A Journey through Leadership in the Medical Industry: From Frontline Nurse to Transformational Leader

Reflecting upon my leadership journey, I am immensely humbled and honored to receive recognition as a Top Leader in the Medical Industry. Looking back, it is clear that every step I’ve taken, whether marked by success or challenges, has indelibly shaped the leader I have evolved into today.

The Student Experience

During my time in nursing school, I firmly held the belief that my calling lay in the delivery room, welcoming new life into the world. Leadership or management roles were not part of my initial aspirations. However, a defining moment during my maternity rotation would dramatically alter my career path.

While in nursing school, a profoundly negative experience with a preceptor during my maternity rotation left an enduring impression. That experience served as a catalyst for me to reconsider the path that I had always considered to be my dream. As I headed into my next student placement in mental health, I was filled with a sense of apprehension. It was a field I had previously shown no interest in, and, to my astonishment, my preceptor exuded enthusiasm for both mental health and nursing, igniting a passion that led me into the world of mental health nursing.

These formative experiences illuminated the importance of nurturing and supporting students as they embark on their journey into the medical field. They underscored the profound impact that the student experience has on recruitment and retention within the healthcare sector, a lesson that remains a cornerstone of my leadership philosophy to this very day.

Frontline Beginnings

Following my graduation, I embarked on a journey to the United States in the aftermath of the tragic events of 9/11. This period was characterized by the cultivation of essential qualities such as compassion, empathy, and a holistic approach to patient care. It emphasized the profound importance of treating individuals as whole beings. Additionally, it was during this time that I acquired crucial insights into supporting teammates, understanding compassion fatigue, and recognizing the significance of debriefing and creating safe spaces for discussions about impactful events in the workplace. These experiences played a pivotal role in honing the soft interpersonal skills that are integral to effective leadership. Upon returning to Canada, I immersed myself in various mental health settings, assuming diverse roles as a crisis worker, inpatient mental health nurse, and outpatient concurrent disorder therapist. These positions underscored the immense value of fostering a familial bond among staff members. The camaraderie within mental health settings reinforced the belief that a closely-knit, supportive team is paramount for delivering effective patient care. These elements are fundamental components of my leadership style today.

A Step Into Management

 I took my first step into management when I became a unionized coordinator, where I closely collaborated with the manager. In this capacity, my frontline experience proved to be an invaluable asset. I was able to empathize with the challenges and apprehensions faced by my staff, which enabled me to offer effective guidance and education. This experience underscored the significance of being present as a leader and highlighted how essential it was in developing relationships and fostering trust among the staff.

Subsequently, I progressed to the role of Manager of Mental Health Services. In this capacity, I perpetuated a culture deeply rooted in teamwork and collaboration. I came to understand that effective leadership necessitated the flexibility to adapt my approach to meet the unique needs of each staff member. Some were prepared for delegated tasks, while others required more direct guidance. Some benefited from hands-on support, while others preferred a coaching approach. Through these experiences, I acquired a profound understanding of the value of leading by example, cultivating a workplace culture that thrived on teamwork, positivity, and mutual support.

Leading In Long-Term Care

The subsequent chapter of my career led me to become the Director of Care at a longterm care facility. Here, I gained invaluable experience working with unregulated care providers and registered staff who were navigating the complexities of a highly regulated environment. This experience illuminated the essence of effective leadership, which entails not only directing change but also guiding staff to understand the “why” behind those changes. Empathy and clear communication became my guiding principles.

Senior Leadership

My journey continued as I embraced the position of Director of Mental Health, Addiction, and Forensic Services. This phase marked a significant evolution in my leadership style, as I shifted from directly overseeing frontline staff to coaching other managers responsible for their respective teams. Central to my approach were principles of transparency and autonomy, encouraging my management team to make independent decisions, thus fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among them.

Within this role, I had the opportunity to witness and learn from various leadership styles, all of which contributed to the refinement of my own approach. The experience taught me the immense value of collaboration and creating an inclusive atmosphere where all community partners felt welcomed at the table. I came to realize that by working together, we could achieve far more than by operating in isolation. Additionally, I developed a profound respect for the voices and perspectives of others, recognizing that diverse input can lead to richer and more effective outcomes.

Transformational Leadership

My current position as Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer represents the pinnacle of my professional journey. It stands as a culmination of the skills and wisdom I have acquired over the course of my career. In this role, my dedication extends beyond my own success to nurturing and empowering other leaders within the organization.

I am deeply committed to fostering the growth and development of emerging leaders, providing them with the necessary tools and guidance to excel in their respective roles. I firmly believe that investing in the leadership potential of others is a cornerstone of effective organizational development.

Transparency remains a foundational principle in my leadership philosophy. I hold the belief that open and honest communication cultivates trust and collaboration among team members. By maintaining transparency in decision-making processes and actively sharing information, we create an environment where individuals feel valued and included, fostering a culture of teamwork and innovation.

Next Steps

My career through the medical industry, from a frontline Registered Nurse to being recognized as a Top Leader has been a journey of growth and enlightenment. I have drawn inspiration from every role I have undertaken, with each experience contributing to the development of my leadership philosophy. Whether closely attending to patients, supporting frontline staff, or guiding fellow managers, I have consistently strived to foster a culture of empathy, transparency, and collaboration. As I continue to lead and inspire others in the healthcare field, I remain steadfastly committed to the principles that have guided me throughout my journey, recognizing that they will continue to shape the future of healthcare leadership.