At a time of unprecedented turbulence and challenge for healthcare organizations, maintaining healthy work environments is of paramount importance. Such environments support the day-to-day work of an organization and link its mission to customer service strategies and goals. We describe an unhealthy work culture and outline a practical approach that healthcare managers and clinical leaders can use to facilitate and sustain cultural transformation. The model is built on the core principles of ownership and investment in service outcomes as well as the life of the organization.

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This department column is devoted to posing thought-provoking insights about transitions through, to, and from administrative roles in nursing. In this article, I explore an effective approach to succession planning for the role of director of surgical services, implemented in my role as chief nursing officer for a tertiary, acute care hospital. The plan provided a creative solution to the succession challenge and important lessons learned.