Podcast Summary: Becker’s Healthcare Podcast
Guest: Dr. JohnRich R. Levine, Chief Nursing Officer, Reeves Regional Health
Host: Laura Dardo
Release Date: January 14, 2026
Topic: Rural Hospital Leadership, Innovation, and Sustaining Change at Reeves Regional Health
Episode Overview
This episode provides an in-depth conversation with Dr. JohnRich R. Levine, CNO of Reeves Regional Health, a rural hospital in Pecos, Texas. Dr. Levine discusses the hospital's unique community role, recent organizational transformation, strategies for improving care delivery, and the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing rural healthcare. The discussion is marked by Dr. Levine's focus on clarity, leadership at every level, teamwork, and sustainable change.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Introduction to Reeves Regional Health and Dr. Levine’s Role
[00:44 – 02:32]
- Reeves Regional Health serves a wide and diverse area in rural West Texas, supporting ranchers, oil field workers, teachers, and travelers.
- The hospital embodies both frontier resilience and modern healthcare discipline.
- Recent infrastructure improvements (brand new building, county-funded).
- Dr. Levine describes the institution’s reliance on “strong clinical judgment, clear communication, and a firm commitment to reliability,” essential in a region where access and trust are paramount.
Notable Quote:
"Reeves embodies the spirit of a frontier hospital and that is combined with the discipline of modern health system as well."
— Dr. JohnRich R. Levine, [01:38]
2. Most Important Initiative of the Year: Unifying Nursing Leadership
[02:32 – 05:05]
- In 2025, the hospital introduced a unified nursing governance pathway across departments.
- Established clear standards for practice, policy, competency, and routines.
- Implemented shared processes: safety huddles, bedside communication, rapid risk reviews.
- Empowered all nurses, not just leaders, to take ownership at the bedside.
- Improved performance in antibiotic timing, surgical readiness, team communication, and care coordination across various services (ICU, Obstetrics, Emergency Dept, Swing Beds, Outpatient, etc.).
- Transitioned from siloed departments to a cohesive, integrated hospital team.
Notable Quote:
"Every improvement is viewed from a rural perspective where access and trust are highly valued. And this approach shapes our work and fosters a close partnership with the community we serve."
— Dr. JohnRich R. Levine, [01:55]
"[We] converged… before this year, we were kind of like isolated... Then we converged it and I think that is the most critical initiative that we had this year."
— Dr. JohnRich R. Levine, [04:51]
3. Guiding Change Through Connection and Trust-Building
[05:05 – 06:39]
- Success in change management came from extensive “listening and learning tours,” engaging every department and team.
- Focused on building trust, shared mission, and a collective commitment to service.
- Achieved buy-in by keeping the direction simple and inclusive.
Notable Quote:
"It took a lot of effort… we have to spend time listening... It takes a while to build those trusts... The entire team is us. It's not one isolated from the other, but it's just us. It's one hospital, it's one purpose."
— Dr. JohnRich R. Levine, [05:44]
4. 2026 Priorities & Persistent Headwinds
[06:39 – 08:51]
- Main priority: Stabilize and sustain improvements made in 2025.
- Focus areas: Talent development, simplified governance, visible performance, strong leadership presence on units.
- New/ongoing leadership development and mentorship programs (“CNO Breakfasts”).
- Key challenges: Limited resources, extensive geographic area, rising patient complexity.
- Formula for success is discipline, teamwork, and simple, repeatable routines.
Notable Quote:
"We are the only hospital in the 100-mile radius, so there is a broad geographic need... Our strength lies in discipline and in our teamwork."
— Dr. JohnRich R. Levine, [07:49]
5. The Hardest Task: Maintaining Progress with Grace
[08:51 – 10:56]
- Dr. Levine identifies his top challenge as sustaining momentum without causing burnout or disruption.
- Emphasizes the importance of clear expectations, consistent coaching, and “calm presence” during crises.
- Deep personal connection to the community means that every success and setback carries special weight.
Notable Quote:
"Every improvement that we bring also brings in new habits, and those habits need daily reinforcement. So that could be the hardest thing for me."
— Dr. JohnRich R. Levine, [09:37]
"Leaders like me in rural healthcare, we bear the unique responsibility, and our teams know every family we serve."
— Dr. JohnRich R. Levine, [10:15]
6. Organizational Growth Opportunities
[11:26 – 14:19]
- Top opportunity: Recruiting, developing, and retaining skilled talent.
- Opened three new service lines in the past year; success is tied to strong, talented teams.
- Partnerships with regional systems, academic centers, public health, and community organizations are vital for rural survival.
- Growth is rooted in “consistent excellence in daily practices” and data-driven improvement.
- Embraces West Texas ethic of resilience and service.
Notable Quote:
"People. Growth for us starts with people... When talent thrives, the quality will also improve and the community gains confidence in the care that we deliver."
— Dr. JohnRich R. Levine, [11:27]
"Only excellence is rewarded."
— Dr. JohnRich R. Levine, [13:31]
Memorable Moments
- Personal Story: Dr. Levine recalls responding to a major train wreck, emphasizing the hospital’s critical role as "the only ones available" in an emergency. [01:15]
- Community Connection: He highlights how intertwined hospital staff are with the local community—knowing patients as neighbors and friends, which raises the stakes of success and failure. [10:20]
- Philosophy on Change: Dr. Levine’s mantra of reinforcing new habits daily—combining accountability with empathy—resonates as a model for healthcare leadership. [09:37]
Important Segment Timestamps
- 00:44–02:32 — Dr. Levine’s introduction and rural hospital overview
- 02:47–05:05 — 2025’s major initiative: unified nursing governance
- 05:43–06:39 — Building trust for organizational change
- 06:47–08:51 — 2026 priorities, workforce evolution, resource constraints
- 09:23–10:56 — Leadership, sustaining progress, unique rural responsibilities
- 11:26–14:19 — Opportunities for growth through people and partnership
Conclusion
This episode provides an authentic, inspiring look into rural healthcare leadership. Dr. Levine’s approach—grounded in community, teamwork, and sustainable discipline—offers valuable lessons for leaders in all settings, especially those grappling with resource constraints and the need for resilient, people-first cultures.
For more insights from Dr. Levine, catch his panel at the upcoming Becker’s annual meeting in April.