In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down with Dr. Courtney Ruck, Divisional Director for Critical Care at Tower Health and one of the organization’s champions for creating a culture of civility. A nurse leader who blends compassion, accountability, and action, Courtney shares her personal journey – from being a new nurse afraid to speak up to becoming a DNP-prepared leader determined to break the cycle of bullying and incivility in healthcare.

Courtney opens up about her early experiences with disruptive behavior, how those moments shaped her leadership, and why psychological safety is non-negotiable in today’s demanding healthcare environment. She and Renee discuss the power of collective learning, the impact of equipping leaders with real scripts and strategies, and the importance of building a culture where accountability and kindness coexist.

Anyone who wants to strengthen team culture, support new nurses, or become a more confident leader will find this conversation incredibly relatable…and encouraging.

About Dr. Courtney Ruck

Courtney Ruck, DNP, RN, SCRN, NEA-BC, is the Divisional Director for Critical Care at Tower Health in Reading, PA. With more than eight years of leadership experience, she is known for elevating patient care, advancing professional practice, and creating supportive, high-performing teams. Courtney previously served as Nursing Unit Director of the Neuroscience Stroke Unit at Reading Hospital, leading expansion efforts and implementing innovative engagement strategies. Courtney earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from West Chester University, where she focused on leadership support and bedside engagement to build a culture of civility. She is passionate about developing future nurse leaders and fostering environments where accountability, compassion, and clinical excellence thrive.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why culture shaped Courtney’s leadership journey,  including the early experiences with bullying that motivated her to work toward safer, kinder environments.

How leaders can build psychological safety so new nurses feel supported, confident, and willing to speak up.

The power of cohort learning and how bringing 70+ nurse leaders together created shared language, alignment, and vulnerability across Tower Health.

Why scripts matter and how using structured communication tools helps leaders address disruptive behavior with clarity and not avoidance.

How to embed Healthy Workforce practices into everyday leadership, including making “Healthy Workforce” a standing agenda item.

Simple, practical cultural strategies — from welcoming new hires with intention to preparing for difficult conversations.

A fun closing surprise: Courtney’s obsession with sourdough baking…and why learning new skills fuels her joy.

Links & Resources

Connect with Dr. Courtney Ruck on LinkedIn

Email Courtney at [email protected]

Download your copy of our 33 Scripts to Address Disruptive Behavior When You Don’t Know What to Say

Check out Renee Thompson’s newly revised book and #1 Amazon Best Seller Enough! Eradicating Bullying & Incivility: Strategies for Front Line Leaders here!

Check out Renee Thompson’s book Do No Harm Applies to Nurses Too! Strategies to Protect and Bully-proof Yourself at Work here!

Learn more about the Eradicating Bullying & Incivility eLearning Program here!

Have a question for Renee?

Email us at [email protected] to have your leadership question featured in an upcoming Q&A episode!

Disclosure: The host may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to. As an Amazon Associate, Coffee Break earns from qualifying purchases.

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