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
- YouTube
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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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