Barb Haag-Heitman

PhD, RN

Barb has many years of leadership experience in both acute and long-term care settings. During those years, she worked closely with clinical staff, physicians and organizational leaders to create cultures of sustainable quality outcomes, service excellence and advance professional governance. Creating motivating and health professional practice/work environments and relationship building/team training are key components of these cultures.

Barb began her close affiliation with the Magnet® program in 2001 while working in Aurora Healthcare in Milwaukee, WI, the first healthcare system to achieve Magnet Recognition®. Barb’s experience with organizations on the Magnet® and Pathway to Excellence® journey spans more than two decades and she has helped dozens of organizations achieve their designation goals.

Barb is a researcher, writer and speaker with expertise and a proven track record in application of novice to expert across all areas of nursing and professional governance. Her vast experience includes whole systems peer review, whole systems professional governance, implementation of evidence-based practice, nursing research programs, and family centered care. She has authored two books, developed a shared governance tool kit, and has numerous peer-reviewed publications.

Barb’s work is known nationally and internationally.