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Pulse Check with Dr. Kimberly Long
Join nurse and healthcare leader Kimberly C. Long as she sits down with top nursing executives to uncover the defining moments that shaped their careers. In each 10-minute episode, guests share the challenges, breakthroughs, and insights that helped them grow as leaders. From inspiring team culture to improving patient care and navigating complex healthcare systems, Kimberly brings out practical lessons and actionable strategies that nursing leaders can apply every day. Whether you’re a seasoned CNO or an emerging leader, these conversations offer a front-row seat to the wisdom and experiences that drive success in nursing leadership.
Pulse Check with Dr. Kimberly Long
Nicolette Fiore-Lopez - Chief Nursing Officer, St. Charles Hospital (Catholic Health)
In this episode of Pulse Check with Dr. Kimberly Long, Dr. Long sits down with Nicolette Fiore-Lopez, PhD, RN, CENP, FAONL, FAAN, Chief Nursing Officer at St. Charles Hospital, part of Catholic Health in Long Island, New York.
Nicolette shares her leadership journey - from unexpected beginnings in nursing to more than two decades of executive leadership. She reflects on the mentors and professional organizations that shaped her growth, discusses how she stays grounded amid the isolation that can come with senior leadership, and offers thoughtful advice for nurses at every stage of their careers.
This conversation is filled with practical wisdom, humility, and perspective for emerging nurse leaders and seasoned executives alike.
(0:00) – Introduction & Guest Welcome
Kimberly welcomes Nicolette Fiore-Lopez and confirms her role as Chief Nursing Officer at St. Charles Hospital, part of Catholic Health in Port Jefferson, New York.
(0:17) – Leadership Journey
Kimberly: Every leader has a journey that brings them to where they are. Can you share yours and what experiences or challenges shaped your path?
Nicolette reflects on an unexpected start in nursing, pivotal guidance from mentors, and how she stepped into leadership “under other duties as assigned”—a role she’s held for over 21 years.
(1:11) – Defining Leadership Moments
Kimberly: Looking back on your career, what pivotal moment truly defined the leader you’ve become?
Nicolette highlights the influence of mentors, sponsorship, and her involvement in professional nursing organizations, including AACN and AONL.
(2:08) – Staying Grounded in Leadership
Kimberly: Leadership can feel lonely at times. What helps you stay connected and grounded?
Nicolette shares the importance of lifelong friendships and reconnecting with her roots, including organizing a decades-later grammar school reunion.
(3:25) – Advice for New Nurses
Kimberly: What advice would you give someone just starting their nursing career?
Nicolette encourages curiosity, patience, reflection, and seeking objective feedback—emphasizing that growth often comes from hearing what we don’t want to hear.
(4:50) – Closing Reflections
Kimberly thanks Nicolette for sharing her insights and notes the value this conversation brings to both emerging and current nurse leaders.
(5:09) – Episode Close
