Pulse Check with Dr. Kimberly Long

Kimberly Long

Join nurse and healthcare leader Kimberly C. Long as she sits down with top nursing executives to uncover the defining moments that shaped their careers. In each 10-minute episode, guests share the challenges, breakthroughs, and insights that helped them grow as leaders. From inspiring team culture to improving patient care and navigating complex healthcare systems, Kimberly brings out practical lessons and actionable strategies that nursing leaders can apply every day. Whether you’re a seasoned CNO or an emerging leader, these conversations offer a front-row seat to the wisdom and experiences that drive success in nursing leadership. 

  1. Aug 20

    Robert Boesch – Chief Nursing Officer, Emory University Hospital & Emory University Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital

    What does it take to lead nursing at the executive level while staying connected to the realities of care at the bedside? In this episode of Pulse Check with Dr. Kimberly Long, Dr. Long sits down with Robert Boesch, DNP, RN, CENP, CPHQ, FAONL, Chief Nursing Officer for Emory University Hospital and Emory University Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital. Dr. Boesch shares his journey from pediatric nursing and bone marrow transplant care to executive nursing leadership, including the defining career decisions and unexpected opportunities that helped shape his path. The conversation explores how healthcare organizations and academic institutions can better prepare the next generation of nurses, why emerging technologies need to become part of nursing education, and how nurse leaders can balance workforce investment, innovation, financial pressures, and patient care. Dr. Boesch also explains why he intentionally returns to the frontline each week to work alongside clinical nurses - and why he believes nursing executives should never lose their connection to care delivery. The discussion also turns to advocacy, healthcare policy, building strong leadership teams, and the importance of choosing work that brings meaning to your life and makes your community better. For current and aspiring nurse leaders, this conversation is a reminder that leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about staying connected, surrounding yourself with great people, embracing opportunities to grow, and never losing sight of why you chose nursing in the first place.

  2. Aug 6

    Leah Gehri, DNP, MHA, MN, RN, NEA-BC – Chief Nursing Officer, Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center

    What does it take to lead nursing at the executive level while navigating workforce shortages, financial pressures, and an evolving healthcare landscape? In this episode of Pulse Check with Dr. Kimberly Long, Dr. Kimberly Long sits down with Leah Gehri, Chief Nursing Officer at Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center, to discuss her journey from bedside nurse to executive leadership. Leah shares why solving system-level challenges became her mission, how investing in nurses is one of the most effective cost-containment strategies, and why healthcare organizations and academic institutions must work together to strengthen the future nursing workforce. The conversation also explores legislative advocacy, nurse retention, leadership development, and the advice Leah would give to every nurse beginning their career: don't be afraid to ask questions, explore new opportunities, and embrace lifelong learning. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why nurse retention is a strategic investment—not just an HR initiative  How healthcare systems and academic institutions can strengthen the nursing pipeline  The leadership strategies that balance workforce investment, innovation, and financial stewardship  Why nurses need a stronger voice in legislative and policy decisions  Practical advice for emerging nurse leaders looking to grow their careers Whether you're an aspiring nurse leader, seasoned executive, educator, or healthcare professional, this episode offers practical leadership insights for shaping the future of nursing.

  3. Jun 25

    Debra A. Flores – Executive Advisor & Healthcare Leader

    In this episode of Pulse Check with Dr. Kimberly Long, Dr. Long sits down with Debra A. Flores, a seasoned healthcare executive and nurse leader with more than four decades of leadership experience across complex health systems. Debra shares the defining moments that shaped her leadership journey - from early mentors who recognized her potential, to navigating personal loss, leading through the challenges of COVID-19, and embracing career opportunities far outside her comfort zone. Together, they explore the critical need for stronger partnerships between academic institutions and healthcare organizations, discussing how earlier exposure, meaningful internships, and strategic collaboration can better prepare future nurses for the realities of healthcare. Debra also offers valuable insights on how nurse leaders can become more effective advocates by engaging proactively with legislators and policymakers to influence the future of healthcare delivery. This conversation is a powerful reminder that authentic leadership is built through resilience, lifelong learning, and a commitment to serving others. Topics discussed include: • Defining moments in executive leadership • Leading through personal and professional adversity • Strengthening academic and clinical partnerships • Preparing the next generation of nurse leaders • Influencing healthcare policy and legislation • The importance of mentorship, growth, and lifelong learning

  4. Jun 11

    Dr. Danielle Gabele - Chief Executive Officer, Ventura County Medical Center & Santa Paula Hospital

    What does it take to go from ICU nurse to hospital CEO? In this episode of Pulse Check, Dr. Kimberly Long sits down with Dr. Danielle Gabele, Chief Executive Officer of Ventura County Medical Center and Santa Paula Hospital, to discuss her unconventional journey into nursing leadership, the mentors who shaped her career, and the lessons she has learned leading at the highest levels of healthcare. Danielle shares how an early career in business helped develop her leadership philosophy, why understanding every level of an organization matters, and how strong partnerships between healthcare systems and academic institutions can strengthen the nursing workforce pipeline. She also offers practical insights on balancing competing priorities, staying connected to a leadership "North Star," and advocating for the future of nursing through professional engagement and public policy. Key topics include: • Danielle's path from economics graduate to hospital CEO • The leadership lessons she learned outside of healthcare • Building stronger partnerships between academia and clinical practice • Developing successful nursing workforce pipelines • Navigating competing priorities as a healthcare executive • The importance of mentorship in leadership development • How nurse leaders can influence healthcare policy and regulatory decisions • The role professional organizations play in career growth and advocacy This conversation offers valuable insights for nurse leaders, healthcare executives, educators, and anyone aspiring to lead meaningful change in healthcare.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Join nurse and healthcare leader Kimberly C. Long as she sits down with top nursing executives to uncover the defining moments that shaped their careers. In each 10-minute episode, guests share the challenges, breakthroughs, and insights that helped them grow as leaders. From inspiring team culture to improving patient care and navigating complex healthcare systems, Kimberly brings out practical lessons and actionable strategies that nursing leaders can apply every day. Whether you’re a seasoned CNO or an emerging leader, these conversations offer a front-row seat to the wisdom and experiences that drive success in nursing leadership.