The 2024 TEMSEA Conference will be from July 24th through the 26th in Murfreesboro at the Embassy Suites Conference Center. Build your conference from the Leadership course, Educator track, and Provider tracks. You can also join us for a golf outing! Please visit tnemsea.com for more information and registration.

Welcome to the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, where we explore the journeys and insights of distinguished leaders in healthcare. In this episode, host Eric sits down with Dr. Susan Hernandez, the Associate Vice President and Health Systems Chief Nurse Executive in Dallas, Texas, at UT Southwestern University Hospitals. Susan shares her journey of moving from Chief Nursing Officer to Executive Chief Nursing Officer, discussing the challenges of transitioning to a new organization, the initial steps she took, and critical lessons learned. She emphasizes the importance of confidence, relationship-building, and having an open mind during such transitions.

Susan also explains the qualities she looks for in executive team members and the critical factors that can lead to success or failure in leadership roles. Her insights on creating a solid team foundation and the importance of trust and transparency are invaluable. Leadership changes are inevitable, and Susan offers strategies for responding effectively. She highlights the importance of clear communication and establishing boundaries to manage changes smoothly. With 5,000 employees reporting to her, Susan discusses how she teaches her leaders about her communication and leadership style. She stresses the importance of transparency, problem-solving strategies, and the need to handle conflicts professionally and thoughtfully.

Reflecting on her career advancement, Susan shares the factors that contributed to her success, the most significant lessons she has learned, and the challenges she currently faces. She underscores the importance of mentorship and continuous learning for personal and professional growth. Maintaining passion and motivation in high-level leadership roles can be challenging, and Susan discusses how she sustains her enthusiasm, manages work-life balance, and navigates crises and demanding situations. Her strategies for self-care and mindfulness offer practical advice for leaders at all levels.

Susan also describes the characteristics of average and great employees from her perspective, highlighting the qualities and behaviors that define exceptional team members and contribute to a thriving work environment. Tune in to gain valuable leadership insights from Dr. Susan Hernandez as she shares her experiences and strategies for success in the ever-evolving field of healthcare leadership.