There’s no such thing as a “typical day” for IU School of Nursing alumna Amy Little, DNP, RN, but there is one constant.
At 6 a.m., while most of Bedford is still asleep, Little is already online with IU Health Bedford Hospital’s associate administrators, listening closely as they share their overnight updates.
By the time many people are pouring their first cup of coffee, as the hospital’s chief nursing officer, Little has already reviewed the day’s most pressing issues and set the tone for her leadership team. It’s a quick but vital ritual she calls a “pulse check” on the hospital before the day begins, a moment to balance immediate priorities with long-term strategy.
“Healthcare leaders have demanding responsibilities, especially when leading teams that operate 24/7,” she said. “You’re constantly pivoting between the urgent and the strategic. Some mornings, it’s a staffing challenge, other times a patient issue.”
“It can be challenging, but it has a 0% chance of being boring,” she added with a smile.
Building Something Special in Bedford
When Little talks about her workplace, her pride is unmistakable.
“I know everyone says their team is the best or most special, but it’s hard not to feel that way about IU Health Bedford,” she said.
As one of the busiest critical access hospitals in the nation, IU Health Bedford Hospital, located in the small city about 25 miles south of Bloomington, has earned a reputation for excellence that is fueled by teamwork and an enduring commitment to the community.
That commitment has not gone unnoticed. The hospital was recently recognized as a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 5-star facility— an honor shared by fewer than 5% of the nation’s hospitals. Earlier this year, it was inducted into the Bedford Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame.
“From humble beginnings to a regional healthcare anchor,” the Chamber noted, “they remind us of what happens when business is aligned with compassion, vision, and a commitment to place.”
From Bedside to Boardroom
Little’s own journey began at the bedside, earning her ASN and discovering a passion for hands-on care. But soon, she felt “the nudges and calling to serve differently” and the quiet pull toward leadership she could no longer ignore.
“I decided to go back to school and give leadership a shot,” she recalled.
With an MSN in Nursing Leadership from IU (2013), she stepped into her first management role at IU Health Bloomington Hospital. There, Little led a project close to her heart: transitioning the NICU to a higher level of care “enabling us to keep more moms and babies together in Bloomington.”
“This was a great opportunity to tackle something much bigger,” she said. “It brought together providers, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, lab, radiology, and therapy teams. It was a passion project for the whole community.”
Little went on to earn her Doctor of Nursing Practice from IU School of Nursing (2017) and began a leadership role at Riley Hospital for Children. There she learned the power of a united leadership team.
“A team achieves far more when it functions as a team,” she recalled. “Rather than as multiple outstanding individuals.”
Little continued her transition from bedside to boardroom in 2019 as chief nursing officer at IU Health Bedford. The shift was both challenging and rewarding, with her focus now on shaping culture, leading leaders, setting priorities, and promoting optimism. She also currently serves on IU School of Nursing Bloomington’s Board of Advisors.
“The way I impact patient care is very different now,” she noted. “But seeing our teams succeed and knowing the community benefits from their excellent care makes it more than worthwhile.”
An Investment in Yourself
Returning to school broadened Little’s world, opening doors to new opportunities, networks, and friendships. When asked if she would recommend graduate school —and IU School of Nursing’s graduate programs in particular—her answer was an immediate, “Yes, yes, yes!”
“I gained so much from classmates working in other areas of nursing,” Little said. “It really opened my eyes to the many paths our profession can take.”
Little often finds herself encouraging other nurses and colleagues to consider a graduate degree to be ready when an opportunity arises
“Healthcare evolves so quickly, new roles, new specialties, even new businesses created to meet new needs,” she explained. “Some opportunities we can’t even imagine yet. When your dream job comes along, you want to be ready to go for it.”
Though Little cherished her years at the bedside, she now sees herself foremost as a healthcare leader— one who knows success depends on building strong partnerships across disciplines. Integrity and fairness, she says, are non-negotiable, and “earning the respect of those you lead is a must.”
For those considering leadership, her advice is to embrace change, even when it feels uncomfortable.
“Nursing, and healthcare in general, isn’t easy,” she reflected. “But the work we do is genuinely special. It’s a rare blend of heart and science that allows us to be our very best.”
“If you want the same thing every day, nursing may not be for you,” Little continued. “But if you thrive on problem-solving, critical thinking, continual learning, and caring for people on both the best and hardest days of their lives, then nursing is a remarkable place to put down roots and look for your own way to grow.”