We want to help you get to know our regional and E.W. Sparrow Hospital leaders better. We’re showcasing short introduction videos and responses to questions that highlight who these leaders are, where they came from, and what their priorities are as part of the regional and local structure of University of Michigan Health. And you may learn a surprising fact or two about them!
Our next profile is on E.W. Sparrow Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Kathy Marble. See her video below.
How would you summarize your new position?
I have 40-plus years of nursing experience in a variety of settings. I am passionate about the art and science of nursing and could not be more proud to be a Sparrow nurse. As the CNO, my biggest responsibility is to advocate for nursing, promoting the practice of nursing and to inspire nurses to drive their practice. I have voiced it over and over again, my dream is for E.W. Sparrow Hospital to be the destination for nursing practice. We have so much to be proud of! I understand the challenges and am eager for ideas. I am a visible leader. I believe that follow up and follow through is key to moving us forward in providing excellent patient-centered care. Our patients come to us with a story, they leave us with a story. WE are key to making certain their story tells of kindness, compassion, professionalism and amazing outcomes.
What are your top three goals for the region or the hospital?
Improve overall patient satisfaction rating, reduce RN turnover rate, reduce length of stay, and E.W. Sparrow Hospital financial stability.
What is one thing you've learned about Sparrow and/or University of Michigan Health West that surprised you?
In 2019, Sparrow’s Children Center partnered with University of Michigan in a joint venture for pediatrics. I was a part of this integration between Sparrow and Michigan Medicine. At that time, I was amazed at how engaged Michigan Medicine was in moving our pediatric program forward. The partnership was supportive, collegial and was the beginning of a journey for Sparrow and University of Michigan.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
All the amazing caregivers I meet, hearing their stories and discovering how I best can support them as they do the hardest yet most rewarding work there is!
Where is your favorite place in Michigan to vacation?
Anywhere on the water. My family enjoys boating so where we can get out on the water … I’m at peace! We love the lakes, rivers and streams in Michigan. Most weekends you will find us dropping our boat into water somewhere in the state. I particularly love Lake Michigan and the west side of the state. Our family enjoys the trails in the Glen Arbor area for hiking.
What book or movie did you last read or watch?
I am currently in the NEFA program (Nurse Executive Fellowship Academy) at Michigan Medicine. One of the suggested books is Grace Under Pressure: Leading Through Change and Crisis by John Baldoni. I just finished this book and really enjoyed the content. The three take-a-ways from this book are: During any kind of change or adversity, we as leaders need to above all else take care of our people, take care of ourselves and plan moving forward. I believe in the “soft stuff,” caring for people, connecting with them as human beings and being committed to my work which is, in fact, taking care of those who care for our patients. After reading the book, I’ve been listening to Baldoni podcasts.
Anything else, either personal or professional, that you’d like to add?
I have been married for 40 years to my husband, whom I met in Sunday school. We have two children and three grandchildren. I have lived in the Lansing area my entire life and am committed that Sparrow will continue to take excellent care of our community. During COVID, I was so proud of how Sparrow took care of our community. We stepped up and took the lead on so many things to improve the lives and outcomes of those we serve. I could not be more proud to be a Sparrow nurse!