How Health Systems are Scaling Leader Standard Work on the Frontline


Thursday, March 19th, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CT

Leader Standard Work provides a proven operating model for consistently aligning leader behaviors around what matters most— standardized communications, leader rounding, etc—but has historically been difficult to scale.

In this session, nursing executives from UNC Health and Boston Medical Center will share real-life examples of what it takes to make leader standard work practical and sustainable, with an emphasis on culture, change management, and technology.

Learning Points:
 
  • Understand how leader standard work can drive employee engagement, patient experience, leader efficiency, and more
  • Learn how technology helps health systems operationalize and scale consistent leader behaviors
  • Gain a practical framework for operationalizing leadership best practices across departments

Presenters:

Nancy Gaden - Daniel Gest

Nancy W. Gaden, DNP RN FAAN

SVP / Chief Nursing Officer at Boston Medical Center

Nicole Kolacz - Daniel Gest

Nicole Kolacz, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, FACHE

Vice President Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at UNC REX Healthcare

Kelly Sutton - Daniel Gest

Kelly Sutton MHA, BSN, RN, CCRN-K, CPAN

Director Perioperative Services, HOPD Clinics at UNC Rex Healthcare

Moderator:

Joel Ray - Daniel Gest

Joel Ray COL, USAF, NC, MSN, RN, NEA-BC

Chief Clinical Advisor, Laudio