Bridget Slusarek, DNP, MBA, RN
How do you cope with the demanding aspects of your career?
I’ve learned that sustaining a career in nursing leadership requires being intentional about what keeps you grounded. For me, that is relationships, staying active, prioritizing my well-being, and making time for family, friends, and my community. Those connections give me perspective, keep me grounded, and bring plenty of laughter along the way.
I also believe leaders should model the well-being they encourage in their teams. Taking time to recharge is part of effective leadership, helping us return to more present, thoughtful, and prepared to support those who rely on us.
What aspect of being a nurse leader brings you the most joy?
Serving Veterans is deeply meaningful to me, and one of my greatest joys is seeing our nurses and staff share that commitment. Whether launching new services or strengthening nurses’ clinical skills, I find it rewarding to see these efforts improve Veterans’ care and healthcare experiences.
I am also passionate about mentoring and developing nurses. Few things are more rewarding than recognizing someone’s potential, helping them gain confidence, and seeing them pursue opportunities they once thought were beyond reach. It is even more fulfilling when they begin mentoring and encouraging others.
How long have you been a member of MOLN, and do you have a favorite memory from a MOLN event?
I’ve been involved with MOLN for several years and have had the privilege of co-chairing the Professional Development Committee (PDC) with Lucy Furlong. Together with an exceptional PDC committee, we have developed educational experiences that connect nurse leaders, inspire new ideas, and help shape the future of nursing leadership across Minnesota.
Choosing a single favorite MOLN memory is difficult. We have heard from many outstanding national and local presenters, but what I value most are the conversations between sessions, reconnecting with colleagues, welcoming new leaders, and the friendships that continue long after each event.
That is what makes MOLN so meaningful to me. We come together for professional development, but we leave with something even more valuable: a community of nurse leaders we can learn from, lean on, and grow alongside.
Who or what has been most influential or inspiring in your nursing leadership journey?
More than 20 years ago, during my cardiac intensive care nursing internship, Elizabeth Gobel was my very first nursing preceptor and my first nurse leader. She saw potential in me before I could fully see it in myself. She encouraged me to be curious, keep learning, and believe I could keep growing. I have carried that with me throughout my career.
Years later, at a different stage in my career, I pursued a DNP in Executive Nursing Leadership at Baylor University. One of my professors, Dr. Dora Bradley, became a valued mentor who guided me throughout the program. She challenged my perspective and taught me to view executive nursing leadership, change management, and healthcare through a broader systems lens rather than focusing only on individual problems.
Many remarkable leaders have influenced me between those two experiences. What distinguished them was not their titles, but their belief in people. They built trust, stayed curious, encouraged growth, and created opportunities for others to succeed. Their example continues to shape the leader I strive to be. I know how powerful it is when someone recognizes your potential before you do first as a young nurse and later as an experienced leader. Now, I have the privilege of seeing that potential in others.
