By Akers Editorial
40 Under 40: Bibi Bell, RN MSN
Fun fact: I find inspiration for leadership in the most unexpected places. Sometimes it’s from a Bible verse, sometimes from a 6-year-old’s question, my husband and family and often from the patients and families I serve.
My legacy: I hope my leadership shows that healthcare can be both compassionate and innovative. I want to leave a legacy of raising the standard of care in my community and inspiring the next generation to lead with courage, integrity and heart.
For Bibi Bell, nursing has always been about compassion, connection and continuous improvement. As program manager of Orthopedic Outcomes for AdventHealth’s East Florida Division and orthopedic nurse navigator at AdventHealth Waterman, she plays a vital role in helping patients prepare for and recover from joint replacement surgery. She’s also charged with ensuring hospitals deliver the highest quality of care.
“My job is part advocate, part problem-solver and part coach, helping both patients and teams succeed,” Bibi says. “I guide patients through every step of their journey, track outcomes like recovery times and complications and work with doctors and nurses to continually improve the care we provide.”
A pivotal moment in her career came when she moved from bedside nursing into program leadership.
“At first, I worried I was stepping away from the direct patient care that I loved so much,” she says. “But I quickly realized I could make an even bigger impact, not just on one patient at a time, but across entire hospitals and communities.”
That realization, she said, taught her that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about creating systems, opportunities and pathways that allow both patients and teams to thrive.
Faith and perseverance have guided Bibi through life’s challenges.
“One of my biggest challenges was learning to trust God in seasons of change when I didn’t have all the answers,” she says. “It taught me that leadership isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being faithful, leaning on others and letting challenges shape you into someone stronger.”
Her mission is to leave a legacy of compassion and innovation in healthcare.
“I hope my leadership shows that healthcare can be both compassionate and innovative,” Bibi says. “I want to raise the standard of care in my community and inspire the next generation to lead with courage, integrity and heart.”
At home, Bibi says her greatest motivation is her family.
“I want my kids to see that hard work, kindness and perseverance matter, that you can balance chasing goals with caring for others.”
