In celebration of National Nurses Week, Marcus is joined by Heather Schimmers who shares the launch of Emplify Health, insights into her career as a nurse, and role as a leader. Todays topics include; what brought Heather into nursing, her leadership style, and a spotlight on those who have helped her along the way. Join us in celebrating nurse leaders and making an impact at all levels.

Key Moments:

• 00:00 – Introductions
• 01:47 – Heather Schimmers announces their bigger merger and launch of the new system, Emplify Health.
• 03:05 – Heather talks about her daily role and what got her into the healthcare field.
• 09:50 – Marcus asks about a time where Heather has witnessed compassion.
• 14:32 – Heather and Marcus talk about leadership and how to be a great leader.
• 29:40 – Heather would like to leave us with, “kindness matters.”
• 35:58 – Heather talks about some of her side passions and the Special Olympics Wisconsin.
• 38:50 – Thank yous and a final story from Heather.

Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with Heather Schimmers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-schimmers/
• Learn more about the Special Olympics Wisconsin: https://www.specialolympicswisconsin.org
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

More About Heather Schimmers, MBA, BSN, RN:

Heather Schimmers is an experienced clinical and administrative leader who serves as President of the Gundersen Health System. She is responsible for all functional and strategic operations in the region and connection to the same in the Bellin Region.

In her career, Heather has led strategic projects at the local and national level; developed multidisciplinary practice councils to bring stakeholders together to improve care; and she has been a key clinical leader working with clinicians, clinical staff, and fellow executives to drive success.

Prior to bringing two decades of healthcare leadership experience to Gundersen in 2021, Heather served as chief nursing officer for Ascension Wisconsin. Heather also served as the vice president of Patient Care Services for St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton, Wis., and has deep experience with nursing practice, specialty care services, patient experience best practices, and building corporate culture.

Heather leads to make sure voices are heard and that staff are exceptional and compassionate as they care for patients. She also strives to be inclusive in gathering a broad range of perspectives and data to make decisions. Heather has been honored for this work as a Corporate Woman of Excellence by Insight Magazine and with an Athena International Leadership award.

Heather makes certain that the time she spends engaging with other organizations aligns to her values, an example being her board seat with Special Olympics of Wisconsin.

Date: 5/6/2024
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode number and title: Episode 143 – Celebrating National Nurses Week - Heather Schimmers, MBA, BSN,