Influential Woman · Healthcare
Edna Hudson
RN
Charge Nurse, UF Health Leesburg Hospital
Leesburg, FL 34788
Her Story
About Edna
Edna Hudson is a highly accomplished registered nurse with more than 42 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She currently serves as a Charge Nurse in the Ambulatory Surgery Unit at Leesburg Regional Medical Center, where she oversees pre-operative and post-operative patient care while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and quality. Raised in Orange Bend near Leesburg, Florida, Edna began her healthcare career in central sterile supply, sterilizing surgical instruments, before completing CNA training and working as a certified nursing assistant for three years. She later became a registered nurse and, after approximately 20 years in practice, earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence.
Throughout her distinguished career, Edna has spent 38 years in leadership and management, specializing in perianesthesia nursing and surgical patient care. As Charge Nurse, she coordinates patient care before and after surgery, supervises clinical workflows, and fosters a culture of safety and collaboration among her team. Her dedication to excellence has earned her the Excellence in Nursing Award in 2020 and Patient Safety Awards in 2021 and 2023. A member of Kappa and active in professional perianesthesia nursing organizations, she remains committed to advancing best practices and delivering exceptional care to every patient.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Edna's life is a testament to resilience and service. After becoming a single mother at the age of 24 following the passing of her husband, she raised two sons who both followed her example by pursuing careers in nursing. Willie Hudson is a nurse practitioner specializing in neurology, while Tremaine Hudson is a registered nurse at a rehabilitation facility. Guided by values of dedication, loyalty, dependability, and ensuring every individual feels heard and validated, Edna continues to lead with compassion, believing that healthcare is a calling rooted in purpose, integrity, and genuine care for others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Edna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my genuine passion for my profession and the fulfillment I find in my work. By focusing on purpose rather than burnout, I stay motivated, resilient, and committed to giving my best.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received came from my mentors, Cheryl Semantic and Kimberly Anderson. They taught me that while technical expertise is essential, integrity, empathy, and patient-centered care are what truly define exceptional nursing and leadership. Their guidance continues to shape how I lead and serve others.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to choose it for the right reasons. Pursue a career in healthcare because you are passionate about making a difference, not because of the paycheck. Compassion, purpose, and a genuine commitment to serving others are what lead to a truly rewarding and meaningful career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in nursing today is retaining experienced professionals. While signing bonuses help attract new nurses, long-term nurses often receive less recognition and smaller annual raises despite their years of expertise and dedication. Creating compensation and recognition programs that better value experienced nurses is a significant opportunity to strengthen the workforce, improve retention, and enhance patient care.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are dedication, loyalty, and dependability. I believe in creating an environment where everyone feels heard, respected, and validated. These principles guide both my professional relationships and my personal life, helping me build trust, foster collaboration, and support others with empathy and integrity.
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