An Air Force Nurse Leader’s Impact: Brigadier General Goodwin, 10th Air Force Nurse Corps Chief

Abstract

To pursue and fulfill the limitless potential of nursing, it is important to recognize and record the stories of previous leaders who helped to pave the way for advances in the nursing scope of practice, clinical expertise, and leadership opportunities. The purpose of this oral history research method study was to preserve and explore the impact and contributions of Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Barbara Goodwin during the evolutionary time from 1988 to 1991. In an extensive interview, Brig Gen Goodwin reflected on her leadership strategies to address the nurse shortage, the advancement of nurse leadership and educational opportunities, and crucial collaboration efforts contributing to the deployment of 40,000 women in support of war efforts. The findings section discusses the leadership themes identified, which included collaboration, prioritization, understanding the system, and a passion for clinical nursing. The conclusion summarizes her significant impact on military nursing.