Healthcare Voices
Nurses have always been the heart of healthcare—but today, more than ever, they’re shaping its future. Across the country, nurse leaders are bringing clinical experience, compassion and perspective to the highest levels of healthcare, to help influence systems, guide organizations and inspire the next generation.
One nurse who’s at the forefront of that change is Dr. Christina Dempsey—a nationally recognized nurse executive, author and speaker with more than four decades of experience in healthcare. A Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, Dr. Dempsey was the first Chief Nursing Officer at Press Ganey Associates and taught at Missouri State University’s School of Nursing as an adjunct faculty member. She holds multiple degrees in both business and nursing and currently serves on several healthcare and industry boards including Children’s Mercy Hospital, Nightingale College and Magnit.
We spoke with Dr. Dempsey about her journey, her impact and what nurse leadership really looks like in action.
A Leadership Journey Rooted in Purpose
Dr. Dempsey’s understanding of leadership began not in a hospital, but at home watching her mother become a chief nurse. "My mom was a single mother raising two little girls while she went to nursing school... I watched her journey and always admired her drive."
Her own career followed a steady trajectory of learning and influence, guided by a core belief: leadership is about improving systems, not titles. "I’ve never sought a promotion for the title or the money. I’ve always sought new roles for the influence to make things better."
This drive led her to pursue multiple degrees, including an MBA, MSN and ultimately a Doctor of Nursing Practice with a focus on population health management. "It’s always been about my commitment to making this profession better."
“I am a fixer at heart... I constantly looked for ways to improve how we worked and how we cared for patients and their families.”
From Leadership to the Boardroom
After decades of operational leadership, Dr. Dempsey transitioned into board service—driven by the same desire to influence change. "When I 'retired' a couple of years ago, I wanted to be sure to stay relevant and make a difference. Board work seemed to be the perfect fit."
Her board portfolio now includes Children’s Mercy Hospital, Nightingale College, Magnit and other committees. "I’ve learned what I’m passionate about and how I can give back. This keeps me engaged in the profession and allows me to contribute in a meaningful way."
Why the Nursing Lens Matters
Dr. Dempsey's leadership has shaped decisions at the highest levels, especially during her time as the first Chief Nursing Officer at Press Ganey, a healthcare analytics company that works with over 75% of U.S. hospitals.
"That influence impacted the way the company talked about the surveys, consulted around the products and services it provided and influenced the way clinicians thought of Press Ganey."
Having worked with hundreds of healthcare organizations, she continues to elevate safety, quality and patient experience through a deeply human lens.
Learning to Lead Through Governance
Shifting from operations to board governance came with a learning curve. "Boards are governing bodies, not operational bodies... and that’s hard to let go of."
As someone used to leading hands-on, Dr. Dempsey had to adjust her approach and embrace a new mindset. "I have to constantly remind myself that my role as a director is ‘noses in, hands off.’"
She encourages nurses stepping into board roles to seek mentorship, stay curious and remain open to learning. "There are good resources out there for first-time board members. A current board mentor is incredibly helpful."
“Leadership should be a skill that is honed and practiced just like any technical skill nurses have to learn and practice.”
Compassion Has a Seat at the Table
In her book The Antidote to Suffering, Dr. Dempsey outlines the tenets of Compassionate Connected Care—principles she believes apply just as much in the boardroom as they do at the bedside.
"Compassion and connection transcend every role and every business. They help assure open communication, empathy and listening—traits necessary for optimal board functions."
She outlines key principles nurse leaders can apply even in boardrooms:
- Acknowledge suffering: What is causing pain in the organization?
- Body language matters: Read the room—nonverbal cues say a lot.
- Anxiety is suffering: Organizations feel pressure just like people do.
- Coordinate care: Alignment and prioritization are key at any level.
- Autonomy reduces suffering: Board members bring value; let them be heard.
- Caring transcends diagnosis: People—not just policies—are impacted by decisions.
How NOBC Helped Open the Door
Dr. Dempsey credits NOBC (Nurses on Boards Coalition) with helping her discover early board opportunities. "One of my first board placements was through NOBC. I answered a call for a board position at Nightingale College."
Her advice to aspiring board members? Do your homework, be willing to grow and don’t let fear stop you. "Just because you've never done it before doesn't mean you shouldn't do it! Nurse leaders have a wealth of expertise and experience that is NEEDED in the board room."
“Always be willing to take a calculated risk. Do your homework and jump in.”
Supporting Nurse Leadership at Cherokee
At Cherokee, we’re proud to champion nurse leaders like Dr. Dempsey, whose voice, vision and values are transforming healthcare from the inside out.
Explore more nurse stories, leadership insights and resources designed to support your journey—whether you’re leading from the bedside or the boardroom. And if you haven’t, read our interview with NOBC CEO Dr. Cole Edmonson to learn how the organization is helping nurses lead at the highest levels. Read the NOBC blog here.