Culture & Leadership | Policy & Measurement | Supporting the Workforce

From Patient to Nurse Leader: How a Childhood Hospital Stay Shaped a Career

Published April 19, 2026

In this episode, Jason Wolf sits down with Jerry Mansfield, Vice President and System Chief Nursing Officer at University of Texas Medical Branch, who shares how a simple yet powerful bedside interaction during his childhood hospitalization shaped his path into nursing and leadership. Through that early experience and moment as a patient, he reflects on the enduring impact of clear communication, presence, and human connection in care. His story is a compelling reminder that the smallest acts can shape not only outcomes, but entire careers and lifelong perspectives on healthcare.

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