CNO Roundtable 2025
Q2: Staff Communication
What strategies help you better connect with your nursing teams?
Angela Brady, San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital
I still work shifts on the floor when needed. This supports my team during busy times, and shows that I haven’t forgotten where I started.
Annabelle Duschane Braun, Orange Coast Medical Center (above, right)
Doing frontline rounds as often as possible is key. We need to hear directly what’s going on and what’s not working to make the most meaningful changes.
Sharon Brown, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
We’re starting quarterly in-person nursing forums, but I continue to find rounding the most beneficial way to connect with frontline staff.
Brandi Cassingham, Saddleback Medical Center
Creating regular “touchpoints” is important. For example, I have “Breakfasts with Brandi” with new grads in our residency program so I can hear how they’re acclimating.
Danielle Gabele, Ventura County Medical Center and Santa Paula Hospital
Informal, impromptu rounding is tried and true. I like to ask, “What would make the shift better for you today?” Often, what staff need are small things that are easy to provide in the moment.
Karen Grimley, UCLA Health
The best way to connect is in person: rounding, quarterly town halls, and “Coffee with Karen” on the patio. A new idea we added is a QR Code nurses can scan to submit questions or concerns.
Katie Hughes, Casa Colina Hospital
I round on the nursing units with coffee, fun creamer flavors, and snacks. This allows me to connect with staff and hear their thoughts.
Awa Jones, USC Norris Cancer Hospital
In addition to rounding frequently, I hold monthly CNO listening sessions, which offer a valuable space for meaningful dialogue.
Valerie Kaura, Redlands Community Hospital
We’ve integrated technology to support rounding, using personalized notes to guide our future conversations.
Grace Kwasman, Adventist Health Glendale (above, left)
I’ve embraced storytelling as a powerful tool. Sharing stories from my own nursing experience helps foster connection and keeps me grounded.
Ed Matzen, LADHS Correctional Health Services
Engaging directly with staff is invaluable, and I enjoy walking the facilities to talk to nurses about the challenges they face and what’s working well.
Jinhee Nguyen, Huntington Health
As we gear up for our next Magnet designation period, we’ve created a Magnet influencer team, which rounds at night and during off hours to hear staff questions and concerns.
Roz Nolan, Dignity Health Community Hospital of San Bernardino
One of my most impactful initiatives has been a book club for nurses and nurse leaders, which serves as a platform for discussions on professional growth, leadership, and evidence-based practice.
Dinarte Viveiros, MemorialCare Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital (above)
I formally and informally round, and I offer time for people to drop in and chat with me. You get a lot of great information through informal check-ins.
Vicki White, Henry Mayo (photo, top)
In a large organization, it’s crucial that staff sees leadership as present and engaged. We prioritize direct, open conversations, acknowledging concerns while reinforcing shared goals.
Alexis Zamarripa, PIH Health Downey Hospital
I like to round with the “Kindness Cart” which is stocked with snacks, stress-relief tools, and useful items. I find that it not only boosts morale, but also fosters open communication, creating a more connected and supportive work environment. ■
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In this Article: Leadership and Management
