NURSE: Leslie Cuthill, MSN, RNC-MNN
EMPLOYER: Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital and Montana State University – Bozeman
NURSING PROGRAM: Montana State University
FOCUS: Mother newborn
YEARS OF SERVICE: 17
Leslie Cuthill, St. Vincent Regional Hospital.
Rather than following a defined path, Leslie Cuthill’s journey into nursing took shape over time — guided by a growing realization that she belonged in medicine.
In high school, she explored that interest through medical courses and worked as an athletic trainer, but when she began college, she chose a different direction, earning a degree in health and human development with plans to pursue counseling or social work.
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“After graduating, that path no longer felt like the right fit,” Cuthill said. “I ultimately needed to be in medicine.”
She returned to school to earn her nursing degree, later continuing her education with a master’s degree in nursing, all through Montana State University.
Cuthill began her career in cardiac telemetry, where she had previously worked as a certified nursing assistant during nursing school. While she valued the experience, a colleague encouraged her to consider a different path — one that would ultimately shape the rest of her career.
She transitioned to the mother-newborn care unit, where she has remained ever since, caring for mothers and newborns following delivery and focusing not only on recovery but also on education — helping families navigate the early days of parenthood.
“We’re truly helping these individuals become parents,” Cuthill said. “It includes breastfeeding support, education on caring for their baby and guidance for their own recovery, both mentally and physically.”
In addition to her bedside role, Cuthill also serves as a clinical instructor at Montana State University – Bozeman, teaching nursing students and sharing the knowledge she has gained over nearly two decades in the field.
“I really enjoy education,” Cuthill said. “It’s fun to be able to share what I’ve learned with new nurses. It allows me to continue growing professionally while staying closely connected to patient care.”
Cuthill says the emotional weight of the job doesn’t always stay at work. She takes every story home with her and relies on family to help her process and move forward.
“I lean on my husband and my kids,” Cuthill said. “They keep me busy and help me push through.”
Throughout her career, one piece of advice has stayed with her — both in her personal life and in her work.
“You can’t change people,” Cuthill said. “You can only control your response to them.”
It’s a mindset that reflects her approach to nursing — one grounded in patience, consistency and a commitment to providing safe, evidence-based care while supporting patients through some of life’s most meaningful moments.
