Her Story
About Stephanie
Stephanie Crisler, MHL, BSN, CPHQ, CPPS, CSSGB, Lean Black Belt, is an accomplished healthcare quality, patient safety, and nursing leader with more than three decades of experience as a registered nurse. She began her nursing career in 1995 after earning an Associate Degree in Nursing and later advanced her education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University in 2017 and a Master’s in Healthcare Leadership from Western Governors University in 2020. In 2008, Stephanie transitioned from direct patient care into specialized roles focused on healthcare quality, patient safety, performance improvement, and leadership.
Throughout her career with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Stephanie has held progressively responsible positions, including Clinical Systems Redesign Facilitator, Interim Chief of Quality Management, Patient Safety Manager, and Patient Safety Officer for the VISN 15 Heartland Network. In August 2026, she advanced into her current role as a Nurse Executive. Her professional expertise is supported by certifications including Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS), Six Sigma Green Belt with a healthcare emphasis, and Lean Black Belt. She also brings extensive experience in Lean process improvement, clinical research, infection prevention, quality management, and performance excellence, along with 11 years of service as a Baldrige Examiner.
Stephanie’s leadership philosophy centers on intentional leadership, servant leadership, integrity, and accountability. She credits mentors and supportive relationships for helping shape her professional growth and emphasizes the importance of building genuine connections with people who share strong values. She also encourages young women entering healthcare to seek mentors whose principles align with their own and to cultivate relationships that foster professional and personal development. Through her career, Stephanie has combined clinical nursing expertise with quality and safety leadership to help strengthen healthcare systems and promote better outcomes for patients.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stephanie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my loving husband and my faith in God. I believe that what I have been able to accomplish has been made possible through those relationships—my relationship with my husband and my relationship with the Lord. Their love, support, and guidance have been foundational throughout my journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received centers around intentionality. Throughout my healthcare career, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who modeled what it means to be a servant leader—someone who inspires, empowers, and supports others. From my early years as a graduate nurse through my transition into healthcare leadership, I watched leaders intentionally invest in the people around them. Their example shaped the type of leader I wanted to become. Over the past 18 years in healthcare leadership, intentionality has remained at the center of how I lead, mentor, and empower others.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Seek out people who demonstrate values that align with your own and who are where you aspire to be in life and in your career. Build genuine relationships with them and allow them to speak into your life, mentor you, and support your growth. One of the greatest things you can do for yourself professionally is allow other people to become part of your journey. You don’t have to navigate your career alone.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities—and challenges—in healthcare today is the rapid pace of change. Healthcare is constantly evolving, which can ultimately create better outcomes for patients and families. At the same time, the speed of that transformation can be challenging for healthcare professionals and organizations. Technology continues to evolve, healthcare systems remain in a constant state of change, and professionals must continually adapt.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and accountability. These values guide me both professionally and personally. They influence how I lead, the decisions I make, and the relationships I build.
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