Saint John Hospital has named Dr. Billie Leonard, DNP, MSN, RN, as Chief Nursing Officer/Administrator. Billie brings more than 20 years of nursing experience, which include critical care, emergency services, education, and healthcare leadership.
Billie has served as the Associate Chief Nursing Officer of St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri, since September 2022. Previously she was a Nursing Manager at St. Joseph, over the Cardiac Care Unit and an Acute Care step down unit. In addition, Billie was responsible for the Prime MOKAN nursing Regional Float Pool.
Billie’s career progression was established at local Kansas City hospitals. Her role as a Forensic Nurse Director, was the catalyst for her leadership journey. Billie’s forensic nursing roles included overseeing a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, that served both Kansas and Missouri, as well as educating new SANE nurses, acting as an expert witness, and partnering with local law agency to enhance the process and program for victims and communities.
She has been excited to meet the Saint John team and says she has been impressed with the passion and commitment of the Saint John staff. “Everyone has been so welcoming,” Billie said. “This nursing team has a solid foundation with compassionate and dedicated nurses who care about their patients and this community.
“I want us to be a driving force of compassionate care, stabilization of the workforce, as well a culture of positive change. I look forward to a bright future for Saint John Hospital,” she added.
Billie’s educational accomplishments include a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Leadership and Innovations in Health Care degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri. She has a Master of Science in Nursing Education, that was obtained from the University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth, Kansas, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas. Billie stated she always dreamt of being a nurse. Her fascination with healthcare started at a young age, while other children had teatime with their dolls, hers wore bandages. She stated her desire to continue to learn and grow came with various experiences, and mentors she met along her career path.
Billie and her husband, Jared, have been together 27 years. They have made a home in Kansas City, where they raise their two teenage daughters. Billie stated she is grateful for this opportunity and is dedicated to her new team and community.