EP 42: Cultivating a Positive Work Culture

Addressing nurse managers’ administrative burdens and ensuring their presence on units can significantly improve staff morale and patient care.

In this episode, Dr. Helene Burns, Chief Nurse Executive at AtlantiCare, shares her journey in nursing leadership, from her extensive experience at Kennedy and Jefferson hospitals to her impactful new role at AtlantiCare. Dr. Burns discusses the importance of involving all levels of staff in problem-solving, building strong interprofessional relationships, and cultivating a positive work environment. She shares innovative approaches to addressing staffing issues and alleviating nurse managers’ workloads. Dr. Burns also discusses the ongoing challenges and progress in fostering healthy work environments in New Jersey hospitals.

Listen in for inspiring stories, practical advice for new nurse managers, and the significance of mutual respect and collaboration among healthcare professionals.

About Dr. Helene Burns

With more than 40 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Helene Burns, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAONL, FAAN, is the Chief Nurse Executive @ AtlantiCare, an integrated health system in Atlantic County, New Jersey. Dr. Burns joined AtlantiCare, a five-time Magnet Designated® organization, in December of 2023. She oversees nursing care for 2,000 nursing staff, 628 hospital-licensed beds, and more than 100 locations in five southern New Jersey counties. Dr. Burns is a member of the Organization of Nurse Leaders-New Jersey (ONL-NJ). She serves on the board and was President for the 2022-2023 term. Dr. Burns was selected as an American Academy of Nursing Inductee in the 2023 Class of New Fellows as a distinguished nurse leader recognized for substantial, sustained, and outstanding impact on health and health care. In 2024, Dr. Burns was selected as an American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL) Fellow – recognizing her exemplary leadership to the specialty of nursing leadership and to AONL.