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Photo by Tessa Marie Images.
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Barbara Wadsworth has millions of patients. That’s because she oversees more than 3,000 clinical nurses in the Main Line Health system. It’s a top-notch team that has won a slew of accolades since Wadsworth became CNO in 2012.
Have you had a mentor?
I’ve had several mentors, and my role model is my mom. We didn’t have an easy life when I was young. I grew up in New York City; I would describe us as poor. My dad got sick when I was about 10. He never worked again after that. My mom worked. She has a way of looking at the world that inspires me. She believes that what matters is not what happens to you, but how you handle it.
What was a turning point in your career?
I first became a chief nursing officer in 2006 at Abington Memorial, which was then a 650-bed hospital. I took on a big role and succeeded by being collaborative and authentic. I knew what I didn’t know, and I went to people who had more information or were experts in their fields. To people I need, I say, “Would you help me accomplish this?” That helps me to be successful.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
I just finished my doctorate in nursing. The other is my family. My husband, Harry, is the best man ever.
