Season 2 • Episode 81

From Bedside to City Hall: How One Oncology Nurse Became Mayor of Plymouth, Michigan (With Linda Filipczak and Jana Price)

Apr 8, 2026

32:32

Episode Description

In this episode of Nurse Converse, Linda Filipczak shares how over 40 years in nursing shaped her approach to leadership in Plymouth, Michigan. From bedside care to city hall, she explains how skills like listening, crisis management, and relationship-based care translate directly into serving a community.

This conversation challenges what leadership looks like and why nurses are uniquely equipped to step into it. Because whether it’s one patient or an entire city, it all comes down to people.

>>From Bedside to City Hall: How One Oncology Nurse Became Mayor of Plymouth, Michigan

Jump Ahead to Listen:

[00:02:16] Early calling to nursing at age four
[00:02:51] Father’s cancer diagnosis shapes oncology focus
[00:04:43] First nursing job on post‑op unit in Detroit
[00:06:17] Becoming a mentor and preceptor on the floor
[00:07:03] Moving into recruitment and executive leadership
[00:09:20] National oncology committees and presenting to leaders
[00:11:29] Recruited onto local Historic District Committee
[00:12:59] Running for city commission and path to mayor
[00:14:30] Applying nursing skills to nonpartisan city leadership
[00:18:34] Balancing full‑time cancer center role with being mayor

Connect with Jana on LinkedIn and social media:

Instagram: @gentlyusedrn

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