Health Advocacy Champion of the Month: Glynda Murphy
The Office of Health Advocacy and Fairness would like to recognize Glynda Murphy, RN, BSN, SMSRN, nurse manager, Stroke Medical Unit at Northwest Hospital, for her contribution to LifeBridge Health’s advocacy and fairness efforts. Glynda's nomination was outstanding and speaks to her dedication to this work.
"Glynda exemplifies the core values of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in every aspect of her leadership, going above and beyond to create a culture of belonging within her team and the organization as a whole. As a dedicated nurse leader, Glynda fosters an environment where every team member feels valued and respected. She actively embraces the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of her staff, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered. Through her unwavering commitment to inclusion, she has implemented initiatives that enhance team cohesion and create equitable opportunities for professional growth and development.
Glynda’s impact extends beyond her immediate team. She has been a vocal advocate for policies that promote equity in patient care and workplace culture. She works tirelessly to ensure that all patients and employees receive fair and just treatment. Her passion for diversity is evident in her support for underrepresented staff and nurturing future leaders within LifeBridge Health.
In addition to her advocacy, Glynda consistently demonstrates compassion and integrity in her interactions. She leads by example, fostering a workplace where respect, empathy and teamwork thrive. Her efforts have not only improved morale but have also strengthened the overall sense of community among her team members and colleagues. She is a true leader who inspires those around her and continues to make LifeBridge Health a more inclusive and equitable place for all.
We asked our Champion the following:
Q1. How long have you been with NWH/LifeBridge Health, and what is your current role?
A. I’ve been a nurse for 21 years, and for the past 7 years, I’ve had the privilege of working at Northwest Hospital. I currently serve as the nurse manager of the Stroke Medical Unit (GRCU). I didn’t originally set out to be in leadership, but I discovered along the way that I find incredible joy and purpose in making meaningful changes, whether to healthcare processes or the work culture that supports our caregivers. Those changes may feel small in the moment, but over time, they’ve helped shape a stronger, more connected team.
Q2. You bring so much passion into the work you do — what motivates you?
A. What motivates me is the opportunity to be a caregiver—not just to patients, but to my team. I truly believe that if I take care of my team, they can take great care of our patients. That mindset grounds everything I do.
I love mentoring, bringing people together and creating a culture where nurses, techs and caregivers feel valued and empowered. I've watched our team rise to every challenge, including the height of COVID, when we had walls up and all 40 beds on our unit were COVID-positive. Even then, they showed up for each other and our patients in extraordinary ways.
They’ve supported me during my own personal challenges, and I’ve seen them extend that same compassion to one another. Being part of their journey—supporting, growing, mentoring and leading them—gives me true fulfillment. I was made to be a caregiver, and I’ve simply extended that calling into leadership.
Q3. Since starting at NWH/LifeBridge Health, what have you found most rewarding?
A. The most rewarding part of my work has been witnessing the resilience, compassion and brilliance of our team in action. I’ve seen them overcome crisis, innovate under pressure and care deeply—not just for patients, but for one another.
There’s nothing more gratifying than watching someone grow into their potential or seeing a team unite for the sake of a patient who can’t advocate for themselves. I find deep joy in supporting that. I get to help shape a culture that values fairness, empathy and inclusion—and being recognized for advocacy and fairness means the world to me because that’s what I try to lead with every day.
I also find it deeply rewarding to work for an organization that celebrates and encourages advocacy for patients and elevating the patient experience just as much as it values clinical excellence. My personal values are strongly aligned with those of LifeBridge Health, and our CARE BRAVELY culture resonates with my intrinsic beliefs about what it means to care for others. I feel fortunate to be part of a larger organization that both reflects and reinforces the values I hold myself to—as a nurse, a leader and a human being.