Meet Carlene Mello, MSN, RN-BC

Carlene Mello, MSN, RN-BC
Nurse Manager, Unit 52

Q: What do you bring to the organization as a leader?
A: "Thirty-eight years of nursing experience, with thirty of those in a leadership position. I bring experience, integrity, my ability to mentor, and help initiate change to improve our metrics.”

Q: What is the most rewarding part of being a manager?
A: “Seeing the people you have invested time in—mentoring, guiding, and helping them grow—evolve and be successful. I also find building relationships with the staff rewarding: listening, trusting, and making the hard decisions for the overall end result.”

Q: What is the value of being a leader in a non-system hospital?
A: “You have the ability to be your own person, within reason, and not have the restrictions you do when you are with a system.”

Q: What advice do you have for upcoming leaders?
A: “Establish trust and integrity from the beginning. Make your expectations known so there’s no guessing. Laugh and cry—let them know you are human, too, and make mistakes just like everyone else.”

Q: What is one fun fact about you?
A: “I like to refinish old furniture and sell it so someone else can enjoy it.”

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A: “I have had wonderful mentors throughout my career, which has contributed to my success. I want to be that mentor for someone else."