Neelima Bhargava
Neelima Bhargava is an accomplished Registered Nurse, Nurse Educator, Nurse Leader and Nurse Researcher with over 30 years of experience in clinical practice, education, leadership and research. She currently serves as Assistant Nurse Manager for the Cardiac Progressive Care Unit and Centralized Patient Monitoring Department at Community Health System in Fresno, California. Neelima is recognized for her expertise in Advanced Medical-Surgical nursing, cardiac nursing , nursing research, leadership and nursing education. She emphasizes servant leadership—prioritizing mentorship, kindness, and growth opportunities for her teams. She attributes her success to consistent effort, giving back, and lifting others. Originally trained and experienced in India, Neelima spent 15 years teaching in a BSN program before transitioning to clinical ,education research and leadership roles in the United States. She has received numerous awards and Honors in her nursing career. She has presented papers and posters at numerous National and International Nursing conferences, authored multiple research projects and case studies, and is in the process of writing two books: one chronicling her journey from India to the U.S. and another on lessons learned in leadership. Her professional focus blends clinical excellence with educational impact, aiming to improve patient outcomes and elevate the nursing profession. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Neelima is deeply committed to community service and nursing advocacy. She is a founding member and treasurer of the California Indian Nursing Association, Central Valley chapter of National Association of Indian Nurses of America, which conducts outreach programs, women’s health lectures, student coaching, and community research initiatives. She also actively collaborates with Filipino, Hmong, Hispanic, and Black nursing associations in the region, further demonstrating her dedication to fostering inclusivity and growth within the healthcare community.
• MSN RN
• University of Delhi- M.S.N.
• California Indian Nurses Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a mindset of giving and consistent effort, combined with prioritizing kindness, mentorship, and creating growth opportunities for my team. Embracing servant leadership has allowed me to lead with purpose while uplifting others along the way.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is to focus on giving and creating growth opportunities for others. It's been a game-changer in my leadership journey .
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To young women entering nursing leadership. I’d advise: lead with empathy and respect. Be a leader who inspires, not a boss who dictates. Spread kindness, set intentional goals, and make every day count . Own your impact!!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As an Assistant nurse manager in a Cardiac Progressive Care unit , we're facing staffing shortages and growing demand, but also opportunities in technology like AI and digital health. Embracing innovation and focusing on team growth will help us meet patient needs and drive success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my professional and personal life are I prioritize creativity, self-expression, and continuous growth. I nurture these values through connections with others, artistic pursuits like drawing and painting, staying active with swimming, and writing. Currently, I'm working on two books: one sharing my nursing journey from India to the U.S., and another reflecting on lessons learned in leadership.