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How do you transform a culture of silence and uncertainty into one of respect, collaboration, and accountability in healthcare?
In this episode, Dr. Laura Canfield, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Cottage Health, talks about her company’s journey of creating a healthier work environment as part of their nursing strategic plan, with “Healthy Work Environment” as a key pillar. Addressing post-pandemic challenges, she identifies gaps in leadership training to tackle incivility and bullying, fostering an interprofessional, evidence-based approach. A champion-based model was implemented, engaging nurses, physicians, and ancillary staff, supported by strong leadership buy-in and shared governance. Success was measured through annual and pulse surveys, unit-level initiatives, and positive staff feedback from educational sessions. Dr. Canfield also emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness, engaging teams, and defining workplace behaviors to build a sustainable culture of respect and collaboration.
Tune in to explore how Cottage Health tackled workplace challenges head-on, creating a healthier, more collaborative environment for their teams!
About Dr. Laura Canfield
Dr. Laura Cochran Canfield is a transformational nurse leader with over 20 years of progressive experience in clinical operations across not-for-profit and for-profit healthcare organizations. Doctorally prepared, she is known for leading change, inspiring teams, and aligning organizational goals with the core values of excellence, integrity, and compassion.
As Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at Cottage Health, Laura oversees 16 direct reports, 1364 FTEs, and manages $727 million in gross revenue and $175 million in controllable expenses. Her strategic leadership supports a three-hospital system that includes a Level I Trauma Center, advanced neuroscience programs, and a dedicated children’s hospital.
Since joining Cottage Health in 2011, Laura has held roles including Administrative Director and Clinical Nurse Specialist. She is dedicated to advancing nursing excellence, operational efficiency, and delivering exceptional care to the communities served by Cottage Health.
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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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