Kidesha Black (MBA, MSN, RN) is is a nursing executive with more than a decade of leadership experience in healthcare systems. She currently serves as director of nursing services at Oak Hill, overseeing nursing operations across 60-plus group homes.
Black has dual master’s degrees in nursing organizational leadership and business administration in health care.
She specializes in process improvement, nursing mentorship and evidence-based practices that elevate patient outcomes while fostering collaborative, high-performing teams.
What have been your significant contributions to your organization in the past year?
I led a transformation of Oak Hill’s nursing model, aligning staffing with individual acuity and reducing overtime costs by more than $250,000 annually. I developed evidence-based triage training that lowered rehospitalizations by 20%, and created a comprehensive nurse orientation program that improved retention by over 50%.
By standardizing vitals equipment across 60-plus homes, I enhanced accuracy and reduced costs. I also launched real-time key performance indicator dashboards and medication transcription protocols, strengthening compliance, accountability and staff confidence — improving outcomes and elevating quality of care.
How has continuing education helped with your professional development?
Continuing education has strengthened my leadership, clinical and regulatory knowledge, enabling me to stay current with best practices. It has enhanced my ability to lead teams, drive quality improvement, and support staff development, ensuring I continue growing as a nursing leader while improving outcomes for those we serve.
Tell us about a challenge in your job that you were able to overcome.
When tasked with restructuring the nursing care model, I faced strong resistance as staff feared increased workload. I approached this challenge through transparency, collaboration and phased implementation, ensuring nurses’ voices were included in the process.
By combining re-education with clear evidence of improved safety and efficiency, I gained buy-in and built trust, resulting in a stronger, unified team committed to excellence.
What’s your next major goal and/or challenge?
My next goal is to expand system-wide education and innovation to further reduce medication errors and enhance quality of care. I plan to launch a comprehensive eMAR training program and standardized quarterly education for all staff, creating consistent, evidence-based learning opportunities.
Beyond training, my focus is on building a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth that strengthens compliance, empowers staff and advances safe, person-centered care.
How are you involved in the community?
I mentor emerging nurse leaders through local associations, volunteer in health education workshops for underserved communities and partner with colleges to speak on nursing leadership and women in health care. I also participate in local food drives.
Fun Fact
As a teenager, I lived for nearly two years on Camp Kadena, a U.S. Army base in Okinawa, Japan.