Celebrating National Nurses Week - Heather Schimmers - Compassion & Courage - Episode 143

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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. Highlighting how combining her passions steered her career, we discuss what brought Heather into nursing, her leadership style, and shine a spotlight on those who have helped her along the way. Emphasizing the importance of embracing new opportunities, Heather also shares the key work she is involved in by shining a light on the Special Olympics Wisconsin.

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. Heather shares some tips for leaders to show appreciation.
29:40 – Marcus asks some more fun questions to get to know Heather. 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:   / marcusengel  
Connect with Heather Schimmers on LinkedIn:   / heather-schimmers  
Learn more about the Special Olympics Wisconsin: https://www.specialolympicswisconsin.org
Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/

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 also understands the importance of engaging with partners to ensure health and well-being for patients, their families, and neighbors in the communities in Bellin and Gundersen’s care. 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. You will also see Heather regularly engaging with local and regional public and private partners to pursue opportunities for great care and experience.
About Bellin and Gundersen Health System
Formed in December 2022, Bellin and Gundersen Health System is a not-for-profit, patient-centered, community-focused healthcare network with headquarters in Green Bay and La Crosse, Wisconsin. Bellin and Gundersen has nearly 15,000 employees, including more than 1,000 clinicians, in 11 hospitals and more than 100 clinic locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Upper Michigan, and Iowa. With community partners, Bellin and Gundersen strives to lead local, regional and national healthcare transformation to enrich individuals for their healthiest lives at every stage. Learn more at bellin.org and gundersenhealth.org.

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