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A healthy workplace culture does not happen by accident. It takes leaders who are supported, developed, and equipped with practical tools to address challenges in real time.
In this episode, Dr. Karen Uttaro, Senior Director of Professional Practice, Quality, and Regulatory at UMass Memorial Medical Center, explains how her organization turned post-pandemic leadership turnover into an opportunity to rethink leadership development and strengthen workplace culture. She emphasizes that leaders need structured support, dedicated time, and practical tools to effectively address incivility, which led UMass to implement bite-sized learning, peer discussions, and ongoing reinforcement. Karen also connects these strategies to the needs of new graduate nurses, highlighting the importance of communication skills, psychological safety, and guided reflection during their transition into practice. She underscores that executive support, clear behavioral expectations, and a focus on self-care are essential for helping both leaders and frontline staff succeed.
Tune in and learn how intentional leadership development can strengthen culture, support nurses, and create healthier work environments.
About Karen Uttaro:
Dr. Karen Uttaro, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, NEA-BC, is the Senior Director of Professional Practice, Quality, and Regulatory at UMass Memorial Medical Center. She oversees regulatory compliance, professional practice, and quality for the Department of Nursing, including the ANCC PTAP-accredited Nurse Residency Practice Program and the organization’s Nursing Excellence Pathway to Excellence journey. Karen has more than 30 years of nursing experience and has spent over two decades at UMass Memorial, where she has led nursing education, staff development, and leadership growth initiatives. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Nursing Leadership from Baylor University and is deeply committed to helping both leaders and new nurses build the skills they need to thrive.
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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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