In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson chats with Dr. Penelope (Penny) Gorsuch, Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive at Summa Health. With 38 years in healthcare and 28 in leadership – including 28 years in the U.S. Air Force – Penny shares how she’s transforming Summa’s culture through evidence-based leadership and a clear nursing vision: “To deliver care beyond expectations.”
From rebuilding professional governance to reducing ED turnover from 80% to zero, Penny’s approach shows what’s possible when leaders align vision, strategy, and implementation. If you’re ready to move beyond talking about healthy work environments and start building one that lasts, this episode is for you.
About Dr. Penelope Gorsuch
Penelope Gorsuch, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, EBP-C, FACHE, USAF Col (Retired), is the Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive at Summa Health. With more than 38 years in healthcare and 28 in leadership, she is known for fostering cultures of inquiry that drive quality and reliability across large health systems. A retired Colonel from the United States Air Force, Penny has led major initiatives in nursing strategy, evidence-based practice, and relationship-based care. She also serves as an Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University College of Nursing, teaching leadership in their DNP Executive track.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- How to lead large-scale culture change using evidence-based frameworks
- The importance of vision and how to cascade it from the C-suite to the bedside
- Strategies for rebuilding professional governance and re-engaging nurses
- How evidence-based practice strengthens healthy work environments
- Why implementation must be tailored at the unit level to succeed
Links & Resources
- Connect with Penny on LinkedIn
- Email Penny at [email protected]
- EP 98: Why Healthy Work Environments Are Non-Negotiable – Healthy Workforce Institute with Dr. Vicki Good
- Download your copy of our 33 Scripts to Address Disruptive Behavior When You Don’t Know What to Say
- Check out Renee Thompson’s newly revised book and #1 Amazon Best Seller 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!
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.
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