Wendi Goodson-Celerin
Tampa General Hospital
Tampa, FL USA
"Great nurses ask questions—that’s how you become great. When you think you know it all, that’s when you’re going backwards."
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Wendi's work combines: Medicine, Science, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
I recommend following my same educational path through nursing school. Additionally, most nursing organizations have mentorships and I highly encourage getting a mentor. Ask questions and use your resources.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Nursing
University of South Florida
Graduate Degree
Nursing
University of South Florida
Doctorate
Nursing Practice
University of South Florida
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I started as a new nurse on a med-surg floor, working 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. shifts—I was young, eager, and ready to learn.
2.
I stepped into leadership early, becoming charge nurse within a month, driven by my curiosity and desire to make an impact.
3.
I led the launch of a 50-bed trauma surgery unit, shaping its design with input from bedside nurses to optimize patient care.
4.
When I was offered a director of nursing education role, I didn’t think I was qualified but I stepped up and got the job.
5.
I balanced earning my master's and doctorate degrees while raising two young kids and supporting my husband through law school.
6.
I became director of ICU and clinical education, learning new specialties and building programs that uplifted the whole team.
7.
I was promoted to vice president of neuro and ortho services, then later became chief nursing officer and executive vice president.
8.
After nearly 37 years at the same organization, I’m proud to have built a legacy grounded in compassion, respect, and mentorship.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
There’s no way you could be in that position—you don’t know how to do what they do.
How I responded:
As a young nurse, I doubted I could ever rise to an executive level. I told myself I didn’t know work politics or how leadership worked. But I stayed authentic, asked questions, and leaned into transparency. I built trust by leading with integrity, and over time, I proved to myself that I did belong in these rooms.