Her Story
About Dr. Shannon
I'm a nurse leader focused on operational excellence, evidence-based practice, and developing high-performing clinical teams. I began my career in 2019 as a new graduate RN on a telemetry/stroke unit and have steadily advanced to my current role as Nurse Manager at Northwell Health, where I oversee the Float Pool, Dialysis Unit, and an Observation Unit—leading diverse teams that deliver exceptional patient care across multiple specialties.
My passion lies in empowering nurses through mentorship and creating cultures where evidence-based practice drives clinical decision-making. My leadership philosophy centers on leading with integrity, fostering continuous learning, and building strong teams that adapt to complex healthcare challenges. I believe that success in nursing leadership isn't just about managing operations—it's about developing people, implementing research-driven improvements, and being a reliable partner through organizational change.
From my earliest days as a new graduate nurse, I took on informal leadership roles—serving as charge nurse, becoming a stroke and speech champion, and achieving the highest level (III) on my hospital's clinical ladder. After earning my Master's in Nursing Education in 2020, I transitioned to Assistant Nurse Manager in 2022, where I immersed myself in leadership development courses and cultivated relationships with mentors who shaped my practice. My commitment to mentorship was recognized when I won the Ginny Zaborowski Mentoring Award in 2022, nominated by the nurses I worked alongside daily. I continued my academic journey, completing my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in 2025, further strengthening my foundation in evidence-based practice and scholarly leadership.
My leadership extends beyond unit operations. I joined Northwell Health's Leadership Mentor Pilot Program in 2022 and took on a stretch assignment supporting our hospital's Journey to Magnet designation, where I became a Magnet document writer and champion. This work deepened my expertise in translating clinical excellence into compelling evidence of nursing practice standards. I also earned my Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification, further demonstrating my commitment to clinical expertise. I'm now part of the Mentor/Mentee program again, but this time as a mentor for RNs aspiring to become leaders.
In my current role, I manage 40 Float Pool employees, collaborate with contracted partners to lead dialysis nursing staff, and oversee an Observation Unit designed to improve patient throughput from the Emergency Department. This diverse portfolio requires me to balance immediate operational needs with long-term strategic planning, evidence-based practice implementation, and continuous quality improvement.
I continue to grow as a nurse leader who bridges frontline care with scholarly practice, mentors emerging leaders, and champions the evidence-based innovations that define nursing excellence.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr. Shannon
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents, who taught me what it means to work hard and gave me the foundation to become who I am today. My mom was a nurse educator who pursued her Master's in Nursing Education, showing me firsthand what dedication to the profession looks like. She was my role model in nursing, demonstrating that continuous learning and teaching others are at the heart of what we do. My dad was an air traffic controller—a demanding job that required precision, quick thinking, and composure under pressure. Watching him work inspired me to bring that same work ethic to everything I do. Together, they gave me the opportunity to grow into an adult focused on bettering myself both personally and professionally.
Beyond my parents, I credit the incredible mentors who invested in me throughout my career. Starting as a new grad in 2019, I had people who saw potential in me before I saw it in myself. They encouraged me to take on charge nurse responsibilities, pursue clinical ladder advancement, and eventually step into formal leadership. Being part of the mentor/mentee program early in my career taught me how powerful it is when someone believes in you, and that's shaped how I lead today. I want to be for others what my mentors—and my parents—were for me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received was to seek out stretch assignments and say yes to opportunities that scare you a little. When I was asked to help with our Journey to Magnet, I had no experience writing those documents, but my mentor encouraged me to take the leap. That experience transformed how I think about nursing practice and gave me tools I use every day as a manager. I also learned early on to find your support people including your mentors, colleagues, and champions who will challenge you and support you. Hold onto those relationships because they'll shape your entire career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Learn everything you can at the bedside first. Your clinical expertise is the foundation of your credibility as a leader. Don't be afraid to take on informal leadership roles like charge nurse or unit champion—those experiences teach you so much about decision-making, prioritization, and team dynamics. Find mentors, and don't wait for a formal program—reach out to leaders you admire and ask questions. Get involved in things outside your unit, whether it's clinical ladder, shared governance, or quality projects. And remember that leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about asking the right questions, supporting your team, and always grounding decisions in evidence and integrity.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges are managing multiple priorities with limited resources, navigating staffing shortages, and keeping teams engaged during constant change. But these challenges also create opportunities. We have a chance to redesign workflows using evidence-based practice, develop innovative staffing models, and create mentorship programs that retain and develop our nurses. There's also tremendous opportunity in the Magnet Designation and other excellence frameworks to elevate nursing practice and give our teams the recognition they deserve. The key is balancing operational demands with the strategic work that truly transforms care.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and mentorship are at the core of everything I do. I never want to make a decision I can't stand behind or that doesn't serve my team and patients well. I lead with transparency and always ground my choices in evidence and the values of our profession. Mentorship is equally important—I've been shaped by incredible mentors, and I see it as my responsibility to invest in others the way they invested in me. I also value continuous learning. Healthcare changes constantly, and I want to model for my team that growth never stops, whether that's pursuing certifications, advancing your degree, staying current with evidence, or learning from the people around you.
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