From the bedside to the boardroom: Transforming health care through nursing leadership
When Tara Sand and Rebecca Sullivan began their nursing careers, neither imagined they would one day be driving leadership initiatives, teaching systems thinking simulations and mentoring the next generation of nurse leaders.
But thanks to a shared vision—and a shared journey through the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing Systems Leadership Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program—that is exactly where they have landed.
Both nurses entered the profession through traditional clinical paths. Sand spent 10 years as a bedside nurse in labor and delivery before stepping into a leadership role. Sullivan's path began as a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital before she earned her RN and transferred to UC Medical Center, where she moved from Med Surg to labor and delivery. “I spent about seven years at the bedside before stepping into a divisional supervisor role,” she recalls.
Their leadership responsibilities expanded quickly, and so did the expectations placed on them. With UC Medical Center aiming to elevate its maternity care to a Level IV designation, nurse leaders were required to hold a master’s degree. Sand and Sullivan knew it was time to take the next step, but they weren’t going to do it alone.
A program that exceeded expectations
For Sullivan, the Systems Leadership program offered practical tools that immediately applied to her role. “The financial aspect, communication methods and systems thinking—it all helped me look at the hospital as a whole rather than focusing only on the details in front of me,” she says.
Sand, Systems Leadership Program Director Dr. Kathy Oliphant and Sullivan at the UC simulation event they co-facilitated
Sand, meanwhile, was cautious going in due to her previous experience in another institution. “This time was different,” she says. “The Systems Leadership program gave me opportunities to grow in ways I didn’t even know I needed to. It exceeded every expectation.”
One of the most transformative moments came through a unique opportunity introduced during the program, an optional seminar called Friday Night in the ER, held at Cleveland Clinic. With financial support from UC Medical Center, the two drove to Cleveland, joined a systems thinking simulation and became certified instructors for the program.
“We brought it back to our hospital, taught it to our teams and even presented it at a college learning conference,” Sand says. “Now, we’re planning to roll it out for our charge nurses to broaden their systems thinking.”
“We’re building something bigger now. A culture where leaders support each other, learn together and lift each other up.”
Rebecca Sullivan, MSN, RN
While juggling school, full-time leadership roles and busy family lives, the pair relied heavily on each other. “It was definitely more tolerable going through it with someone,” Sand says. “We reminded each other of deadlines, supported each other when things felt overwhelming. It made a huge difference.”
And the benefits didn’t stop at graduation. “I use what I learned all the time,” Sullivan says. “It helped me step back and think bigger.”
Sand also feels more prepared by improved networking and communication skills, as well as a broader understanding of hospital systems.
Now proud UC graduates, Sand and Sullivan are passionate about mentoring others. “We have two supervisors currently in the Systems Leadership program,” says Sand. “We’re helping them however we can—sharing resources, supporting their practicum, encouraging them to grow.”
They also credit their organization for making growth possible. “UC Health has supported me all the way,” says Sand. “They paid for my degrees and gave me opportunities to move from PCA to manager. I’m incredibly grateful for that.”
Looking ahead, the pair sees Systems Leadership not just as a personal milestone, but as a movement. “We’re building something bigger now,” Sullivan says. “A culture where leaders support each other, learn together and lift each other up.”
And if Sand has her way, she might be recruiting Sullivan for one more educational adventure. “She brought me into this once. She’ll do it again,” Sullivan laughs.
Sullivan and Sand presenting at a UC College of Nursing and College of Allied Health Sciences collaborative poster session.
Shortly before graduating, Tara Sand and Rebecca Sullivan received the UC College of Nursing Outstanding MSN Student award. Their nomination, written by the Systems Leadership Program Director Kathy Oliphant, DNP, RN, CNL, NEA-BC, highlights the pair’s exceptional commitment to leadership, learning and service.
“Both nurses have led key clinical initiatives, presented locally and nationally and actively mentored others—demonstrating the impact of strong, collaborative leadership in nursing.,” Oliphant highlights.
Featured image:Tara Sand, Dr. Kathy Oliphant and Rebecca Sullivan at Summer 2025 graduation. Photo provided.
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