Inspirational leaders do more than guide—they ignite passion and enthusiasm in their teams. And that’s exactly what Dr. Mila Sprouse, Chief Nursing Officer for Swedish North Puget Sound, is doing.

In a recent conversation, Dr. Sprouse shared her commitment to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, creating an environment ripe for personal and professional growth for all team members. To succeed, Dr. Sprouse says, nurses and nurse leadership need to be “all in.” “Being ‘all in’ means committing not only to professional excellence but also to personal growth and lifelong learning,” says Dr. Sprouse. It’s how she shows up to work—and what she asks of her team.

Fearlessness built by humble beginnings in the Philippines

Dr. Sprouse’s passion for nursing is personal. She grew up in a “very poor family” in the Philippines, where sometimes she didn’t know if she’d have food to eat at dinnertime. She shares, “I sold tomatoes as a seven-year-old to get the money to go to school. But my parents always told me, ‘Do something to make a change in the world.’” This advice propelled her toward nursing.

Dr. Sprouse approaches life and work with resilience and a fearlessness that she attributes to her hardships as a child, and that’s served her well in her nursing career. “If you tell me to do something, I will never say I cannot do it,” she says. “I think it’s because of my upbringing. There’s always a way into something. If I fail, I’ll just look at it again and see what else I can do. I think that was what my leaders saw in me.”

Driven to make an impact in the Puget Sound

With a proven record of transforming nursing teams and enhancing patient care, Dr. Sprouse joined Providence Swedish as the North Puget Sound Chief Nursing Officer in December 2024, and she’s already making a big impact.

Dr. Sprouse oversees nearly 3,000 nurses across Providence Regional Medical Center, Swedish Edmonds, and Swedish Mill Creek. She aims to cultivate a nurturing and supportive environment where nurses feel a true sense of belonging and are empowered to deliver compassionate care. Says Dr. Sprouse, “Leadership in nursing is not just about guiding others but about empowering them to find their voice and reach their fullest potential.”

Ensuring nurses feel heard and have a sense of belonging

Dr. Sprouse challenges her nurse leaders to commit daily to fostering a culture of nurse empowerment and belonging. For her, being “all in” means remaining fiercely committed to interacting with nurses and actively listening to them, making positive changes wherever possible. Why do all this? As Dr. Sprouse will tell you, the data says so. According to Dr. Sprouse’s dissertation in organizational leadership, “There is a positive correlation between inclusive leadership and organizational commitment.” Or, more simply put, nurses who feel heard want to stay.

Dr. Sprouse underscores the significance of making rounds on the floor. “Rounding refills my cup, especially on off hours on the weekends or on holidays,” she says. “It’s one of the best things because of the conversations you can have with nurses and the feedback you get. Showing that you really want to know the work that they do, seeing that in action, it starts developing that trust and belongingness.”

Building a team that’s “all in” also hinges on recruiting nurses who show that drive and dedication. Dr. Sprouse hires for “attitude and cultural fit.” She tells her team to “focus on the soft skills. The rest will be taken care of.”

Fostering personal growth and lifelong learning

Dr. Sprouse often sees new nurses enter the field without a deep understanding of the business side of healthcare, and she’s on a mission to change that. “Nurses are the heart of healthcare, and fostering their development not only enriches their careers but also elevates the care we provide to our communities. Nurses need to understand the business side of healthcare to appreciate the broader impact of their work.”

Dr. Sprouse leads by example, showing compassion, adaptability and dedication to patient-centered care. She says, “It’s not just about what we do, but how we do it together. Mentorship is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career. Seeing others grow and succeed is what drives me every day.” She says this particularly applies to the new grad nurses she works with every day. “They are our future.”

Building belonging, one interaction at a time

Dr. Sprouse recognizes the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive healthcare environment where all individuals feel valued and respected. She encourages nurses to actively advocate for diversity and inclusion within their teams and communities. She promotes cultural competency training, addressing bias and discrimination, and supporting underrepresented groups in nursing. “Cultural competence isn’t just an ideal; it’s a necessity in healthcare,” she says.

As a researcher, Dr. Sprouse understands the impact of culturally competent care on patient outcomes based on the extensive review of published studies on the subject. She’s spoken at various conferences and events, emphasizing the importance of creating a more diverse and inclusive nursing workforce that reflects the diverse populations we serve. By imparting her knowledge and expertise to aspiring nurses, she is helping create a more compassionate and inclusive healthcare workforce—both at Providence Swedish and across the profession.

Delivering on her promise to “make change in the world”

Dr. Sprouse has earned national recognition for her innovative leadership. Before joining Providence Swedish, she served as Chief Nursing Officer at Virginia Mason Medical Center, which was marked by her incredible ability to unify the nursing leadership team and improve care outcomes. She also established a nationally recognized nursing team during her time at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston.

Among her numerous achievements, Dr. Sprouse was named among Becker’s Healthcare Review 213+ CNOs to Know and was recognized with the 2023 Excellence in Nursing Gold Award for Nursing Administration and Leadership by the Good Samaritan Foundation. This prestigious honor celebrates nursing professionals who exemplify outstanding leadership, mentorship, and service to the field.

Outside of work, she enjoys connecting with nature through hiking and gardening, as well as spending time with her husband and family. Dr. Sprouse also has a passion for creative pursuits, including photography and journaling. She is active in her Seattle community, volunteering and supporting local wellness initiatives. Her dedication to giving back reflects the same compassion and inclusivity that she brings to work, inspiring all those around her.

Join our nursing team in the North Puget Sound

If you’re feeling inspired by Dr. Sprouse and are ready to go “all in” as part of our nursing team in the North Puget Sound region, check out our open roles at Providence Everett Medical Center, Swedish Edmonds or Swedish Mill Creek. Or view all nursing roles.