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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
Carina Menjivar – Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
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In this episode of Pulse Check with Dr. Kimberly Long, Kimberly sits down with Carina Menjivar, Associate Chief Nursing Officer at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, to explore the journey of leadership in healthcare. Carina shares how her diverse experiences - from bedside nursing to healthcare administration - shaped her approach to leadership, the pivotal moments that defined her style, and strategies for staying grounded in high-pressure roles. She also offers actionable advice for nurses starting their careers, emphasizing adaptability, mentorship, and embracing opportunities to lead.
Whether you’re a healthcare professional or simply interested in leadership lessons, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring stories about impacting teams and patients alike.
0:01 - 0:15
Kimberly: Carina Menjivar, welcome. I'm so glad that you had the opportunity to take some time to share your thoughts with us. Carina is the Associate Chief Nursing Officer for Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, correct?
0:15 - 0:18
Carina: That's right. Thank you for having me.
0:19 - 0:34
Kimberly: Absolutely. I've got a few questions and I just want you to relax and share your thoughts. Every leader has a journey that brings them to where they are. Can you share yours and what experiences or challenges you had that shaped your path?
0:34 - 2:17
Carina: [Shares her leadership journey: military family experiences, moving frequently, career progression from charge nurse → manager → director → public health → healthcare surveyor → director of education → director of ED → director of quality → ACNO.]
2:18 - 2:26
Kimberly: Oh, that's wonderful. And that breadth of exposure, I'm sure, is contributing a great deal to your role as Associate Chief Nursing Officer now.
2:26 - 2:39
Carina: Absolutely. I'm grateful for those opportunities and the exposure they provided.
2:40 - 3:19
Kimberly: As you think about your experience and look back, were there pivotal moments in your career that defined the leader you’ve become?
3:19 - 4:55
Carina: [Discusses servant leadership, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and her “aha moment” realizing she can impact patients indirectly by mentoring nurses.]
4:55 - 5:11
Kimberly: That's absolutely wonderful. What strategies do you use to stay grounded and connected as a leader?
5:12 - 6:15
Carina: [Talks about professional organizations like ACNL, church community, and networking outside healthcare to combat isolation.]
6:15 - 6:31
Kimberly: What piece of advice would you give to a nurse starting her career, and why is it important?
6:32 - 7:14
Carina: Be adaptable, embrace change, find mentors, seek opportunities, lead where you are, and stay committed.
7:14 - 7:27
Kimberly: Carina, thank you so much for taking the time and sharing your insights.
