A nurse’s calling: Charity Carlisle on growing the next generation

TAMPA, Fla. — For Charity Carlisle, nursing has never been just a job — it’s a calling that has shaped her life, her leadership and the way she shows up for every patient and team member she serves.

Now the Chief Nursing Officer at AdventHealth Tampa, Carlisle is marking nearly 25 years with the organization this July. It's a journey that began with a deep desire to care for others and a commitment to keep learning and growing.

Her path to leadership wasn’t traditional, but it reflects the kind of growth and opportunity AdventHealth strives to create for its team members. Carlisle began her career as a licensed practical nurse, taking advantage of a Hillsborough County bridge program to advance her education.

WATCH ON FOX13+: She wanted to be a police officer, but a hospital visit catapulted Charity Carlisle into a career she never expected

“I actually did a bridge program that was offered here in Hillsborough County to go from an LPN to RN,” she said. “Went on and got my bachelor’s and then completed my master’s degree, also getting certified in two different specialties.”

Unlike many nursing leaders who follow a more linear path, Carlisle’s experience started in the fast-paced environment of the emergency department, an experience she says helped shape her as both a clinician and a leader.

“Most CNOs take more of an inpatient route,” she said. “I started in the emergency department, got both operations and procedural space, and then learned inpatient. And so it’s been a great, exciting journey.”

That journey has given her a unique perspective, one rooted in whole-person care and a deep understanding of the many ways nurses support patients, families and one another.

“Nursing is a great profession to get into,” Carlisle said. “You can really touch patients in so many ways.”

She encourages those entering the field to embrace lifelong learning and stay curious throughout their careers.

“You’re going to have to formulate ways in which to stay innovative and continue learning so that you’re always pushing yourself to be better,” she said.

Today, as a senior leader, Carlisle said her greatest joy comes not from her own accomplishments, but from helping others grow.

“That’s my favorite part of my job,” she said. “I think AdventHealth really believes in the right mission. We show up for our patients, extending the healing ministry of Christ.”

For Carlisle, that mission is more than words.

“When you’re in healthcare, it’s really our moral obligation,” she said. “We chose this profession for a reason.”

Her deep connection to the community she serves makes that commitment even more personal.

“I grew up here, my kids were born here,” she said. “It’s very important that we have safe care that we can provide our community, and I’m proud to work at AdventHealth.”

As AdventHealth celebrates Nurses Week, leaders like Carlisle reflect the heart of its nursing workforce — compassionate caregivers, innovative thinkers and mentors dedicated to building the next generation of nursing leaders.

Through every role she has held, Carlisle’s journey reflects the power of purpose-driven care — and the lasting impact nurses have on the communities they serve every day.

Are you interested in a nursing career with AdventHealth? We believe the whole you belongs here! Learn more about open positions and residency programs here.