Nicole M. Bennett
Nicole M. Bennett, MAOL, BSN, BBA, is a healthcare leader specializing in patient safety, health equity, quality improvement, and high-reliability healthcare systems. She currently serves as Director of Patient Safety and Healthcare Equity at NYC Health + Hospitals, one of the largest municipal health systems in the United States. In this role, she leads system-level initiatives that integrate regulatory performance, cultural transformation, and operational reliability to strengthen patient safety outcomes. Bennett is widely recognized for her ability to translate complex regulatory standards and accreditation requirements into practical, measurable strategies that improve care delivery across multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
With more than 15 years of experience in acute care quality, regulatory oversight, and patient safety leadership, Bennett focuses on designing systems that prevent harm and strengthen organizational accountability. Her work integrates high-reliability principles, culture of safety initiatives, and health equity into a unified framework for healthcare performance. She has played a key role in advancing High Reliability Organization (HRO) strategies, leading safety culture engagement efforts, and guiding accreditation readiness aligned with evolving regulatory expectations from organizations such as The Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Among her notable achievements are co-leading Joint Commission Health Equity Certification in 2023 and helping guide hospital recertification with zero citations in 2025.
Bennett’s professional background bridges clinical practice, healthcare administration, and business leadership. After beginning her career in corporate America and nonprofit healthcare collaboration, she transitioned into nursing and health system leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Adelphi University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources from Baruch College. A frequent speaker and contributor on topics such as patient safety, high reliability, regulatory readiness, and health equity, Bennett is committed to helping healthcare organizations move from compliance-based oversight toward measurable performance and sustainable system improvement.
• Adelphi University - BSN
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my experience, my commitment to collaboration, and my ability to build strong relationships. I take a systems-focused approach to care and place trust in the expertise of frontline professionals, knowing that their insights are critical to achieving the best outcomes.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to focus on culture and nurture—prioritizing a positive, supportive environment and investing in the growth of the people around you.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to be a sponge and absorb as much knowledge as possible, with a strong focus on patient safety above all. Seek out development and guidance—be open to coaching, build meaningful connections, and learn from experienced professionals. Actively engage with mentors and embrace opportunities for growth, as these experiences will shape your career and open doors to new possibilities.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field are the time it takes to implement system changes—like updates in Epic across a multi-hospital system—and building true psychological safety so staff feel comfortable reporting concerns. Opportunities include simulation-based training, Patient Safety Champions, and frontline-driven solutions that improve processes, such as allergen-tray stickers in the nutrition department.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are rooted in patient safety and education. After 15 years as a nurse, I take the greatest pride in my role as an educator on patient safety. I prioritize psychological safety, fostering a safety-first culture, collaborating effectively, and trusting the expertise of frontline staff.
Locations
NYC Health + Hospitals
Brooklyn, NY 11234