What does it take to lead nursing at the executive level while staying connected to the realities of care at the bedside?

In this episode of Pulse Check with Dr. Kimberly Long, Dr. Long sits down with Robert Boesch, DNP, RN, CENP, CPHQ, FAONL, Chief Nursing Officer for Emory University Hospital and Emory University Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital.

Dr. Boesch shares his journey from pediatric nursing and bone marrow transplant care to executive nursing leadership, including the defining career decisions and unexpected opportunities that helped shape his path.

The conversation explores how healthcare organizations and academic institutions can better prepare the next generation of nurses, why emerging technologies need to become part of nursing education, and how nurse leaders can balance workforce investment, innovation, financial pressures, and patient care.

Dr. Boesch also explains why he intentionally returns to the frontline each week to work alongside clinical nurses - and why he believes nursing executives should never lose their connection to care delivery.

The discussion also turns to advocacy, healthcare policy, building strong leadership teams, and the importance of choosing work that brings meaning to your life and makes your community better.

For current and aspiring nurse leaders, this conversation is a reminder that leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about staying connected, surrounding yourself with great people, embracing opportunities to grow, and never losing sight of why you chose nursing in the first place.