On episode 520 of The Nurse Keith Show nursing and healthcare career
podcast, Keith interviews Leah Blackwell, MSN, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAONL, the Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer for Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center (TMC).
In the course of their conversation, Keith and Leah discuss the many proactive steps we can take in response to the profoundly disturbing fact that 73% of all reported workplace violence incidents occur in a healthcare setting
Ms. Blackwell began her career at the Memorial Hermann-TMC campus
as a new graduate nurse, specializing in critical care, after obtaining a
BSN from Texas A&M University. She then completed a dual graduate
degree, MSN in Nursing Administration and MBA from the University of
Texas-Tyler.
Through hard work and diligence, Leah advanced in her career from staff nurse to Clinical Manager to Patient Care Director to Chief Nursing Officer. As CNO, she oversees the clinical and operational aspects of the MH-TMC campus, a three-time Magnet designated facility with over 3,900 nurses.
With a great passion for being a transformational and servant leader
where she can be a catalyst for creating a culture where the entire
healthcare team can thrive and grow, Leah prioritizes the needs of her
staff and is a champion for support, education, and innovation.
Leah is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the
American College of Healthcare Executive and the American Organization
of Nurse Leaders where she serves on Nurse Leaders in Advocacy. This
committee fills her passion to advocate for federal policies that impact
nurses and patient care. She was awarded the American Organization for
Nursing Leadership fellow designation (FAONL) in 2025, which recognizes
nurse leaders for their sustained contributions to nursing leadership,
commitment to service, and influence in shaping healthcare.
Connect with Leah Blackwell and Memorial Hermann:
Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center
Leah Blackwell and LinkedIn
Memorial Hermann on LinkedIn
Facebook
YouTube
Instagram
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Contact Nurse Keith about holistic career coaching to elevate your nursing and healthcare career at NurseKeith.com. Keith also offers services as a motivational and keynote speaker and freelance nurse writer. You can always find Keith on LinkedIn.
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