Before I can help lead us to re-designation, I need to truly understand UAMS. That understanding starts with the people driving patient care in every unit, every clinic, every department. From the moment I walk onto a unit or into a staff meeting, I’m met with pride, energy, and a deep commitment to excellence. Each […]

Team, It’s hard to believe, but 2026 is here. There’s a lot on the horizon for this year already – it’s going to be another busy one. I’ll share more details and our Nursing theme for the year at the annual CNO Address event, which is scheduled for March 16. I hope you’ll join in […]

Team, I know everyone says this every year, but, seriously, how is it already December?!?! It seems like yesterday we were welcoming all the summer new grads, and there’s no way it’s been a whole year since our Magnet designation. Believe it or not, 2025 will be over in just 26 days! Last January, I […]

Team, I’m thrilled to share that after more than five years of struggling with staffing shortages and turnover, we are reaching a point where our nursing workforce is much more stable. That doesn’t mean we have “arrived” and can stop focusing on the things we need to do to secure our nursing teams, but it […]

Team, Last month’s newsletter included a link to a short survey with questions about the things that help you feel valued and how we can help you feel more valued. I appreciate everyone who responded. You shared very important insight and perspectives that will help us do better. The responses weren’t surprising – the things […]

Team, Most of you probably remember learning about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs at some point in your education. (If it’s been a minute and you need a refresher, just click the link above.) The general concept is that your physiological needs, such as food, shelter and safety (job security) must be satisfied before you can […]

I absolutely love this time of year! I get excited about having all our new nurses on campus. Looking back, I’m so glad my experiences as a new graduate nurse were a far cry from what things look like now. When I graduated from UCA in the early ‘90s, I had to relocate to Fort […]

Team, Last month’s Nurses Week was so much fun! I loved getting to greet so many of you as you came into work and hearing all the inspirational stories during the Professional Nursing Awards and the Awards of Excellence. Listening to how you pitched in to help your colleagues, took extraordinary measures to help patients […]

Team, I’m looking forward to celebrating Nurses Week with you all! Susan Erickson and our entire Nurses Rock Committee have once again done a fabulous job planning a week full of activities. Don’t forget to take advantage of the special 20% discounts for nurses at the Cancer Institute and Hospital gift shops from May 5-9. […]

Team, As your Chief Nursing Officer, I am deeply committed to leading and advocating for you while ensuring you have the necessary support to provide high-quality patient care. I recognize the challenges you face daily and appreciate your dedication to doing what is right for your patients. My commitment to working alongside you and our […]