Linda has been a nurse for over 40 years, with all but four years of her career spent at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center.  During her illustrious career, Linda has left a lasting impression on the hospital’s nursing division. Among many other accomplishments, Linda opened the hospital's special care unit in 2009, transitioned the hospital from biannual BLS to quarterly RQI training, and has spearheaded the hospital's nursing excellence journey for Magnet recognition.  Linda has demonstrated her leadership skills time and again by developing teams, managing and championing change, and thinking strategically. Perhaps her strongest leadership competency is her ability to mentor and inspire others in their professional growth.

For myself, this mentoring journey started when Linda asked me about my career goals.  I mentioned an interest in nursing professional practice and role development, and ever since, she has facilitated opportunities for me to grow in this area. She has empowered me to stretch professionally and has tapped me for opportunities that I would not have even thought to pursue myself.  Her ability to recognize the strengths and potential of those around her is why she has been able to mentor so many of the hospital’s current nursing leaders.

I never feel as though I cannot bring a new idea to her for fear of rejection.  She is pragmatic and analytical, which makes her open to new ways of doing things and enables her to support creative innovation.  In the past, when I nervously presented my ideas in front of hospital leaders, she jumped in when needed and advocated on my behalf when my words failed me.  Linda embodies what it means to be a nurse leader.  I am exceedingly grateful to have her as a champion in my own professional journey, and HCMC is fortunate to have benefited from her leadership during the majority of its operation.