Healthcare CEOs that walk the walk!
Amazing leaders in Healthcare
We have all had those jobs where shortly after new employee orientation, are questioning, “Why did I agree to work for this manager and this place?” Yikes! As a nurse and nurse educator and writer, the author has certainly had these experiences. One of the author’s most dear friend has been a nurse colleague for over 40 years, since the author was a baby nurse in age! The author and she chit chat about “the world” and its crazy goings on every day. One time, she laughed, “Ya know? Just how many jobs have your had?” Without seeing her face, the author is quite sure it had a smirk! “Um. . . a few,” was the answer given sheepishly. “But they all had a purpose. I’ve learned something from each one, both good and bad!”
As one progresses through careers, everyone experiences good bosses, bad and very bad bosses, and those rare, few who serve as lifelong mentors. The author has been working on Belles of Steel, which is a book about strong women who have literally changed their corner of the world. But while thinking about what leaders and mentors the author experienced in healthcare, sadly there are only a few who rank at the very pinnacle. Two others are females and appear in the book “Belle.” But three of the very best, whose mantras the author hears in her head almost every day are males and are these: Robert Early, previous Chief Executive Officer of John Peter Smith Health; Michael Taylor previous CEO of Baylor Heart and Vascular; and Cole Edmonson, previous Chief Executive Nurse of Texas Health Dallas. All for different reasons. The author will present why in chronological order and discuss the best last!
Michael Taylor
In 2002-2005, the author had the opportunity to work as a the clinical educator for Baylor Heart and Vascular Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart Hospital, part of the Baylor Healthcare System. This heart hospital is lovingly known as BHVH. This gentleman, Michael Taylor was the first CEO. He used to come to every new employee orientation. One of his early hires was the absolutely amazing nurse leader, probably one of the best the author has every known, Dr. Nancy Vish. Nancy was a truly transformational and inspiring nurse who started at the cardiovascular ICU bedside, was promoted to head nurse, for “big Baylor,” Baylor University Medical Center. Then she was hired by Michael, to serve as the Chief Nurse Officer for Baylor Heart and Vascular in downtown Dallas. BHVH is attached to the larger hospital BUMC by a skybridge over Hall Street, off Gaston Ave.
CEO Michael Taylor, previously of Baylor Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart Hospital
Nancy was a great hire and worked you to death, however, she expected excellence. The author considers her a mentor, an entire blog post could be written just about her amazing leadership. She is now the CEO of BHVH! However, what the author remembers as the mantra was from CEO Michael Taylor.
Baylor Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart Hospital (Photo 2006 courtesy of Baylor Scott & White Health)
He used to energetically walk in to each new employee orientation. Here was his scoop. “Look, we all have bad days. That is a given, especially in healthcare. No matter what a great job you try to do, you may also be having problems outside the hospital effecting your performance. I just want you to know, I have one request for you to work here. You must promise, that when you pass through that revolving front door, ‘leave your bag of bricks’ outside!’ Wow, that phrase really stuck me as a young nurse. How very true, indeed. We all have issues, but ‘leave your bag of bricks at the door.’ It was very visual. As the educator for BHVH, the author attempted to do exactly that.
Later, both in management and serving as a nurse educator, the author continued to encourage her own employees and fellow student exactly that! “Leave your bag of bricks at the door.” Smile, enjoy, and give your patients the best care ever. As they say, “The Best Belong at Baylor.” Truly, they do. It was one of the author’s longest tenure of employment, both full time and part time. The author still has the white coffee mug with blue writing that says exactly that, “The Best Belong at Baylor.” No matter how hard the day becomes, no matter what the difficulty, as a nurse and author, continue to “leave my bag of bricks” at the door, smile, and do my very best.
CNO, CEO Cole Edmunson, DNP, RN, FAAN
Cole Edmondson, credentials In 2007, the author had traveled and again was required to change jobs. That was tough after Baylor. Baylor had been the author’s rock of motivation for excellence in healthcare. About the same time, the current Chief Nurse Officer was about to retire. Another nurse leader, first in critical care and then transitioning was rising in the ranks. Unfortunately, in other teaching jobs and part-time positions, the author had encountered many nurse leaders who were simply transactional failures in leadership. The author found it intolerable to work for those individuals. Thus, a job change. Toxicity in the workplace would just not do! Then came along, Cole Edmundson. Wowsa. The author was learning and reading literature about transformational leadership. That was Cole Edmundson to the tee!
He was personable. Relatable. Visible out on the units. When required to attend meetings with Cole, the author was always blown away as his humility, but truly transformational leadership. He truly walked the walk! The author got nervous in his presence, would she say something wrong? Silly? Look like an adoring puppy? But Cole was always reassuring, positive, and motivating. Cole quickly rose to the top. In 2013 he was challenged beyond belief and his face was everywhere in local and national TV news.
The large hospital of Texas Health Dallas had to cope with the dreaded influx of Ebola. But Cole, never lost the way. He calmed his staff, educated his educators and managers, equipped the bedside nurse with confidence and adequate protection. Cole had to deal with the spread of the disease to his own employees. Deal with quarantine. The media frenzy on his front doorstep was insane. He couldn’t step out of the facility without being bombarded. Yet, Cole handled all of this with his impeccable grace, dignity, and ownership. He never hid from the truth. His employees loved him for that. His leadership carried them through some of the most difficult times in healthcare.
Flagship Texas Health Dallas (Photo courtesy of Texas Health Resources)
Cole eventually became retired from his leadership position. He has gone on to become a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. He had led leadership conferences and published in peer reviewed journals on the issues facing nurses. Some of his most important work was documenting strategies of “bulleying” taking place within nursing’s rank. The author has quoted him in many publications of her own. His articles are well reached and written. Cole, then and now, continues to be a beacon of hope for all nurses. Thank you, RN Cole Edmundson. You rock!
Robert Early
As was stated, last but definitely the most remarkable. Robert Earley. Robert served John Peter Smith Health (JPS) for nearly 20 years. With a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science from the University of North Texas, he then completed his Master of Science in Health Care Administration in 2009 from the University of Texas at Arlington. Robert began with John Peter Smith Health in 2005 as the Senior Vice President of Community and Government Affairs, then in 2009, was promoted to the Chief Operating Officer.
Established in 1906, JPS is one of the leading Level I trauma centers in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. JPS serves as a leader in innovative trauma care. Over 100 ambulances arrive each day at the Emergency Department door. JPS sees over 350 patients a day. JPS Emergency Department employs over 300 team members and providers. It is the 14th busiest emergency department in the country.
JPS is an almost always full 573-bed, public hospital located in Fort Worth, Texas that provides inpatient, outpatient, and behavioral healthcare. In addition, JPS operates over 20 satellite clinics and outreach programs. JPS is also a teaching facility, training some of the best nurses, physicians, and other medical workers, such as therapists, radiological technicians and respiratory therapists.
Robert Earley, previous CEO of JPS Health
The author was lucky enough to work there in 2022. During new employee orientation, this very lively, bubbly, and positive men entered the room with no introduction. He enthusiastically welcomed all the new employees. He never missed a weekly session of for the newbies. He believes strongly that his presence and outlook sets the stage for their absorption into the upbeat, respectful culture of JPS. He begins with this statement, each and every time. “Good morning JPS colleagues and welcome. If you want to be successful here and join our culture, please agree to follow Robert’s Rules of the Road.” Then, assistants pass out badge buddies.
“The rules are quite simple, #1 Don’t be a jerk!, #2 Own it!!, and #3 Seek Joy!” Some in the group have surprised faces, others smile or giggle. “No, seriously. These are our new employee rules. I follow them, I want you to follow them. In fact, everyone here and believe me there are some long-termers right here in the room. They all follow them. Why? Because that is what makes working here great!”
Robert’s Rules of the Road manager about to give the badge-buddy to new employee
He goes on to explain. When one sees someone in the hall, as they approach, smile! Look at them eye to eye and wish them a great day. As Robert walks the halls and units, he does this with everyone, visitors and workers. He expects the same from members of his team. If someone says something ugly, stop them and let them know, “Hey, don’t be a jerk. Let’s talk this out.” Make sure you point to your badge as a reminder. Hey, we all make mistakes. If that happens, and it might, just own it. Let someone know. Patient safety and our safety are very important.” Then he explains about seeking joy. “If you can’t find joy in our work here every day, please don’t join our team. Seek joy from the good work that you do. Whether you are mopping the floor, stirring a kettle in the kitchen, answering the call light for the tenth time, or figuring out what ailment the client might have. Seek joy! Every day, always.”