St. Luke's nurses climb the ladder

St. Luke’s South recently promoted two nurses in leadership positions.

Julia Woods, RN, MSN, became chief nursing officer after Kathy Howell, RN, MBA, ascended to the role of chief executive officer.

Howell said she did not have to think twice about the person she wanted to replace her as chief nursing officer. The selection process for chief executive officer took about six months. Howell said throughout that time she knew she wanted Wood to replace her if she became CEO.

“We’ve worked together for seven and a half years,” Howell said. “I knew immediately (Woods) was the person.”

Woods transitions from her former role as director of patient care. She said she looks forward to her work with Howell.

“I can’t think of a better way to be a CNO,” she said. “We have a great leadership team.”

Woods said she likes having a leader who has experience as a nurse.

As chief nursing officer, Woods overseas all aspects of nursing.

Howell said her experience as a chief nursing officer and a bed side nurse has shaped her as a leader.

Howell fell into a leadership position early in her career when the manager on her unit quit. She said she accepted the position as manager, but did not see a future in administration.

Howell’s first management position paved the way for a different career path than she had planned.

“When I started nursing there was no way I thought I’d be a CEO,” Howell said. “It’s an honor… It’s a big responsibility too.”

Woods said she saw administration as a way to broaden her influence on patients.

“I felt like it was a natural progression,” she said. “That’s the best part about nursing. There are so many different ways to expand your role.”

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