Three Professionals Explain Why
By Kerry Barker, RN, Manager, Epic Services, CereCore
LinkedIn: Kerry Barker
LinkedIn: CereCore
During National Nurses Month 2026, it is important to acknowledge a persistent reality in our industry: health information technology (health IT) is often viewed as a hurdle for nursing staff to overcome. Communication disconnects between nurses and IT professionals remain commonplace and frequently intensify during major system changes.
For many nurses, when a new EHR arrives, the learning curve can feel like a barrier to care.
During stages of my clinical journey as a critical care nurse, nurse educator, and nursing supervisor, I experienced communication disconnects that intensified during technology changes. As a clinical system analyst and EHR consultant, I help predict and mitigate those situations with the support of nursing leaders. Three nursing leaders met with CereCore to share their best advice for IT and nursing professionals involved in projects, conversions, and implementations.
Three Leadership Lessons from Dr. Kathy Tussey, CEO, Harrison Memorial Hospital
Dr. Kathy Tussey’s journey from ED nurse to CEO offers a roadmap for navigating the intersection of patient care and technology. Dr. Tussey attributes her advancement to a “problem-solver mindset”—a commitment to finding positive ways to impact process improvement. She brought this same mindset to her hospital’s recent EHR optimization. Her advice for those navigating IT roles includes:
- Own the EHR as a Tool: View the EHR as a strategic asset, not a burden. Ensure the system works for the team, rather than the team working for the system. Optimization is essential to prevent technology from distancing clinicians from their patients.
- Say “Yes” to Growth: Treat every challenge as an opportunity to reinvent yourself. A collaborative, well-rounded perspective, paired with a thorough understanding of staff needs, is what builds a master leader.
- Seek to Learn: Engage with IT peers and clinical informatics teams. Understanding the “why” behind data entry helps nurses see how their documentation directly impacts patient outcomes.
Sustaining the Nursing Career: Holly Davis, CNO, Bingham Memorial Hospital
Holly Davis, MBA, BSN, FACHDM, has held leadership roles in nursing and quality since 1995. As CNO, she focuses on staff engagement and operational efficiency. Known for her people-first approach, she offers three tips for long-term career sustainability:
- Focus on the Tangible Difference: Nurses cannot control every variable in today’s healthcare landscape. To maintain optimism, stay focused on the direct impact you make on a patient’s life.
- Consider the Community: Continuity of care extends beyond hospital walls. IT systems should support the “circle of care,” ensuring patients are safely transitioned back to their families and support systems.
- Prioritize Personal Support: Bedside nursing is an emotional and mental drain. Nurses often absorb their patients’ pain. Seeking support and participating in resiliency training are small steps that make a significant difference in a long-term career.
Navigating EHR Upgrades: Judy Krupala, CNO, Cuero Regional Hospital
Judy Krupala has been a cornerstone of leadership at Cuero Regional Hospital since 1987. Having recently led her team through a major EHR upgrade, she shares these lessons learned:
- Staff Nurses are Essential Stakeholders: Every implementation requires staff nurses at the table. They know what needs to be charted and how to build workflows that meet the team’s unique clinical needs.
- Interconnect Technology and Innovation: Patients must remain at the center of technology change. Bring your IT team to the table for every equipment purchase to ensure they understand how the interconnectivity between bedside devices and the EHR impacts care.
- Make the EHR Work for You: Once the basics are mastered, push the boundaries. Ask, “Could we build this?” or “Can we do that?” Challenge your IT teams and vendors to leverage the system’s full capabilities to improve the nursing experience.
Final Thoughts
Nursing professionals are an important component of every IT initiative. Every step of patient care depends on nurses, and every IT initiative can benefit from their input.
