Pace University featured an in-depth profile of Cathy Manley-Cullen, a recently retired nurse leader and chair of the College of Health Professions Advisory Board, in its Healthcare Pathway Series on March 31. The series aims to explore the diverse careers and experiences of key figures in healthcare associated with the university.
The article focuses on Manley-Cullen’s more than four-decade-long career, during which she impacted hundreds of nurses through leadership roles at various institutions. Her experience illustrates the many directions a nursing career can take, both within clinical settings and beyond.
Manley-Cullen described her journey from direct patient care to administrative leadership. She said, “A leadership position isn’t necessarily for everyone, but if you do enjoy envisioning and improving the quality of care that can be delivered, creating new healthcare delivery models, collaborating with many different disciplines, and focusing on strategy and efficiency, then leadership just might be for you.”
She explained that nurses have opportunities not only in hospitals or outpatient settings but also as educators or researchers. Administrative roles such as chief nursing officer involve responsibilities like ensuring patient safety and developing nursing policies. Reflecting on her transition from clinical work to administration, she said that being involved in policy discussions helped her think more critically about issues affecting patient care: “I’m not sure that when I was involved in direct patient care, I was as informed as I should have been regarding healthcare policy,” explained Manley-Cullen. “When I transitioned into various administrative positions, having access to information and participating in discussions led me to think more critically about policy issues and develop a passion for advocacy.”
Mentorship played a significant role throughout her career. She credited multiple mentors for helping her understand hospital operations beyond patient services: “I was fortunate enough to have many [mentors]. One in particular taught me a lot about hospital operations and finance outside of patient care services, which gave me a better understanding of how all the different departments and services in healthcare are intertwined.” Since retiring from full-time work, she has continued mentoring colleagues while serving as regional president of the New York Organization of Nursing Leaders.
Manley-Cullen remains active through advocacy efforts aimed at influencing healthcare policy: “One of the benefits of being an active member of the CHP advisory board is having access to students who are in need of a mentor as they begin their professional journey.” She continues supporting nurses by participating on political action committees focused on advancing nursing agendas.
