Summary
In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down with Dr. Rachel Culpepper, Nursing Director at Indiana University Health West Hospital, to explore how nurse leaders can better support managers in one of the hardest jobs in healthcare.
Rachel shares practical strategies for guiding managers through conflict, coaching them to pause and fact-find before reacting, and navigating challenges with multi-generational teams. Listeners will walk away with actionable tools to help managers build trust, create accountability, and turn conflict into opportunities for growth.
About Dr. Rachel Culpepper:
Dr. Rachel Culpepper has been a registered nurse for 16 years, with more than a decade in leadership roles. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Indiana University and is certified in executive nursing practice. Currently, she serves as the Director of Clinical Operations at Indiana University Health and participates on a system-wide Healthy Work Environment Committee.
Rachel also represents Region 5 on the AONL Board of Directors and has served the organization for nearly a decade. She chairs the AONL Education Committee, contributes to the Workplace Environment Coalition and Workforce Committee, and leads the AHA/AONL Learning Community. Her passion for advocacy and culture transformation has made her a trusted leader and mentor across the nursing profession.
Things You’ll Learn
- Why nurse managers often have the hardest job in healthcare
- How leaders can coach managers through conflict instead of “fixing” problems for them
- The importance of pausing and fact-finding before reacting to team issues
- How to support managers navigating multi-generational teams and diverse communication styles
- Why conflict isn’t always negative, and how it can lead to stronger relationships when handled well
- Practical strategies for managers to build trust, reassure their teams, and establish accountability
Resources & Links
- Connect with and follow Dr. Renee Thompson on LinkedIn
- Connect with Dr. Rachel Culpepper on LinkedIn
- Email Rachel: [email protected]
- Download: 33 Scripts to Address Disruptive Behavior: healthyworkforceinstitute.com/33-ways-podcast
- Renee’s Book – Enough! Eradicating Bullying & Incivility: Get your copy
- Renee’s Book – Do No Harm Applies to Nurses Too!: Get your copy
- Eradicating Bullying & Incivility eLearning Program: Learn more
Have a question for Renee?
Email us at [email protected] to have your leadership question featured in an upcoming Q&A episode!
Exciting News! We’ve been featured on MillionPodcasts – a hand-curated database of amazing podcasts across various categories – in their Best 70 Healthcare Leadership Podcasts. They have also featured our podcast in their 70 Best Compassionate Leadership Podcasts, 20 Best Toxic Workplace Podcasts, and 25 Best Workplace Bullying Podcasts list.
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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.
