Summary
In this episode of the Coffee Break, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down with Luanne Smedley, Executive Director and Associate Chief Nursing Officer at Stanford Children’s Health. Luanne is a true soul sister in the fight against workplace bullying and incivility.
After a work stoppage and years of strained relationships in the NICU, Luanne led a powerful, interprofessional culture reset, starting with leadership and expanding to the entire team. What began as tough conversations among leaders turned into a structured, monthly opportunity for nurses, NPs, and physicians to talk, listen, and heal together.
What’s the result? Dramatic improvements in communication, trust, sick time, incident reports, vacancy, and turnover. This episode is packed with lessons for any leader ready to turn the tide on workplace dysfunction.
About Luanne Smedley:
Luanne is a results-driven nurse leader with a long history of success in academic medical centers. She currently serves as the Executive Director and Associate CNO at the Johnson Center for Pregnancy & Newborn Services. With a BSN and an MHA, Luanne brings clinical depth and strategic leadership to every role she takes on.
Things You’ll Learn
- How one NICU used honest, facilitated dialogue to rebuild trust and communication after a strike.
- What makes interprofessional team healing work — and why it must include everyone.
- The importance of moving beyond surface-level “communication skills” and getting to the root cause.
- How leaders can host monthly conversations that reduce turnover, sick time, and incident reports.
- Simple but powerful ways to equip staff with the courage and language to address conflict directly.
- Why is assessing the right problem first critical before launching any intervention?
Resources & Links
- Connect with Luanne on LinkedIn
- Email Luanne: [email protected]
- AONL Insight Study – https://www.aonl.org/resources/nursing-leadership-survey
- Download your copy of our 33 Scripts to Address Disruptive Behavior When You Don’t Know What to Say
- Check out Renee Thompson’s book 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! 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!
Exciting News! We’ve been featured on MillionPodcasts – a hand-curated database of amazing podcasts across various categories – in their Best 70 Healthcare Leadership Podcasts. They have also featured our podcast in their 70 Best Compassionate Leadership Podcasts, 20 Best Toxic Workplace Podcasts, and 25 Best Workplace Bullying Podcasts list.
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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.
