The healthcare community in Nashville, Tennessee, and colleagues across the country are mourning the sudden passing of Dr. Sammie Mosier, Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive of HCA Healthcare. A nationally respected nurse leader, mentor, and advocate, Dr. Mosier’s death represents a profound loss to the nursing profession and to the countless individuals whose lives and careers she shaped through her leadership.
Dr. Mosier was widely regarded as a transformative force in healthcare, known for her unwavering dedication to nurses, patients, and the systems that support high-quality care. As Chief Nurse Executive for HCA Healthcare—one of the largest healthcare organizations in the United States—she provided strategic leadership for a vast network of nurse executives and more than 99,000 registered nurses working across hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and other care settings nationwide.
Her leadership philosophy was rooted in the belief that exceptional patient care begins with empowered, supported nurses. Throughout her career, Dr. Mosier championed clinical excellence, patient-centered practice, and professional development, ensuring that nurses at every stage of their careers had a voice and opportunities to grow. Colleagues frequently described her as both visionary and approachable, balancing executive responsibility with a deep understanding of frontline care.
Dr. Mosier’s journey with HCA Healthcare began in 1996 at Frankfort Regional Medical Center in Kentucky, where she worked as a medical-surgical nurse. Even early in her career, her commitment to patient advocacy, teamwork, and clinical quality set her apart. Those foundational years at the bedside informed her leadership approach as she advanced into roles of increasing responsibility, never losing sight of the challenges and rewards faced by practicing nurses.
Despite rising to senior executive leadership, Dr. Mosier remained deeply connected to the nursing workforce. She was a tireless advocate for engagement, recognition, and professional advancement, consistently emphasizing the importance of listening to nurses and investing in their success. Her influence was felt not only through policy and strategy, but through personal mentorship and encouragement extended to leaders and staff alike.
Among her most significant contributions were her leadership in developing HCA Healthcare’s Nursing Advocacy Agenda and the Unit of Distinction Awards. These initiatives elevated the voices of nurses, promoted excellence in patient care, and celebrated outstanding performance across the organization. Many credit these programs with strengthening nursing culture and reinforcing the value of nursing leadership on a national scale.
Before assuming her role as Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive, Dr. Mosier served as Chief Nurse Executive Officer for the HCA Healthcare National Group and as Vice President of Group Clinical Operations. In these positions, she continued to shape healthcare practice and policy, influencing outcomes far beyond individual facilities.
Dr. Mosier’s academic accomplishments reflected her lifelong commitment to learning and leadership. She earned a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration, a Master’s degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McKendree University. She was also a board-certified Nurse Executive through the American Nurses Credentialing Center, underscoring her dedication to the highest professional standards.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the healthcare community, Dr. Sammie Mosier is being remembered not only for her remarkable professional achievements, but for her compassion, integrity, and steadfast advocacy for nurses. Her legacy will endure through the leaders she mentored, the systems she strengthened, and the countless patients who benefited from her vision and commitment to excellence.