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EP 105:

EP 105: From Bullying to Belonging – How One Nurse Leader Transformed Workplace Culture

39:54

min

Q&A Episode

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In This Episode

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.

What 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
Links & Resources

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Host & Guest

Dr. Renee Thompson

DNP, RN, FAONL, FAAN · CEO & Founder, HWI

A leading authority on creating healthy work cultures by eliminating bullying and incivility in healthcare, with 31+ years of clinical and executive experience. One of only 30 nurses worldwide to earn the Certified Speaking Professional designation.

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EP 99: From Stress to Strength – Building Well-being Into Your Work Culture

EP 141

EP.141: Q&A with Renee: How Leaders Address Disrespect, Feedback Resistance, and Workplace Culture

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