Summary
In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down with Dina MacDonald, Nursing Director of the Maternal Newborn Center at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, to talk about something we can all relate to – turning a toxic work environment into one where people actually want to come to work.
Dina shares her personal journey from being the target of a bullying boss to becoming a leader who reshaped her department’s culture. She opens up about the power of accountability, why tough conversations are necessary, and how even the hardest decisions can set the tone for a healthier, more respectful workplace.
If you’ve ever wondered how to deal with resistors, set clear expectations, and build a team that actually supports one another, this episode is for you.
About Dina MacDonald:
Dina MacDonald, MBA, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, is the Nursing Director of the Maternal Newborn Center at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, where she oversees Labor and Delivery, Postpartum, and the Level II Special Care Nursery. With almost two decades of nursing experience, Dina is nationally certified in Inpatient Obstetrics and Electronic Fetal Monitoring and holds dual graduate degrees in nursing and business.
A passionate advocate for maternal-newborn excellence, Dina has led a culture transformation in her department, improving safety, engagement, and teamwork. She is also a proud mom of three teenagers, with her oldest just starting college.
Things You’ll Learn
- The reality of bullying when the bully is your boss and how to rise above it
- Why accountability (including a leader’s own mistakes) can shift culture overnight
- How Dina created buy-in from staff, even those resistant to change
- Why firing a friend was one of the hardest (and most important) leadership lessons of her career
- Practical, everyday strategies for sustaining a positive and supportive culture
Resources & Links
- Connect with Dina on LinkedIn
- Email Dina: [email protected]
- Download your copy of our 33 Scripts to Address Disruptive Behavior When You Don’t Know What to Say
- Check out Renee Thompson’s book Enough! Eradicating Bullying & Incivility: Strategies for Front Line Leaders here!
- Check out Renee Thompson’s book Do No Harm Applies to Nurses Too! Strategies to Protect and Bully-proof Yourself at Work here!
- Learn more about the Eradicating Bullying & Incivility eLearning Program here!
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.
