Who: Maureen Swick
New role: CEO of the American Hospital Association’s American Organization of Nurse Executives affiliate and senior VP of nursing at the AHA. She begins July 5. She takes the helm at AONE from the retiring Pam Thompson.
Background: Previously served for six years as senior VP and chief nurse executive at Falls Church, Va.-based Inova Health System.
Moving from volume to value: Swick said nurse executives can help organizations with the transition through collaboration and sharing expertise. “Nurse leaders have always put patients first and use evidence-based practices to drive improvements,” she said.
Focus on the patient: Healthcare system changes have challenged nursing leadership, but care processes will always be centered on patient care, safety and quality outcomes, Swick said. “We need to remain focused on what competencies are needed to meet our patient and family needs.”
Preparation for her new role: Because of her experience as a CNO, Swick said she can relate to the care-environment issues nurse leaders face. Her three years as an AHA board member have also been an advantage. “I had the opportunity to learn about each region in the U.S., and how different the financial and workforce challenges are,” she said.
