Leah Gehri – Chief Nursing Officer, Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center | Leading People, Not Just Managing Care

Great nursing leadership isn't about having authority. It's about earning trust, empowering caregivers, and creating an environment where exceptional patient care can happen.

In this episode of ACNL in Action, host Charlene Platon sits down with Leah Gehri, DNP, MHA, MN, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer at Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center, to explore what it truly means to lead with compassion, courage, and purpose.

With more than 35 years of nursing and executive leadership experience, Leah shares the lessons that shaped her journey from the emergency department to the executive level. She explains why trust must be earned, why supporting nurses should be a leader's first priority, and how small operational improvements can make a lasting difference in both caregiver well-being and patient outcomes.

Through powerful personal stories, including a difficult decision during the COVID-19 pandemic, Leah reveals how empathy and human connection can guide leaders through situations where there are no easy answers.

In this conversation, you'll discover:

Why leadership is about influence, not titles or authority.

How transparency and honest communication build trust.

Why caring for nursing staff is essential to delivering exceptional patient care.

How empowering frontline nurses leads to meaningful innovation and operational improvements.

The importance of breaking down departmental silos and building shared accountability.

How mentorship, military experience, and everyday lessons shape effective leadership.

Why the next generation of nurses, technology, and AI offer hope for healthcare's future.

Leah also shares practical advice for aspiring nurse leaders: become the kind of leader you would want to follow.

Whether you're an experienced nursing executive, an emerging leader, or a healthcare professional passionate about improving the workplace, this conversation offers valuable insights into building stronger teams, leading meaningful change, and keeping compassion at the center of healthcare.

ACNL in Action is presented by the Association of California Nurse Leaders, with new episodes every month.

Learn more at https://www.acnl.org and connect with ACNL on LinkedIn and Facebook at ACNLNurse.