In this episode of Nursing Insights, host Stephanie Olaso, MHCI, BSN, RN  sits down with Dr. Deeba Siddiqui, Doctor of Nursing Practice with a focus on safety systems.

Deeba’s nursing journey began with a chest tube at age 19 – an experience that inspired her to pivot into nursing. From outpost nursing in rural Newfoundland, to working across the United States, to becoming Patient Safety and Quality Officer at the United Nations, her career has been anything but traditional.

Now serving as Chief Risk Officer at Hackensack Meridian Health, Deeba reflects on her role leading through the COVID-19 pandemic, her passion for public health nursing, and the importance of trust, psychological safety, and compassion in every aspect of care.

Key Takeaways:

• How a personal health crisis inspired Dr. Siddiqui to pursue nursing
• The unique challenges and rewards of outpost nursing in Canada
• Lessons from global patient safety work with the United Nations
• Leading a health system through the COVID-19 pandemic as Chief Risk Officer
• Why psychological safety and trust are essential for healthcare improvement
• Encouragement for nurses to explore non-traditional career paths

Relevant Links:

• New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing: https://www.njccn.org
• Hackensack Meridian Health: https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org
• Nominate a nurse to be featured: https://www.njccn.org/nursing-insights-podcast