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The Exec: CNO Paula McKinney's Story of Resiliency

Analysis  |  By G Hatfield  
   May 28, 2024

Nurse leaders must rely on each other and build resiliency amongst nurses. 

Paula McKinney knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a nurse.

She began her career in 1986 at Toumey Regional Medical Center in South Carolina. After moving to Indiana in 1989, she advanced to nursing education to include a master’s degree in Community Health from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Southern Indiana.

McKinney created a dual nursing career as a nurse leader and nurse educator. She advanced her career in nursing leadership from manager, director, executive director, and then to chief nursing officer. She now serves as the vice president of patient care services and CNO at Woodlawn Health and is a HealthLeaders Exchange member

On our latest installment of the Exec, HealthLeaders sat down with McKinney to discuss her journey into nursing, and her story of resiliency as a nurse and leader. Tune in to hear her insights. 

G Hatfield is the nursing editor for HealthLeaders.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

CNOs must learn to be okay with failure and to rely on their fellow leaders for support.

Nurse leaders should always put the patient at the center of decision-making. 


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