Sandra Rader’s mother knew her twin daughters would become nurses long before they ever did.

“That’s the vision my mom had for us,” says Rader.

Rader, however, could not anticipate the path to leadership that awaited her. After graduating from UPMC Jameson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in New Castle and moving to Indiana, Rader was offered her first nursing leadership position at her town’s only hospital just two years out of school. When she returned to Western Pennsylvania in 1999, she continued her career in leadership at UPMC Horizon.

“UPMC certainly checked all the boxes with the progressiveness and the clinical excellence of the organization. [It had] everything I wanted to do,” she says.

Rader came to Shadyside in 2005 and since then has continued to focus on her personal mission of making impactful differences not just for the patients but also for the people who provide them with care.

“My goal is to create the best environment for people to do their best work.”

One of the ways she does so is spending hours in the departments learning about the staff’s work and making sure they have the tools they need. Meeting those needs allows her to remain confident in the staff’s ability to provide the expected quality of care.

The outcomes of that trust have resulted in national recognition. With Rader in management roles, Shadyside earned three MAGNET designations — honoring organizations for nursing excellence and innovation as well as quality patient care — and Presby earned one. Today, Rader is excited about the UPMC Presby tower under construction, which will house 636 beds as well as a lifestyle village that will serve as a support space for patients and families.

While Rader’s role means no two days are the same, one thing remains constant: her commitment to making a difference.

“It’s a privilege to serve this community, and I’m really thrilled to be able to do it in this capacity.”