As new chief nursing officer for USMD Hospital at Arlington, Laurie Lewis is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the overall operation of nursing services. This includes perioperative services, inpatient and surgical intensive care, and the emergency department.

She also ensures regulatory compliance and patient care quality standards for all patients at USMD Hospital at Arlington.

Asked how she handles it all, Lewis laughs. “I’ve just always had the mindset that I can do anything I set my mind to,” she says. “I think I’m just highly motivated. Anything I do, I do to the nth degree.”

With an associate’s, bachelor’s, and two master’s degrees—the latter two from UTA—Lewis certainly has the diplomas to prove it. She’s even considering going back to UTA for another master’s degree.

“My Master’s of Nursing Administration degree has helped me tremendously in my current role,” she says. “Taking classes in finance, theory, and research were truly my first exposure in these areas. In particular, the management and leadership courses helped shape my leadership style and overall management strategies.”

Her drive, combined with her more than 22 years of clinical experience and 10 years in leadership roles, inspires the passion she feels for supporting current and future generations of nurses.

“I’m fortunate that I get to impact so many nurses just from the things we do here,” she says.