Kelli Hohenstein, RN, MSN, has joined White Rock Medical Center as Chief Nursing Officer, bringing more than 20 years of experience in nursing that includes various roles from the bedside to leadership and performance improvement. Hohenstein started her new role on June 5.
“I have followed White Rock Medical Center for years and feel I align well with the mission, vision, and values,” she said.
Prior to joining White Rock, Hohenstein served as Regional Chief Nursing Officer for Prime Healthcare, overseeing nursing services at eight hospitals across Texas, Alabama and Georgia, including Dallas Regional Medical Center. Before her regional role, she served as Chief Nursing Officer and Administrator at Dallas Regional Medical Center for six years, where she was responsible for nursing and ancillary services. She served as Chief Nursing Officer and Assistant Chief Nursing Officer at the Dallas hospital as well.
“As I walked the halls at White Rock Medical Center and met employees, I got a good feel for the culture and the sense that everyone is one strong work family,” she said. “Now I look forward to meeting everyone and working together to elevate quality, safety, employee satisfaction, physician satisfaction, and the patient experience.”
Hohenstein shared more about what inspires her nursing practice and how she’ll apply that to her new role.
Why did you become a nurse?
In my younger years, I traveled a lot with a friend who was a transplant nurse. The compassion for those in need, her selflessness, and her patience as a nurse inspired me and helped drive my motivation and passion to become a nurse.
What do you find rewarding as a nurse leader?
The most rewarding thing about being a nurse is making a difference in the lives of others. As a nurse leader, it’s rewarding to see your team work together towards a common vision.
What is your leadership style?
I believe in servant leadership and prioritize serving the greater good. Four principles that are important to me are creating a culture of trust, encouraging diversity of thought, having an unselfish mindset, and fostering leadership in others.
What do you do for fun in your free time?
I love football, baseball, softball, animals, gardening, horseback riding, music and entertaining friends and family. My family has created an event venue for weddings and events on a 27-acre horse ranch in Wylie, Texas. We love and care for horses, mini horses, mini donkeys, Scottish Highlander cows, rabbits, potbelly pigs, dwarf goats, chickens, ducks, sugar gliders, cats and dogs.
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