How do we bridge the gap between compassionate patient care and effective healthcare leadership? This guiding question has driven Nadine Kassity-Krich’s 30+ career as a nurse. Through her work at the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, and in collaboration with other schools across the University of San Diego, Nadine is focused on mentoring future healthcare leaders and building pathways that connect clinical expertise with operational excellence.
As a PhD student at the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES), she is expanding her ability to drive meaningful change in healthcare education and transformational leadership development.
Nadine began her career in the NICU, building expertise in critical care, cardiac care, ECMO, and transport teams, followed by pediatrics and community health with a focus on geriatrics. She then became the Outreach Ambassador at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, which gave her a national perspective on neonatal medicine. Her commitment to holistic care deepened through the Leland Kaiser Fellowship in Integrative Medicine, which led to her role as Co-Director of the hospital’s Integrative Medicine Program, where she explored innovative approaches to healing.
She later earned her MBA with a focus on international health. Combined with her BSN, this education equipped her to better understand the business operations side of healthcare and align it with patient-centered care.
Nadine has co-authored “First Heal Thyself,” contributed to medical journals, and presented at national conferences. Each experience providing an opportunity to advocate for innovative, holistic approaches to care and education.
Outside of professional pursuits, Nadine is an avid snow skier, travel enthusiast, and proud mother of twins. She loves spending time with family and friends. Whether mentoring students, guiding executives, or exploring new corners of the world, Nadine’s mission remains the same: To inspire others to lead with compassion, purpose, and excellence.
Please share any particular areas of interest/specialization related to nursing leadership and/or nursing education and/or informatics.
- Nurse Leadership High-Stakes Leadership
- Restorative Justice & Conflict Transformation
- Well-being & Resilience Initiatives.
- Global / Cross-Cultural Nursing Leadership.
- Succession Planning & Mentorship
- Nursing Education
- Leadership Pipeline Development — designing pathways from bedside to boardroom through education.
- Nursing Informatics
- Workforce Well-being Dashboards — tracking burnout, retention, and workload equity.
What motivated your interest in serving on the advisory board for the MSN-NL program? What are you hoping to contribute?
I am motivated to serve on the advisory board for the MSN-NL program because I believe deeply in preparing the next generation of nurse leaders who can navigate today’s complex healthcare environments with skill, compassion, and vision. My work in both high-acuity clinical settings and academic leadership has shown me how intentional program design can shape not only individual careers but also the culture and outcomes of entire organizations.
I hope to contribute a perspective that bridges practice and education while continuing to create and innovate within our Online Master’s in Nursing Leadership Program. My goal is to help ensure the program remains relevant, future-focused, and responsive to the evolving needs of students, healthcare systems, and the communities we serve.
What advice do you have for anyone interested in advancing their nursing career?
Advancing your nursing career starts with curiosity, courage, and vision. An MSN in Nursing Leadership gives you the skills to influence systems, inspire teams, and drive meaningful change in healthcare, preparing you to lead with purpose at every level.
In your view, what is unique and exciting about USD’s online MSN-NL program? How does the advisory board help shape the future of the program to best meet the goals of both students and their potential employers?
USD’s online MSN in Nursing Leadership is built for today’s working nurse, with concierge support, customized clinical placements, and the flexibility to complete your practicum at your current workplace or in one of 15 approved states. The program is responsive, accessible, and aligned with your career goals. Guided by an active advisory board, we hope to ensure the curriculum meets the evolving needs of both students and employers, preparing graduates to lead with confidence and drive meaningful change in healthcare.