Dr. Salvacion “Sally” Francisco, EdD, OL, MSN, RN, is a name synonymous with visionary nursing leadership, transformative healthcare initiatives, and unwavering commitment to patient care. As the Deputy Chief Nurse Executive and Director of Nursing Operations at James J. Peters VA Medical Center in Bronx, New York, she has spent over three decades pioneering nursing programs, enhancing patient outcomes, and mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders. Her journey, marked by resilience, passion, and advocacy, serves as an inspiration to nurses worldwide, particularly Filipino nurses aspiring to lead in global healthcare.
For Dr. Francisco, leadership is more than a professional role—it is a personal mission. “I accepted the Deputy Chief Nurse Executive Role to honor my grandfather, who was a veteran himself. This inspires and propels me forward,” she shares. Working in a VA medical center has given her the opportunity to serve those who have sacrificed for their country. “The most fulfilling part of my job is my daily interaction with veterans who have heroic and inspiring stories to tell.” Her leadership is rooted in deep gratitude and a relentless drive to improve the quality of care for those who once served.
Dr. Francisco’s influence extends beyond her immediate responsibilities. She has been instrumental in leading transformative initiatives, including establishing the neuroscience center, adult ventilator unit, and hemodialysis programs to expand critical services for patients in need. Recognizing the challenges faced by newly graduated nurses, she spearheaded the development of nurse residency programs, ensuring smooth transitions from academia to clinical practice. “Investing in nursing education and mentorship is investing in patient safety and high-quality care,” she emphasizes.
Diversity is both a challenge and a strength in leading large healthcare teams, particularly in a VA hospital where veterans come from various backgrounds. Dr. Francisco, a staunch advocate for transcultural nursing, embraces this challenge with an open-door policy and evidence-based leadership. “Finding beauty in diversity and making each one’s talent the strength of your team can take down any challenge,” she asserts.
She recognizes that leadership in a government healthcare setting comes with unique hurdles. “Some key challenges in leading the VA team include processes, regulations, and directives that are not necessarily initiated by nurses,” she explains. To bridge this gap, she actively promotes shared governance models, mentorship, and real-time education. “I role model best practices and adapt evidence-based practice, ensuring that our team is highly engaged and proactive.”
Her advocacy for transcultural competency extends beyond her workplace. She has presented nationally on cultural competency, nursing leadership, and patient experience, pushing for more inclusive healthcare practices across the United States. As a board member of the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) New York chapter and the Greater New York State Organization of Nurse Executives and Leaders (NYONEL), she continues to amplify the voices of Filipino and minority nurses in leadership spaces.
Dr. Francisco believes that quality care is not an accident—it is the result of intentional leadership and continuous improvement. Under her guidance, the LEAN process in recruitment and retention was implemented, optimizing hiring processes and improving nurse engagement. She led numerous performance improvement projects that significantly reduced hospital-acquired infections, pressure injuries, and patient falls, all while enhancing overall patient experience.
“As a transformational servant leader, I focus on four key areas: patient experience, staff engagement, quality care, and efficient use of resources,” she explains. Her ability to blend transformational and servant leadership has resulted in measurable improvements across patient safety indicators.
One of her most groundbreaking achievements was pioneering the first Pediatric Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) in Brooklyn, New York. This facility addressed a critical gap in long-term pediatric care, allowing children with complex medical needs to receive specialized services. “If a service is needed by our community, I rally our team to find a way to provide it,” she says.
Despite her demanding executive role, Dr. Francisco never forgets her cultural social responsibility. No matter how busy she is, she makes it a point to give back. One of her most passionate projects is Reach Out and Read, an initiative that promotes childhood literacy in the Philippines by distributing books and building libraries in remote areas. “Health and education go hand in hand,” she insists. “Encouraging children to read empowers them with knowledge and opportunity.”
She also led a medical mission to the Mountain Province in the Philippines, providing 200 eyeglasses and vision screenings to over 400 people. These efforts reflect her deep commitment to bridging healthcare disparities for underserved populations. “As an immigrant myself, I understand the different healthcare needs affecting immigrants. That is why my advocacy will always be about giving back.”
Having navigated a remarkable leadership trajectory, Dr. Francisco offers powerful advice for Filipino nurses aspiring to executive roles:
“Never put a limit on what you can do as a nurse leader. That is your power that only you can define.” She urges aspiring leaders to focus on solutions rather than barriers. “Be the values-based leader you want to report to.”
She reminds nurses that leadership is not about titles. “Keep titles and credentials after your name, not on top of your head. Stay grounded and connected to the people you serve.” For those overwhelmed by challenges, she advises, “When tasks feel insurmountable, divide them into parts. Before you know it, you’ve reached your goal.”
Above all, Dr. Francisco underscores the importance of work-life balance. “Your family is irreplaceable. If you create balance, you will always have time to give back and be aware of your cultural social responsibility.”
Dr. Salvacion Francisco’s career is a testament to the impact of transformational leadership, the power of advocacy, and the importance of giving back. Whether leading hospital-wide innovations, mentoring future nurse leaders, or serving communities in need, she exemplifies the highest ideals of nursing.
“Nursing leadership is a commitment, not a title,” she reminds us. “Define who you are becoming and never stop striving for excellence.”
Through her unwavering dedication to patient care, cultural competency, and global nursing leadership, Dr. Francisco continues to inspire nurses worldwide to lead with heart, vision, and purpose
