Interview: Mandi Wall, MSN, RN, CNML

This week, I’m excited to introduce a colleague and dear friend of mine, Mandi Wall, MSN, RN, CNML. Mandi and I first met about five years ago, and what started as being work buddies quickly turned into a close friendship outside of work. She’s also become my go-to partner for attending nursing conferences—always more fun with a friend!

But enough about Mandi and me—let’s hear from Mandi herself about her incredible nursing journey.

How did your nursing career begin, and what inspired you to pursue this path?

My nursing career began later in life, at age 35, after I had served in the U.S. Navy as an electronics technician. Initially, I resisted the idea of nursing because my mother, a nurse and nursing educator, inspired me but made me want to forge my own path. After leaving the Navy and raising two young children, I was unsure of my next step.

One day, while supporting my husband during his back pain treatments, we encountered a nurse who lacked compassion. My husband suggested I reconsider nursing, saying, "They need nurses with better attitudes." That moment made me reflect on my love for science and the complexity of the human body. I realized nursing would allow me to use those passions to make a meaningful difference in others' lives. At 35, I embraced the calling, and I’m so glad I did.

What made you decide to transition from bedside nursing to a leadership role?

I was fortunate to have a great manager who truly listened to her team and encouraged growth. When she left, her replacement lacked the same leadership qualities, and my mother suggested I consider stepping into leadership. At the time, I wasn’t interested; I thought is was all about babysitting people, which was not appealing.

A year later, I was approached with the opportunity to become a nurse leader. I hesitated because I feared the babysitting factor, as well as, being too far removed from patient care. Seeking advice, I spoke with a nurse I greatly admired. He shared something that changed my perspective: leadership isn’t about leaving the bedside but becoming an extension of it, supporting caregivers (not babysitting) so they can provide the best care to patients. That insight gave me the confidence to step into leadership and make a difference.

What has been the most rewarding part of being a nurse leader?

The most rewarding part is knowing I can positively impact patient care on a broader scale. I’ve connected with one of my strongest talents: identifying gaps, providing solutions and creating growth. For example, I successfully grew two procedural departments by collaborating with physicians, my teams, and operational support. This expansion allowed us to provide more services for our community.

Another deeply fulfilling aspect has been watching the growth in my teams. Seeing staff members take on formal and informal leadership roles and make a difference is incredibly rewarding. Supporting my team and seeing their confidence, skills, and impact grow is a reminder of the importance of leadership in creating lasting change.

If you could go back, would you choose to become a nurse leader again? Why or why not?

Yes, without a doubt. Leadership has been challenging, but the rewards outweigh the obstacles. It has allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined while making meaningful changes in healthcare. The opportunity to support my team, address challenges, and contribute to better patient outcomes is something I wouldn’t trade. I’ve learned that leadership is an extension of bedside care and an opportunity to advocate for what truly matters.

What advice would you give to aspiring nurse leaders looking to make a difference in healthcare?

Start by leading with authenticity and integrity. Be honest if you don’t know something but commit to finding the answers—teams trust you more when you show vulnerability and honesty. Surround yourself with a strong support team of peers who can offer feedback, help you bounce ideas around, and ensure you have a voice among your leadership circle. Leadership is challenging, but it becomes much more manageable when you know you have a solid network to rely on.

If you find yourself in a toxic culture or among leaders who are not honest or lack good intent, it’s important to consider finding another team. Several great nurse leaders advised me during such a time that "there are times you must go to grow." It was one of the hardest lessons I had to learn, but it was transformative. When I chose to leave, I found my tribe of nurse leaders—individuals who celebrate each other’s victories, support one another during challenges, and foster a culture where I feel valued and free to grow.

Seek mentorship, stay curious, and embrace lifelong learning. Leadership is about service supporting your team and creating an environment where they feel valued and empowered. Remember that challenges are opportunities to grow, and staying connected to your “why” will guide your decisions and inspire your team.

What strategies do you use to inspire and motivate your nursing team, especially during challenging times?

I focus on transparency, communication, and recognition. Sharing clear goals and the rationale behind decisions helps build trust. I also ensure my team feels supported by being available and approachable. During tough times, I celebrate small wins and emphasize the importance of their work. I remind them that our collective efforts make a difference in patients’ lives, which can reignite their sense of purpose.

On a lighter note, candy is always helpful! Sometimes small gestures like offering a sweet treat can lighten the mood, provide a moment of comfort, and remind the team that their hard work is appreciated. By staying positive, being supportive, and creating moments of levity, we can navigate challenges together.

Thank you, Mandi, for sharing your inspiring journey and insights with us!

Stay tuned for next week’s edition, where we’ll dive into another amazing nursing story.

See you then!
Sandra