As a director of environmental services at St. Francis Medical Center, Nina Wade-Johnson takes pride in providing a consistently high level of cleanliness and appearance to patients, guests and team members for the past eight years.
A Call to Healthcare Leadership
Nina felt called to pursue a career in healthcare.
“I started my journey as an office manager in the environmental services department and got an opportunity to connect with staff on a personal level,” Nina says. She felt that her passion for troubleshooting departmental concerns and taking care of her team was a call from God telling her that she could make a difference in people’s lives as a leader. Her passion for employee relations and community outreach continues to drive her as a leader.
Family and Faith
Nina’s husband, children, other family members and best friend have been her greatest cheerleaders, as they support her time spent serving the community.
“Every day, I strive to be a better human being because I know my children are watching, and they are the future,” Nina explains.
Inspired by her mother, Nina feels called to serve her community.
“Beginning at the tender age of 5, I witnessed my mother serving as a cook at a local nursing home,” Nina says. “She held that position for almost 30 years, and she did it with pride.”
Nina feels called to honor God every day that she serves and feels that she owes her leadership to the people who inspired her and believed in her.
Honoring Black History
For Nina, Black History Month gives her a moment of personal and professional reflection, and she thanks God for progression and continuous growth.
“It’s a moment where I believe I can fly and become the better version of myself, forgetting what I’ve been through.”
This year’s theme, African Americans and Labor, reminds her of her father, who devoted 45 years to working at carbon plant in Sterlington, LA.
“My father was the first African American supervisor for that plant, and he didn’t have a high school education,” Nina says. She is especially proud of him and thankful to him for being able to afford college education for his children.
Nina has been inspired by Malcolm X since studying him for her middle-school social studies project.
“Like Malcolm X, I believe in standing for what’s right even in those uncomfortable moments,” she says. “Pouring into people, giving them opportunities and tearing down walls is a gift.”
Emphasizing Self-Care
Nina knows the importance of self-care, so she finds time every day to meditate. “I start my morning off with a daily devotional reading and reflect on all the blessings that surround me.”
She also recognizes connection with other people as part of her self-care. “I find time to laugh, and I love to dance even if the world is watching. I’m always in the company of great people that are positive influences, and we motivate one another to keep going.”
Hope for the Future
Nina strives to give others an opportunity to grow. She plans to continue to give back to her community and aid those who’ve fallen on hard times.
“I’m also praying that younger generations thrive and continue to make advancements in the healthcare industry and the world around them.”
Our Commitment
Our ministry’s commitment to a culture of belonging supports culturally competent care education for our team members all year long, including during Black History Month each February.
