By Lois Thomson, South Florida Hospital News, for ACHE of South Florida

Caren Bock explained the simple reason why she chose nursing as a career: “It truly was to give back and to help others.” She said that idea has always been at her core since she was young, and as she developed, she naturally gravitated toward leadership and mentoring others. And she has been doing that for more than 20 years.

Currently chief nursing officer at HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital, Bock has been with HCA for more than eight years and has been in her current position for 1-1/2 years. As CNO, she believes her role and her legacy “is building leaders, and that culture is defined by embracing life and improving life around us. We need to take care of patients; we care like family, truly making sure we’re improving their quality of life.”

She said that in order to do that, it’s important to make sure the right services are being offered, and the highest quality of care is being provided. “The way to do that is to ensure that you are also building up those around you. I’m huge on mentoring others and making sure everybody feels like they belong.”

Bock considers herself to be very blessed to be part of HCA, “as we live the mission, ‘Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.'” Being a part of something greater is supported by the numerous leadership programs HCA offers. “They provide leadership opportunities, so I’m able to look at all facets, including opportunities to help improve those processes in the hospital system.”

During COVID, for example, she said she was chosen to attend the Jack Massey College of Business to obtain her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, which is the highest level of process improvement certification one can obtain. “I also had the privilege to be a part of the HCA executive development program, which is a year-long program in Harvard leadership. At that point they introduced us to ACHE (American College of Healthcare Executives), and that’s how in 2019 I became a member.”

When Bock joined ACHE, she went to her first congress, an annual, four-day conference featuring various types of leadership discussions in the industry. “I was just wowed,” she exclaimed. “Everyone shares the same mission to provide a vision of excellence for healthcare. It was very impactful for me at that point; I bought in, and I have now been a part of ACHE for five years.”

Bock said she loves the South Florida Chapter and is very involved. “I think the networking possibilities and truly the opportunities they give you for leadership are amazing.” She also mentioned an ACHE fellowship – FACHE – for which she has met all the criteria and will be sitting for certification.

She encourages others to take advantage of what the organization has to offer. “I’ve always been an advocate for other leaders to join, it really elevates your leadership. Again, I’ve met so many people through ACHE, and we continue to lean on each other and ask questions, and it’s a good forum for that high-level executive platform.”

Through HCA and ACHE, Bock has been able to achieve much success in her goal of giving back and helping others. “I have many people in my tenure that I have mentored, and they have grown; to me, that is my success as a leader – it’s seeing other people grow.” One reason being a leader is so important to Bock is, as she said, she has had mentors along the way whom she looked up to and who have helped her greatly. “So, I want to also be that type for others.”

Bock’s enthusiasm for that role is evident. She pointed out: “You hear it in my voice, I have a deep-rooted passion for healthcare, and being a part of ACHE has really impacted that. I look forward to bringing more value to the community.”