2026 Nurse Appreciation Week: Meet Madeleine Hammond with Billings Clinic

EMPLOYER: Billings Clinic

NURSING PROGRAM: City College at Montana State University – Billings and Aspen University

FOCUS: Quality

YEARS OF SERVICE: 8

It took time — and a few different paths — before Madeleine Hammond found her footing in nursing.

“I went to college three times,” Hammond said. “The first two times, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. The third time, I finally committed to being a nurse.”

Before that decision, Hammond worked as a certified nursing assistant, a role she began shortly after high school while exploring other areas of study, including surgical technology and counseling. Even then, nursing wasn’t always the plan.

“I didn’t think I could ever accomplish it, if I’m being honest,” Hammond said.

That perspective eventually shifted. She went on to earn her associate degree in nursing through City College in Billings and later completed her bachelor’s degree online through Aspen University.

After becoming a registered nurse in 2018, Hammond began her career on a medical-surgical unit, building a foundation that strengthened her clinical judgment and confidence.

She later transitioned into a specialized role on the vascular access device team, where she spent five years placing PICC lines, midlines and other devices for patients across the hospital. The role required advanced training and precision while exposing her to a wide range of patient needs.

That experience sparked her interest in quality and process improvement — an area she hadn’t fully considered early in her career, but one where she saw the opportunity to make a broader impact.

Today, Hammond serves as the manager of nursing quality at Billings Clinic, where she oversees nursing-sensitive indicators across the hospital, including patient falls, infections and other measures that directly impact patient outcomes.

“My job is to connect with bedside nurses and leadership, identify opportunities for improvement and help implement changes that enhance patient care,” Hammond said.

Her role allows her to step back and look at the bigger picture, working across departments to support both caregivers and the patients they serve.

“My confidence has grown with experience, along with my ability to navigate challenges and speak up when needed,” Hammond said. “You don’t know what you don’t know at the beginning. Now I know who to go to and what resources I have. I’m definitely not the same nurse I was as a new grad.”

That growth didn’t happen overnight. Early in her career, speaking up could feel intimidating, especially in an environment where experience levels varied widely. Over time, that uncertainty gave way to a stronger sense of assurance — not just in her skills, but in her ability to advocate for patients and collaborate with her team.

For those considering a career in nursing, she emphasizes the importance of resilience and purpose.

“It takes a lot of grit, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” Hammond said. “The meaningful moments make it all worth it.”