For Jim Artman, B.S.N., C.C.R.N., Suburban was meant to be. In 2011, he began working at the hospital as a staff nurse. Over the past 14 years, his path to leadership has been guided by a steadfast commitment to the strong culture and community he found here. "I was brought to Suburban by a colleague who saw potential in me," he says. "One day, she looked at me and said, 'You know what? You're a Suburban nurse.' Before I knew it, I was in an interview with the director of the intensive care unit (ICU) at the time. I immediately felt that palpable difference in the community here, and it was an easy ‘yes’ to join the team as a clinical nurse. Right off the bat I felt like I was part of a community that was invested in each other in a way that I had not seen before. It's like the secret sauce."

As Jim grew his career, one thing became clear to him: He didn't just want to be a leader; he wanted to be a Suburban leader. "I had a drive and passion for leadership, but I knew I needed to wait until the right position opened and I didn't want to go anywhere else," says Jim. He worked through the pandemic in a variety of roles that included clinical nurse, clinical educator, assistant manager and interim director of the ICU. In 2022, Jim's journey to lead came full circle when he assumed the position of director of critical care.

As a leader, Jim is dedicated to mentorship and team building. "I think you're only as successful as the people that you're responsible for caring for," he says.

The Suburban spirit of compassion and community helps to guide Jim as he makes strides within his unit. "You need the right people to grow the right team," he says. "I choose clinicians who have a heart for nursing and a heart for the community."