Julia Mason is focused on meeting as many staff as possible in her first few months as chief nursing officer. Above, she rounds on Tower 10A to speak with team members.

Julia Mason, DNP, MBA, RN, CENP, began as chief nursing officer and senior vice president of Patient Care Services for the Brigham family on June 10. She joins the hospital and city of Boston from Cleveland, Ohio, where she was serving as senior vice president of Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer for the hospital division of The MetroHealth System.

Mason shared about her life, her career and her excitement for her new role with Heart & Science.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Wisconsin, in a rural area just outside of Milwaukee. I am a third generation University of Wisconsin Badger and still make it back once a year for a UW football game.

Julia Mason and Carly Kohout, RN, discovered a shared connection as University of Wisconsin alumni.

When did you decide to become a nurse?
My mom was a nurse, and I think I knew all along that would be my journey. I started as a nursing assistant when I was 16, worked through college as a nursing assistant and could not see myself doing anything else!

As you began on this career path, was there a moment or particular experience that affirmed this was the right profession for you?
My first clinical rotation was in oncology, and seeing the relationship the nurses had with their patients and families reinforced that nursing is not only hands-on care of a patient, but also a science and an art that encompasses a community of people.

You spent 20 years at the bedside in critical care. What was most rewarding about this specialty?
As an ICU nurse, especially during my 12 years on the night shift, I worked in a fabulous team environment where everyone had each other’s backs. This included nurses, techs and providers, and we became a family through our shared experiences.

From left, Nada Wakim, Jenelle Johnson, and Julia Mason speak with staff on 10A.

Over the last 15 years, you’ve served in nursing leadership roles in community health and academic medical center settings. How would you describe your leadership style?
My own experiences as a bedside nurse help me to always remember what front-line caregivers need. I want to be a visible leader so that the team trusts that I hear and see them. I see myself as a transformational leader, meaning that I want to inspire my teams to think outside the box, dream big and use the evidence to make changes that can positively impact patients and nurses.

What are the most important responsibilities of the chief nurse role?
These are my top three:

  1. Driving quality of care initiatives and creating a safe environment for staff and patients.
  2. Listening to the voice of the nurse and patient and advocating for both.
  3. Ensuring our nurse leaders have the tools to drive positive change and remove roadblocks.

Julia Mason, Katie Fillipon, Michele McCullough, Rosy Encalada and Kendra Crawford gather during the Nurse Recognition Dinner at Fenway Park.

What made you want to come to the Brigham?
The culture of nursing excellence as a Magnet organization, the opportunity to work with stellar leaders and nurses, and the platform to showcase the amazing work that the teams here do day in and day out. I had heard so much about the outstanding care that Brigham nurses provide, and it’s clear to me just a few weeks in that this organization is full of people who are passionate about what they do.

What are some of the things you’ll be focusing on in your first few months?

Julia Mason speaks at the Nurse Recognition Dinner – her first time at Fenway Park.

My first several weeks will be focused on meeting as many people as I can, listening to what is important to our team and learning as much as I can. You will see me out on the floors rounding routinely to meet and hear from staff and patients.

What are you most looking forward to in this role?
There is so much! I am so inspired already by everyone I have met. I’m looking forward to bringing a fresh set of eyes and energy to challenges that can impact our staff.

Fun facts about Julia:

  • First impressions of Boston: Fabulous food and a passion for the hometown sports teams!
  • Family: My husband, Chris, and I will be married for 30 years this fall. We have two grown sons, Luke and Evan, who are in Ohio. And my beautiful old girl, Ellie (beagle mutt rescue), who will be joining us in the fall!
  • Last book you read: The First 90 Days 😊
  • Favorite show: True Detective
  • What you like to do in your spare time: Prior to moving, I loved to cook, but I am adjusting and will now be on a permanent restaurant tour (send me your favorite places to check out!).
  • Best piece of advice you’ve ever received: Keep it simple. Do what’s right.