Hernandez to lead Children’s Hospital nursing
Susan Hernandez, MBA, R.N., has been named chief nursing officer at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Susan Hernandez, MBA, R.N.
“Susan embodies our guiding nursing philosophy, which is patient- and family-centered care,” said Marilyn Dubree, MSN, R.N., executive chief nursing officer for Vanderbilt University Medical Center
“She is a proven leader, a tremendous role model and an effective patient and family advocate. At her core, she is a nurse who knows Children’s Hospital from the inside out and is the ideal person to lead us forward.”
Hernandez has served as associate hospital director since December 2010, with oversight of nursing and several ancillary areas. She has worked to promote transformational leadership in clinical operations in the areas of Patient and Family Centered Care, Inpatient Nursing, Respiratory Care, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and Peri-Operative Nursing.
During her time at Children's Hospital, she has worked to establish and maintain high standards for patient safety and quality of care as well as to ensure compliance with policies and accreditation standards. Previously, Hernandez served as administrative director of Inpatient Services and administrative director of Critical Care Services.
“Susan is an extraordinary leader who understands the full spectrum of nursing care, from bedside requirements to the challenges of health care reform,” said Luke Gregory, chief executive officer of Children's Hospital.
“Susan’s storied journey from bedside nurse to her new senior leadership role is a reflection of her tireless commitment to our patients, as well as a testament to Children’s Hospital’s culture of personal growth and development for its employees.”
Hernandez came to Vanderbilt in 1994 as a care partner. Since then she has served in various positions, including charge nurse, manager of General Surgery Clinics, manager of the Coronary Unit and Cardiovascular Step-Down Units and manager of the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit.
“This is an incredible honor. For 17 years at Vanderbilt, I have worked side by side with the most talented and dedicated health care providers, staff and volunteers,” said Hernandez.
“I’ve seen the difference we can all make in the lives of our patients and families, and look forward to what we can accomplish together in the future.”