For Nicole Toole, Hendricks Regional Health’s newest Director of Physician Practices, joining Hendricks feels a bit like coming full circle. She’s lived in Brownsburg since she was in fifth grade. “My backyard used to be a beautiful cornfield, but soon it will be a Meijer.”
Nicole oversees Hendricks’ primary care offices. Though she’s still getting her bearings here, she’s no stranger to healthcare — it has always been in her heart. “I have a book from kindergarten that says I wanted to be a nurse,” she laughs.
Nicole’s career began at the bedside, working nights and weekends in intensive care and emergency rooms at St. Vincent while her daughters were young. As they grew older, she transitioned into a daytime role as a research nurse with heart, vascular, and lung surgeons. A pivotal moment there changed her trajectory. “The CEO called me into his office—I thought I was in trouble,” she recalled. “Instead, he told me he saw leadership potential in me. He saw something in me I didn’t see in myself.”
That moment launched a new chapter. With his mentorship, Nicole became a clinic manager and earned her master’s in nursing leadership. She then moved to a director position at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.
After several years there, Nicole took a step back to reflect on what really mattered. “I had been working so hard for so long and had never taken a moment for myself,” she said. “I spent time with my youngest daughter (then a high school senior), earned some certifications, and thought about where I wanted to be next.”
That reflection led her right back home — and to Hendricks.
“I’ve known Hendricks nursing leaders for years and always admired how HRH supports its people,” she said. She reached out to Shane Sommers, Chief Operating Officer, expressing her admiration for Hendricks’ values and her hope to find a role here. Three months later, the opportunity arrived.
Now, Nicole is settling into her new role. She thrives on the prospect of meeting patients where they are—understanding that health care is not one-size-fits-all. She is committed to ensuring her team has the resources it needs and to mentoring others who, like her, may not recognize their leadership potential.
Nicole says she’s found the place she was searching for. “It’s so special here – it feels like family,” she said. “Healthcare can be stressful, but when you have a great team, you can get through anything together.”
