Robin Geiger, DNP, MSN, APRN, NP-C, FNP-BC, NEA-BC, is an accomplished, results-driven, board-certified nurse executive with over 20 years of hands-on clinical leadership experience. Dr. Geiger’s professional focus is on health equity and clinician advocacy. Through the ACT (Advocacy, Career, Tools) program for all clinicians within the Ingenovis Health brands, Dr. Geiger aims to increase resilience for healthcare providers, improve quality care, and create solid support systems. With a long-standing history of assembling impactful and forward-thinking teams emphasizing improving healthcare quality and increasing patient safety, Dr. Geiger’s vast experience includes accreditation and developing policies to support foundational programs through assessment and data analysis.
She previously served as associate dean of academic affairs for the National University School of Health Professions and focused on strategic planning, clinical program development, and academic operations.
Dr. Geiger is an important nursing leader, and Minority Nurse is pleased to profile her as part of the Champions of Nursing Diversity Series. The series highlights healthcare leaders who are prominent figures in their organizations and are making transformational impacts in nursing.
Meet Dr. Robin Geiger, senior vice president of clinician advocacy of Ingenovis Health.
Talk about your role in nursing.
As senior vice president of clinician advocacy for Ingenovis Health, I’m pleased to lead our ACT program, which is focused on clinician well-being, resilience, and support. I hold board certification as a nurse executive advanced (NEA-BC) and chair our Chief Nurse Advisory Board, an interdisciplinary advisory group focused on creating solutions for current frontline clinician challenges.
I support the nursing community as much as possible. I serve as an editor-in-chief for a medical publishing company, focusing on nurse practitioner certification and nursing ethics. I also remain current in clinical experience as a board-certified family nurse practitioner (FNP) and cofounder of an NP-owned concierge practice in North Florida.
How long have you worked in the nursing field?
I’m surprised to say that I have been working in this field for more than 23 years!
Why did you become a nurse?
My interest in nursing peaked at an early age. I would hear stories about my grandmother, who was a nurse midwife, stories of how she helped others heal, and stories of the need that would always exist for people to receive healthcare. I would stare at her nursing picture, in which she wore a white dress and cap. She was my earliest influence in nursing; she looked like me and was someone I could relate to.
I started with the goal of becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA). I wanted to handle the humble and respectful connection of bedside care. I immediately loved it! It was important to me to be there for some nursing home patients with little to no family and support them in accomplishing daily tasks. I knew I could grow in nursing and pushed myself to do more.
What are the most important attributes of today’s nursing leaders?
Today’s critical attributes for nurse leaders should incorporate an empathetic, resourceful, and advocacy approach. Considering the social climate when engaging new and existing nurses is essential. External factors to keep in the forefront include mental health and bandwidth, which stem from work-life balance, something I like to refer to as a “work-life blend” when assigning and delivering care and being supportive means including flexible options for staffing that align with a nurse’s history and respect for years of service, as well as physical, social, and emotional support.
What does being a nursing leader mean to you, and what are you most proud of?
Being a nurse leader means factoring in previous personal experiences of my own and those around me. An excellent example would be the formation of Ingenovis Health’s interdisciplinary Chief Nurse Advisory Board (CNAB). Solid decisions involve a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare strategy and design. Multidisciplinary teams provide a more global lens of how decisions impact all, from the social worker to the clinician and all the people who serve the patient.
I am proud to give back to the community by cofounding a concierge health clinic for the under-served population, creating MSN and DNP programs that consider the working nurse, and developing a clinician well-being program to encourage improved work-life blend and foster resilience – the ACT program.
Tell us about your career path and how you ascended to that role.
I’ve touched almost every area of nursing through lived experience, either as faculty, clinician, or leader. My life in nursing began first as an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse, followed by staffing various ICUs, ER, and OR at a level-one trauma hospital. I became a family nurse practitioner in multiple areas, including as an RN, first assisting in plastics, orthopedics, and general surgery. I have always mentored nurses along the way, and opportunities to serve as lead faculty, director, and associate dean in academia provided me ample opportunity to do so. I received my most impactful leadership training at the Veterans Health Administration. My career has included national leadership roles as VP of clinical care at a non-profit organization and later as co-owner/ CEO of a concierge clinic. My current role as senior vice president of clinician advocacy for Ingenovis Health allows me to combine my previous experience to support all clinicians – I enjoy what I do!
What is the most significant challenge facing nursing today?
Recognizing the importance of self-care is always challenging for nurses. I’m also guilty of this from time to time. Nurses are natural givers, and we often neglect the importance of reflecting on challenges, trauma, and the losses we experience. We provide our best care when we reflect on our experiences and learn from them. Covid was challenging, but we didn’t experience initial trauma and burnout with the pandemic. Nurses are strong – we have constantly been challenged. I’m glad we are now focusing on better health for the nurse, something we have needed for quite some time.
As a nursing leader, how are you working to overcome this challenge?
I’m working daily to be an example of incorporating self-care and eliminating stress. Ingenovis Health supports the ability to grow support and enhance the lives of frontline clinicians through the ACT program. I’m proud to lead this program, which is focused on providing a voice of advocacy, career pathing/ support, and tools to foster better mental and physical health. I think of the program as an ongoing conditioning and strengthening program to ensure our clinicians are prepared to lend their best selves to caring in various areas within healthcare.
What nursing leader inspires you the most and why?
Dr. Hollier is one of the many nursing leaders that inspires me. I found her certification guidelines and manuals amazingly insightful and well-written from a practical point of view. She inspires my entrepreneurial spirit to create better ways of accomplishing milestones and mentoring others to greatness.
What inspirational message would you like to share with the next generation of nurses?
We are all capable of more. You’ll receive a new challenge when you think you’re comfortable and have it figured out. Grow from each challenge by adding it to your toolbox. You’ll soon have a nice box of tools/experiences to reach for and share with other nurses.
Allowing yourself to grow through mentorship will open ideas and create lifelong connections you didn’t know you needed. Participate in shared governance and nursing associations to strengthen the profession and lend your voice and support.
Finally, consider that one day, we will all become patients. You are influencing the future care for your family and yourself. Thinking this way is powerful; this forward-thinking always leads to positive and motivating actions.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
There’s a personal quote I often use, “Everything revolves around the need to receive and deliver education.” This doesn’t apply to academia as it might seem but to life in general. Nurses are lifelong learners. We don’t teach emotional and social learning in every education program, but to continue shaping this profession, we must learn how and when to share our stories to inspire others. Editors Note: This month, Minority Nurse proudly shines a spotlight on the significance of DEI in nursing and honors the remarkable Champions of Nursing Diversity. These individuals are not just leaders but beacons of inspiration, guiding us toward a more diverse and inclusive future in healthcare. In 2023, we introduced the Champion of Diversity series, showcasing healthcare leaders driving positive change within their organizations and the nursing profession. In this edition, we applaud the top three profiles from this series. Nursing Diversity Champions embody a steadfast dedication to diversity and inclusion within accredited nursing programs and healthcare facilities throughout the United States. We commend their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to these vital initiatives. Moving forward, we must not just prioritize, but champion DEI in nursing. This is not merely a call to action but a shared responsibility, a commitment to shape a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system for all. Let us not become complacent, but rather, let us be the catalysts for change.
Cara Lunsford is the VP of Community at Nurse.com, fostering a community where nurses can find peer support, allies, professional opportunities, resources, and education. She’s also the host of Nurse.com’s NurseDot Podcast and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting a variety of voices within the nursing industry while also speaking to her personal experiences as an RN and founder of HOLLIBLU, a social networking app exclusively for nurses (acquired by Nurse.com in 2022).
Lunsford is an important nursing leader, and Minority Nurse is pleased to profile her as part of the Champions of Nursing Diversity Series. The series highlights healthcare leaders who are prominent figures in their organizations and are making transformational impacts in nursing.
Meet Cara Lunsford, RN, CPHON, VP of Community at Nurse.com.
Talk about your role in nursing.
Beginning my career in pediatric oncology, I witnessed firsthand the effects such a stressful job can have on a nurse. I observed my peers experience burnout and abuse daily. I heard their stories of adversity, trauma, and hope and joy. With my fellow nurses at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), we started the first Supportive Care Committee to ensure nurses had an environment available to help cope with job stress. However, there remained a greater need for resources like this committee at every hospital and for nurses throughout healthcare sectors to improve retention and recruiting.
Realizing the broader need for a safe and supportive community and the potential technology had to solve this issue, I had the idea to found HOLLIBLU, the first social media network for nurses. The app was designed to provide peer support, professional advice, and connections with other nurses. In 2022, HOLLIBLU was acquired by Nurse.com, where I was brought on as vice president of the community to oversee the Nurse.com app platform.
To continue amplifying voices within the nursing community, we launched the NurseDot Podcast late last year. I sit down with my nursing peers to discuss their stories, industry trends, and professional growth advice.
How long have you worked in the nursing field?
I have been in nursing for over 15 years, working in the acute setting as a pediatric oncology, home health, and home infusion nurse. Throughout the past five years, I have used my clinical knowledge as a registered nurse (RN) to take on an entrepreneurial role, delivering technology solutions to my fellow nurses to help with everyday challenges. Most recently, I have been using my voice and platform in the nursing space to elevate other nurses, fostering a supportive community for nurses of all specialties and settings.
Why did you become a nurse?
I started my career as a nurse in pediatric oncology back in 2008 at CHLA. Before that, I worked as an American Sign Language interpreter at Cal State Northridge, where I discovered my interest in oncology. For two consecutive semesters, I interpreted the Biology of Cancer class, and as I was listening and interpreting, I became more interested in oncology and the nursing profession in general. Ultimately, I was so intrigued that I was motivated to embark on a career in nursing. From there, I went to Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health, where I received an Associate of Science degree and became an RN.
What are the most important attributes of today’s nursing leaders?
Successful nurses and nursing leaders are empathetic, drawing from personal experiences and truly listening to others from different backgrounds. Having navigated the healthcare system as a queer family put me in the patient’s shoes rather than the clinician’s, with which I was very familiar. My wife and I had a child with two HIV+ gay men, and we all continue to co-parent together. To have our son, we had to meet with multiple IVF clinics and experienced professionals who were either unfamiliar with our family situation or had stigmas around HIV and LGBTQIA+ healthcare issues. I understand what it is like to be rejected from care because of the stigma around your sexuality and hurtful preconceived notions. As a queer nurse, I need to share my experiences with patients and fellow nurses to create a better care environment for everyone and foster the best possible results for all patients, regardless of background.
With this experience as a patient, I can relate to the struggles my patients are going through. Similarly, as a nursing leader, I understand the struggles of my peers. This knowledge allowed me to create an app to support nurses best and care for their needs. To care for patients you do not know, sometimes nurses must put their own mental health and personal life on the back burner, requiring nurses to be extremely caring and understanding. While this means caring for patients of all backgrounds, it also means putting yourself in their shoes.
What does being a nursing leader mean to you, and what are you most proud of?
It’s important to acknowledge that nurse leadership brings tremendous responsibility. Nurses have faced unprecedented challenges in the past few years, resulting in a staffing crisis. The solutions nurses seek will require that people across healthcare get aligned on the reasons behind this crisis. Nurse leaders are being called to use their voices and platforms to ensure these messages reach the decision-makers within this industry. I had spent most of my career being the squeaky wheel, speaking up even when it was unpopular. I have taken huge personal and professional risks to create a safe space for nurses and bring awareness to their challenges. But with risk came great reward. Nurse.com believed in my mission and vision. In March 2022, they acquired my company, brought our small but mighty team into the Nurse.com family, and are helping us to continue our mission of providing a vibrant community where nurses thrive.
Tell us about your career path and how you ascended to that role.
After years of nursing and founding HOLLIBLU, I was drawn to Nurse.com given its 30+ year legacy. The biggest thing that pushed me to collaborate with the company was its mission, which completely aligned with mine. Nurse.com aims to improve the lives of the most vulnerable members of society and those who care for them. As a nurse, this resonated with me deeply. It is a company I wanted to associate myself with and help build toward this mission by including the app I was so passionate about creating.
What is the most significant challenge facing nursing today?
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the broader public became abruptly aware of nurses’ important role in the healthcare system and their daily challenges. In this post-pandemic world, with severe nursing shortages putting increased pressure on healthcare staff, nurse burnout and professional stress are incredibly high, not to mention the grief and trauma that comes from caring for patients.
As a nursing leader, how are you working to overcome this challenge?
Nurses need resources and support to equip them with the skills to deliver better care. The last few years have proven that nursing is one of our society’s most demanding and crucial jobs, so we must do something about it. It is vital to provide nurses with adequate resources and a supportive community to deal with burnout and improve their mental health. Nurses need accessible and practical training to help them advance in their careers and targeted job postings to help them find the best roles that fit their interests and experience. At Nurse.com, we put nurses’ needs first, providing them with a community of peers, reading materials, continuing education courses, and the ability to take control of their career paths.
What nursing leader inspires you the most and why?
A few nurse leaders come to mind, but I would start with Rebecca Love. Rebecca has been working to empower and elevate the nurse profession, whether it’s through grassroots initiatives, like founding the non-profit SONSIEL (Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Educators, and Leaders) or giving TED Talks about how nurses can drive healthcare innovation. Most recently, Rebecca has set her sights on a significant issue: the insurance reimbursement of nursing services. The Commission for Nurse Reimbursement explores the history of how the rates of nursing services were once set by the nurses themselves and how changes made over 100 years ago have resulted in nurses now being a cost instead of a benefit to hospitals.
What inspirational message would you like to share with the next generation of nurses?
Nursing is a marathon and not a sprint. If you want to work in this profession for decades, it is important to prioritize your personal needs, practice professional boundaries, and know when to say “no” or “not right now.” Remember that you are human first. Practicing awareness will help you identify when to change, so don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone and try something new.
Editors Note: This month, Minority Nurse proudly shines a spotlight on the significance of DEI in nursing and honors the remarkable Champions of Nursing Diversity. These individuals are not just leaders but beacons of inspiration, guiding us toward a more diverse and inclusive future in healthcare. In 2023, we introduced the Champion of Diversity series, showcasing healthcare leaders driving positive change within their organizations and the nursing profession. In this edition, we applaud the top three profiles from this series. Nursing Diversity Champions embody a steadfast dedication to diversity and inclusion within accredited nursing programs and healthcare facilities throughout the United States. We commend their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to these vital initiatives. Moving forward, we must not just prioritize, but champion DEI in nursing. This is not merely a call to action but a shared responsibility, a commitment to shape a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system for all. Let us not become complacent, but rather, let us be the catalysts for change.
Blake Lynch, aka Nurse Blake, loves caring for and helping patients and caring for and helping fellow nurses. As a popular nursing influencer, internationally touring comedian, healthcare advocate, and keynote speaker, Nurse Blake uses humor to bring nurses together. Working in trauma centers around the country, Nurse Blake started posting original comedy videos aimed at his profession to cope with the stress of his nursing job. His lighthearted videos connect with nurses, nursing students, and healthcare workers worldwide, and he entertains almost 4M followers on social media while lifting healthcare workers across the globe.
But Nurse Blake is about more than comedy.
He always wanted to be a nurse. He started working in healthcare as a patient transporter at age 17 and graduated with a BSN from UCF in Orlando, Florida, in 2014.
Advocacy has always been a part of Nurse Blake’s life. During nursing school, he was the President of the Florida Nursing Student Association, and in 2013, he started Banned4Life to end the permanent FDA gay blood ban. This ultimately contributed to the lifetime ban being lifted in 2015.
Now, Nurse Blake uses his online content and comedy shows to advocate for underpaid healthcare workers.
He’s also the creator of NurseCon at Sea, one of the largest and most popular nursing conferences; creator of the NurseCon App, which provides free continuing nursing education courses; and author of the #1 best-selling children’s book “I Want To Be A Nurse When I Grow Up.” In the book, Blake learns that to be just like the nurse from his favorite TV medical drama, that it won’t be easy, but if he puts his mind to it, he can become a great nurse.
Nurse Blake is an important nursing leader, and Minority Nurse is pleased to profile him as part of the Champions of Nursing Diversity Series. The series highlights healthcare leaders who are prominent figures in their organizations and are making transformational impacts in nursing.
Meet Nurse Blake, a nurse, creator, internationally touring comedian, healthcare advocate, and keynote speaker.
How long have you worked in the nursing field?
I’ve been a nurse for nine years now. I stepped away in early spring 2021.
Why did you become a nurse?
I knew a hot hospice nurse caring for my grandfather, and I’m like, ‘He’s a hot nurse. I want to be a hot nurse.’ (Nurse Blake jokes).
My dad’s a respiratory therapist. He’s worked on the night shift for over 30 years. Growing up, he would tell me the coolest stories about him caring for others. I think that’s what inspired me. I haven’t considered any other profession. I was in the healthcare academy in high school. When I graduated that summer, I was doing prereqs. So, it was a no-brainer for me.
Do you miss being a bedside nurse and getting more content for your shows?
Yes. To some extent, people may call me crazy, but I miss the camaraderie of working in that team environment and patient interactions.
I stay up-to-date with all the evidence-based stuff and what’s going on. I get a lot of feedback from nurses who watch my videos, and we get their stories and stuff. Based on my time as a nurse, I have stories for years and years to come because so much can happen in a 12-hour shift, right? Like so many stories and things that can happen in 12 hours, I’ve had that experience multiplied by a few years, so I have endless content.
What are the most important attributes of today’s nursing leaders?
Equality and inclusiveness. Nursing leaders ensure their staff and their patients are safe. Many leaders care about making the higher-ups happy or just looking at a certain number instead of really caring. It’s truly caring about the patients and their staff. I tell nursing leaders that you should treat your staff the same way you want your staff to treat patients. The lack of bedside staff nurses in those leadership roles is the problem. That’s the huge disconnect.
What does being a nursing leader mean to you, and what are you most proud of?
It would be NurseCon at Sea, the nursing conference I have on a cruise ship. Seeing the nurses have their best lives and feel so safe and just let loose, to having nursing students who are 20 dancing on the dance floor in crazy costumes with a 70-year-old retired nurse. That’s what makes NurseCon at Sea so special. And that’s what makes me the most proud.
What is it like to watch NurseCon at Sea grow to become one of the largest nursing conferences?
It’s cool to see that community grow and thrive. I provide the ship. We have education, but the participants make NurseCon at Sea the feel and vibe that it is.
What is the most significant challenge facing nursing today?
Staffing, staffing, staffing is the number one issue and affects nurses and patients at the end of the day. But it makes me so happy to see nurses going on strike. And record numbers like they are. Big hospital systems are striking like they haven’t seen it in decades.
As a nursing leader, how are you working to overcome this challenge?
It’s just giving them a venue and a community to let loose and forget about the stresses of their job. I tell nurses all the time you’re not going to be perfect. You’re not going to get it all done within 12 hours. You’re not going to do it. Just try to be the best nurse you can be. Knowing you won’t accomplish it all, do your best for your patients.
What nursing leader inspires you the most and why?
It was one of my professors. It was Professor Angela Renton. She was one of my professors in health assessment. I remember how she made me feel to this day. She would start every class and come in and say “Hello, future nurses.” And just by saying “hHello, future nurses,” made us realize we will get through it. And that one day we’re going to be nurses, and that she sees as not being lower than her. We’re all in this learning process together on a learning journey. So she’s someone I think about all the time. She made me feel just so warm and so safe with her. I try to take that energy and feeling into my show and NurseCon at Sea. How do I make people feel? How does the show make people feel? How do the people on this cruise feel?
What do nurses tell you after seeing one of your comedy shows?
That I’ve been following them with a hidden camera because we all go through the same thing. They’re not alone. Some nurses say I considered leaving the profession because I’m so stressed out, and they just really needed this night. What’s so cool about my shows is nurses come in party buses. So they come in groups of like 30 and 40. They make t-shirts and posters, and the energy is unbelievable and wild. And again, even at my shows, you have the younger and more experienced nurses of all ages and backgrounds coming together. And that is just, like, so cool. So I think it’s just relatability. I’m telling my stories, how they happened in my life and my years as a nurse, and seeing what others went through is my most common feedback. Like we’re all missing a bladder scanner. Like we’ve all had the patient that’s pulled their Flexi-Seal™ out.
What inspirational message would you like to share with the next generation of nurses?
Know you have a voice. If there’s ever something you’re passionate about and want to change, do it, because if you don’t, who will?
Editors Note: This month, Minority Nurse proudly shines a spotlight on the significance of DEI in nursing and honors the remarkable Champions of Nursing Diversity. These individuals are not just leaders but beacons of inspiration, guiding us toward a more diverse and inclusive future in healthcare. In 2023, we introduced the Champion of Diversity series, showcasing healthcare leaders driving positive change within their organizations and the nursing profession. In this edition, we applaud the top three profiles from this series. Nursing Diversity Champions embody a steadfast dedication to diversity and inclusion within accredited nursing programs and healthcare facilities throughout the United States. We commend their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to these vital initiatives. Moving forward, we must not just prioritize, but champion DEI in nursing. This is not merely a call to action but a shared responsibility, a commitment to shape a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system for all. Let us not become complacent, but rather, let us be the catalysts for change.
Elaina Hall, DNP(c), MSN, RN, MBA, NEA-BC, FACHE, is the chief quality officer of SnapCare, formerly SnapNurse, and an experienced healthcare executive in the areas of healthcare system operations, performance improvement, nursing practice, and leadership consulting. Hall’s passion is consistently delivering the ‘best and brightest’ for SnapCare clients. With a focus on opportunities for the clinician corps working with SnapCare, Hall has expertise in health system quality improvement and supporting clinicians in their journey to reskill and upskill for professional growth.
Hall graduated from Clemson University and extended her education in nursing, earning an MBA and MSN. She is currently pursuing her DNP. She also leads the Ventura/Santa Barbara Chapter of the Association of California Nurse Leaders. She is a Board-Certified Advanced Nurse Executive by the ANCC and an American College of Healthcare Executives Fellow.
Hall’s significant contributions to the nursing field have been recognized in the prestigious Champions of Nursing Diversity Series 2024. This series is a platform that showcases healthcare leaders who are prominent figures in their organizations and are making substantial changes in the nursing field. Hall’s inclusion in this series is a testament to her impactful work and her status as a leader in promoting diversity and inclusion in nursing.
Meet Elaina Hall, DNP(c), MSN, RN, MBA, NEA-BC, FACHE, the chief quality officer of SnapCare.
Talk about your role in nursing.
As the Chief Quality Officer at SnapCare, I play a crucial role in driving performance improvement initiatives to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of our staffing and workforce management processes. This involves analyzing data, identifying opportunities for improvement, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement solutions that enhance the overall quality of our services. In addition to clinical quality, I am also tasked with ensuring that SnapCare complies with all regulatory requirements and accreditation standards
How long have you worked in the nursing field?
26 years.
Why did you become a nurse?
I became a nurse because of my passion for caring for people and my deep-seated empathy for those in need. From a young age, I found fulfillment in providing comfort and support to others during times of vulnerability. Nursing allowed me to turn this passion into a meaningful career where I could make a positive difference in people’s lives every day.
Furthermore, as an advocate for diversity in healthcare, I recognized the importance of ensuring that all individuals receive equitable and compassionate care regardless of their background. Nursing allows me to advocate for inclusivity and cultural competence in healthcare delivery, ensuring that every patient is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, or socioeconomic status.
In essence, becoming a nurse was not just a career choice for me but a calling driven by a desire to care for others, empathize with their struggles, and champion diversity and inclusivity in healthcare. It is a privilege to serve as a nurse, and I am committed to upholding the values of compassion, empathy, and advocacy throughout my nursing career.
What are the most important attributes of today’s nursing leaders?
Visionary and innovative thinking to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape.
Strong communication and collaboration skills to foster teamwork and interdisciplinary approaches.
Emotional intelligence and empathy to support both patients and staff members.
Adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges.
Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Advocacy for patient-centered care and healthcare equity.
Tell us about your career path and how you ascended to that role.
Before obtaining my nursing degree, I began my journey in healthcare as a certified nursing assistant and patient care technician. These early roles provided me with invaluable experience in direct patient care and laid the groundwork for my future in nursing.
After earning my nursing degree, I embarked on a career as a bedside nurse, specializing in challenging areas such as Burn, trauma, ICU, and ED. I thrived in these high-intensity environments, gaining expertise and honing my skills while providing critical care to patients in need.
Throughout my career, I embraced opportunities for growth and development, working in various departments and even joining the float pool to broaden my experience. This flexibility and willingness to adapt allowed me to excel in different clinical settings and expand my knowledge base.
In 2006, I took a significant step forward by transitioning into my first manager role. This marked the beginning of my leadership journey, where I was entrusted with overseeing operations and guiding my team to deliver exceptional patient care. I embraced the challenge, using my clinical expertise and communication skills to drive positive outcomes and foster a collaborative work environment.
As the years passed, I continued to take on progressively complex roles within healthcare organizations, moving from community hospitals to academic health systems. Each new role presented its own challenges and opportunities for growth, and I approached them with determination and a commitment to excellence.
Today, I am proud to serve as the Chief Quality Officer of SnapCare, an AI-enabled workforce marketplace that serves the entire continuum of care. I can make a meaningful impact on healthcare delivery and champion a culture of continuous improvement.
My career path has been filled with challenges and triumphs, but through it all, I have remained dedicated to providing the best possible care to those in need. Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped me into the nursing leader I am today.
What is the most significant challenge facing nursing today?
One of the most significant challenges facing nursing today is the ongoing shortage of nurses, exacerbated by factors such as an aging population, increased demand for healthcare services, and burnout among healthcare professionals.
As a nursing leader, how are you working to overcome this challenge?
As a nursing leader, I am acutely aware of the significant challenges posed by the ongoing shortage of nurses, compounded by factors such as an aging population, increased demand for healthcare services, and burnout among healthcare professionals. Recognizing the critical need to address these challenges, I have been actively involved in implementing a clinician reskilling program to mitigate the effects of the nursing shortage and promote sustainability within our healthcare system.
The clinician reskilling program empowers healthcare professionals, including nurses, to expand their skill sets and take on new roles that align with emerging healthcare needs. By providing training and resources for upskilling and reskilling, we aim to optimize the utilization of existing clinical talent and alleviate some of the pressure caused by the nursing shortage.
Through this program, we offer opportunities for nurses to acquire additional certifications, pursue advanced training in specialized areas, and transition into roles that complement their existing skill sets. This helps address staffing shortages in critical areas and enhances the overall quality of patient care by ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped with the necessary skills and expertise to meet evolving patient needs.
What nursing leader inspires you the most and why?
Beverly Malone, Ph. D., inspires me the most and stands as a beacon of inspiration in nursing leadership. As the CEO of the National League for Nursing and a former president of the American Nurses Association, Dr. Malone has dedicated her career to advocating for nurses and ensuring culturally competent care for diverse patient populations.
Her impact extends beyond the borders of the United States. As the first Black general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing in the United Kingdom, she broke barriers and paved the way for diversity and inclusion within the profession. Her global achievements include representing the U.K. delegation at the World Health Assembly, where she advocated for nursing and healthcare on an international platform.
Dr. Malone’s dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to advancing the nursing profession inspire nurses worldwide. Her tireless advocacy for equitable and compassionate care has left an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of nurses to strive for excellence in their practice.
What inspirational message would you like to share with the next generation of nurses?
You are the heart and soul of healthcare, the guardians of healing, and the champions of hope. Embrace the privilege and responsibility of caring for others with humility and empathy. Your journey will be filled with moments of joy, challenges, and triumphs. Stay true to your values, never stop learning, and remember that every interaction is an opportunity to make a difference. Your passion and dedication will transform lives and leave a lasting legacy. Dream big, work hard, and always believe in the power of nursing to change the world!
Kimberly Cook, RN, BSN, is a highly accomplished nurse leader with a 30-year career in the healthcare industry. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a nursing degree and became a nurse in the Army early in her career. During wartime, Cook showed her dedication and commitment to patient care, which instilled in her a profound sense of duty, resilience, and an unwavering ability to thrive under pressure.
Throughout her career, Cook has held various management positions where she consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. She rose through the ranks quickly, earning the respect and admiration of her colleagues, staff, and executive team. Her visionary mindset has enabled her to drive positive change and implement innovative strategies within healthcare.
Cook holds the Director of Nursing Administration Staffing position at the University of Maryland Capital Region Health, a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System. In this role, Cook leads a team of dedicated professionals, tirelessly ensuring that the right resources and personnel are available to deliver quality patient care.
Meet Kimberly Cook, RN, BSN, Nurse Director, Nursing Admin/Staffing at the University of Maryland Capital Region Health.
Talk about your role in nursing.
As the Director of Nursing Administration/Staffing, I hold a key leadership position responsible for overseeing the nursing administration and staffing functions within UM Capital Region Health. My key responsibilities include the following:
Provide strong leadership and guidance to the nursing administration and staffing team.
Develop and implement strategic goals, objectives, and policies related to nursing administration and staffing.
Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that promotes teamwork, respect, and professional development.
Develop and execute staffing plans to ensure optimal allocation of nursing staff across all departments and shifts.
Collaborate with unit managers to monitor and maintain appropriate staffing levels based on acuity and workload demands.
Implement effective scheduling practices to ensure adequate coverage and adherence to the Collective Bargaining Agreement and budgeted financial targets.
Prepare and manage the nursing administration and staffing budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
Manage and assess daily productivity and labor management.
Monitor and control staffing-related expenditures, identifying cost savings without compromising patient care.
Monitor and evaluate staff performance, providing regular feedback, coaching, and recognition.
Collaborate with quality management teams to identify improvement areas and implement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes.
Oversee the recruitment and selection process for staff and agency staff.
Onboard new staff and agency staff.
Manage all agency staff recruitment, onboarding, and billing.
How long have you worked in the nursing field?
> 32 years
Why did you become a nurse?
I attended a Catholic high school where volunteering was a requirement to graduate. I volunteered at a local hospital because it was close to my school. Prior to volunteering, the field of nursing had not crossed my mind. However, observing the fantastic work of nurses during my volunteer service triggered that “ah ha” moment, where I realized that Nursing was the profession I wanted to pursue.
What are the most important attributes of today’s nursing leaders?
There are several important attributes of today’s nursing leaders. The one that is most important for me is adaptability and resilience. The healthcare industry is continuously evolving, and nursing leaders must be adaptable to embrace change and lead their teams through transitions. They should be resilient in the face of challenges, remaining calm and composed while leading others.
What does being a nursing leader mean to you, and what are you most proud of?
Being a nurse leader involves inspiring and influencing others towards a common goal. I am most proud when I can create and sustain effective teams while fostering a positive work environment where staff feel supported and valued.
Tell us about your career path and how you ascended to that role.
My Career began as an Army nurse. After leaving active duty, I remained a federal employee working in a military hospital. My first job was as a manager of two 40-bed Med Surg Units. After several years in a managerial role, I transitioned to nursing supervisor. As a Nursing Supervisor, I had a keen sense of staffing and how it applied to budgeting and productivity. The role of the Director opened, and I was asked to step into the role based on my previous work and reputation.
What is the most significant challenge facing nursing today?
The biggest challenge in nursing today is our ability to change and adapt as healthcare changes. Since Covid, we have had to be creative with staffing to care for our patients. However, we must remember to care for our staff in the same frame.
As a nursing leader, how are you working to overcome this challenge?
By keeping the organization’s goals in sight, but always remaining humble and empathetic.
What nursing leader inspires you the most and why?
General Hazel Johnson-Brown was the first African-American woman to become a General in the United States Army and the first African-American Chief of the Army Nurse Corps. Her accomplishments and impact have had a profound effect. Her success demonstrated that black women could achieve the highest leadership positions with determination, perseverance, and skill.
What inspirational message would you like to share with the next generation of nurses?
Nursing can be challenging at times, and there may be moments when you feel discouraged. However, it’s essential to recognize that even the most challenging days present valuable personal and professional growth opportunities. Keep moving forward confidently, knowing that tomorrow will bring a fresh start.
