfortableandunder-confident,orwhatperceivesyoutogetupset.These bearingsareyourrealinnerchallenges.Onceyouconquerthesehardships,youwillseehowyourbetterversioniswaitingfor youontheotherside.Thisactivitywillputyouintotheprocessofdiscoveringyourselfandyouwillenduplovingyourself moreandmore!

WayForward

Intheend,youneedtounderstandhowvastthisuniverseisandyouareheretoenjoyyourlifethewayyouprefer.Youhave toforgetthepastandforgiveyourselfforwhatwentwrong.Infact,whenyouwilldiscoverhoweverythinghappenedfora reasonandthat’showlifegoeson,yourmistakeswillbethelifelessonsforyou.Theaforementioned10activitieswillboost

ShannonL. Pengel

Intherealmofhealthcare,nursingleadersholdthekey

totransformingpatientcareandfosteringinnovation. ShannonL.Pengel,MSN,RN,NE-BC,epitomizes suchleadership.AstheChiefNursingOfficer(CNO)for ClevelandClinic’smaincampus,sheoverseesnursing activitiesandoperationsacrossthissprawling165-acre site,hometoapproximately1,400hospitalbedsandover 100operatingrooms.

ACareerBuiltonExpertiseandDedication

ShannonPengel’sjourneywithClevelandClinicbegan overtwodecadesagoin1997,whenshejoinedasastaff nurseinthecardiothoracicstep-downunit.Herclinical expertiseincardiothoracicsurgery,rapidresponse, transplantation,andinterventionalcardiologypavedthe wayforherrisetoleadershippositions.By2011,Pengel hadascendedtodirector-levelroles,demonstratingher capacityforleadershipandherunwaveringcommitment topatientcare.

Priortohercurrentrole,PengelservedastheAssociate ChiefNursingOfficerforthemaincampusandasClinical NursingDirectoratboththeAnesthesiologyInstituteand theMillerFamilyHeartandVascularInstitute.Thelatter, globallyrecognizedforitsexcellenceincardiovascular

care,boasts312cardiacstep-downbeds,140intensive carebeds,andstate-of-the-artcardiaccatheterizationand electrophysiologylabs.Pengel’sstrategicoversight extendedtorapidresponseteamsandtelemedicineareas, includingtheCentralMonitoringUnitandeHospital.

RisingtotheChallenge:PandemicLeadership

TheonsetoftheCOVID-19pandemictestedhealthcare systemsworldwide.ShannonPengelsteppedupasthe ChiefNursingOfficerforClevelandClinic’sHope Hospital,a1,006-bedpandemicsurgefacilityestablished inlessthanamonth.Underherleadership,clinical workflows,safetyprocedures,andoperationalguidelines wereswiftlydeveloped,ensuringthefacilitywasprepared tomanagethesurgeinpatients.

NavigatingChallengeswithStrategicVision

LeadingnursingoperationsatClevelandClinic’smain campusisnosmallfeat,especiallyamidnationaland globalchallenges:

● NationalStaffingCrisis:Thepersistentnursing shortagepresentsasignificantchallengeacross thehealthcaresector.ShannonPengeladvocates

forinnovativerecruitmentstrategies,retentionprograms,and initiativestoenhancenursewell-being,addressingthis criticalissuehead-on.

● PandemicResponse:DuringtheCOVID-19 pandemic,Shannon’sleadershipatHopeHospital exemplifiedherabilitytomanagecrisissituations. Herstrategicoversightensuredthefacilitywas equippedtohandletheinfluxofpatients, maintaininghighstandardsofcareandsafety.

HonorsandRecognition

ShannonPengel’scontributionstonursingandpatientcare havebeenrecognizedwithnumerousawards,including:

● NurseoftheYear–MariaandSamMiller ProfessionalExcellenceAward,ClevelandClinic, 2015

● AbbiePorterLeadershipNursingExcellence Award,ClevelandClinic,2015

● Sones-FavaloraAwardforNursingCollaboration, ClevelandClinicHeart&VascularInstitute,2015

● ExcellenceinVolunteerism,UnitedWayofSummit County,2011

ShapingtheFutureofNursing

ShannonPengel’sleadershipcontinuestoshapenursing practiceandpatientcareatClevelandClinic.Herdedication toinnovation,patientsafety,andnurseadvocacyensuresthat ClevelandClinicremainsattheforefrontofhealthcare excellence.Pengel’sjourneyfromasmall-towngirltoa leaderatoneoftheworld’smostprestigioushealthcare institutionsisatestamenttoherpassionforhealthcareand herunwaveringcommitmenttoexcellence.

ShannonPengel’sstoryisoneofrelentlessdedicationand visionaryleadership.Herstrategicoversight,especially duringtheCOVID-19crisis,highlightshercapacitytolead withcompassionandprecision.Asshenavigatesthe challengesoftoday’shealthcarelandscape,Pengel’s influenceensuresthatClevelandClinic’snursingstaffis well-equippedtodeliverexceptionalcare,embodyingthe clinic’scommitmenttohealthcareinnovationandexcellence.