When Christy Nation, MSHA, BSN, RN, reflects on her leadership journey, she doesn’t begin with a title. She begins with growth. Christy began serving as Chief Nursing Officer at UAB St. Vincent’s Hospital in January 2026. Before that, she spent more than six years as Senior Director of Women and Infants Services at UAB Medicine, where she helped lead one of the system’s most active service lines. Her path to executive leadership began long before leadership, though, as a patient care technician in home health while still in nursing school.
“I’ve been incredibly blessed to have mentors who believed in me, challenged me, and sometimes pushed me beyond my comfort zone,” Nation said. “That’s where real growth happens. If you’re not stretching yourself, you’re not growing.”
That mindset, which helped her lean into the discomfort of new opportunities as a catalyst for growth, continues to shape her leadership today.
A transformational experience
Nation said the UAB Medicine Leadership Development Office’s (LDO) Institute for Leadership was a pivotal chapter in her development. After graduating from Cohort 4 of the Institute in Spring 2022, she credits the program for providing strong organizational connections and practical, everyday skills that have helped elevate her leadership style.
“What stood out to me most were the connections I built across the organization,” she said. “Being part of the Institute brought together leaders from different areas, and those relationships have been invaluable.”
The cohort model created more than just lecture-style learning. Through dynamic sessions, practical coursework, and executive guest speakers, Nation experienced leadership development in action within the UAB community.
“Hearing real-world ‘skills-to-practice’ experiences brought the curriculum to life,” she said. “It was powerful to see how leaders applied the very competencies we were learning.”
The six-month journey culminated in a final, comprehensive presentation, a project Nation describes as inspiring.
“You could truly see the growth in the room,” she said.
Even now, she remains connected with several cohort members. They continue to support one another and navigate leadership experiences together.
From theory to practice
For Nation, the Institute’s greatest strength was the practicality of the content.
“One of the biggest takeaways was how relatable and easy to apply the leadership competencies were,” she said. “The program doesn’t just talk about leadership theory; it equips you with tools you can use immediately.”
The experience strengthened her self-awareness, sharpened her communication style, and refined her decision-making approach. More importantly, it made her more intentional with career growth.
“I use what I learned every single day,” said Nation. “Whether it’s navigating change, coaching emerging leaders, or aligning strategy with our mission and values, the foundation from the Institute continues to shape how I show up.”
The structured development came at a pivotal time in her career, helping her refine existing skills while introducing new strategies grounded in current leadership trends. It also expanded her perspective beyond her immediate areas of responsibility.
Leadership as a journey
Nation’s academic path reflects her commitment to continuous growth. She earned her bachelor’s in nursing from Samford University and a master’s in health administration from the University of St. Francis. She graduated in 2025 with a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership at the UAB School of Nursing.
However, her credentials alone do not fully define her leadership philosophy.
“Leadership is a journey, not a destination,” she said. “Everyone is in a season of growth and learning, and we can all learn from one another.”
She encourages future Institute participants to fully engage from day one.
“Be open,” Nation said. “Be curious. Share your experiences, both successes and failures. Our experiences shape who we are as leaders, and when we share those lessons, we elevate everyone around us.”
Looking back, she admits she didn’t anticipate just how transformational the program would be. “I thought it would sharpen a few skills. I didn’t realize how much it would expand my network, increase my confidence, and challenge me to think differently.”
An investment in people
For Christy, the Institute for Leadership represents not only professional development but also an investment in people and the future of UAB Medicine.
“By bringing together leaders across the organization and connecting us with executive-level mentors who model real-world leadership in action, it strengthens not only individual leaders but the organization as a whole.”
Her journey from PCT to CNO is evidence of what intentional growth, mentorship, and leadership development can achieve. Nation continues to lead at the highest levels, carrying forward the same principle that has guided it from the beginning: expand and grow to lead well.