Gil Humbert, MSN, RN, knows what it’s like to lead with heart.
A former combat medic who now serves as the clinical director of nursing at Our Lady of Lourdes Health, Gil brings his whole self — faith, humility and a deep sense of service — to his work every day.
A Path Forged Through Service
Gil’s career began in the military, where he served as a combat medic. This experience instilled in him a deep desire to serve and advocate for others.
“I always had that sort of mentality of wanting to serve,” he says. Gil sought a career that would allow him to continue giving back. He started at Vanderbilt University as a patient care tech and, with the encouragement of mentors, pursued nursing.
Mentorship played a crucial role in Gil’s career. “I had some good people in front of me,” he says.
Gil’s journey in healthcare saw him become a licensed practical nurse, a registered nurse and eventually obtain advanced degrees.
Anchored by Faith, Driven by Values
For Gil, nursing is more than just a profession.
“Nursing, to me, is a calling,” Gil says. “I trusted in my higher power and my higher power called me to do this”
He is passionate about advocating for patients, especially those who may not have a voice or the ability to articulate their needs.
“Nurses have to be that person that helps them through that journey, or if they can speak, maybe they can’t articulate it,” he says. This passion for advocacy also led him to pursue leadership roles.
After much contemplation and discussions with family and counselors, Gil decided to focus on leadership instead of becoming a nurse practitioner. His career progression has included roles such as unit supervisor, charge nurse and surgical charge nurse, ultimately leading to his current role at Our Lady of Lourdes Health, part of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System.
Humble. Hungry. Hustle.
Gil describes the simple mantra that shapes how he coaches others: “Be humble, hustle and stay hungry.”
Humble means that not everything is about you. Hungry means to keep learning, and hustle is the drive to show up fully every day.
Gil uses these values not only for himself but to build strong teams.
Supporting Diversity and Connection
At Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment is vital for team members. Team member groups, like the Men in Healthcare CommUNITY group, create spaces for connection and understanding. Additional groups are being established as volunteers come forward to lead, ensuring all voices and perspectives have a place at the table.
As the executive sponsor of the Men in Healthcare CommUNITY group, Gil has a special place in his heart for encouraging others, especially men, to consider a career in nursing.
“If I were talking to another guy, I’d say: just come try it,” he says. “It takes courage. It’s challenging. It’s been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.”
Learn more about our ministry’s commitment to a culture of belonging.
