Charlotte Welcomes New Chief Nursing Officer to Enhance Healthcare Standards at Advocate Health

Charlotte Welcomes New Chief Nursing Officer to Advocate Health

Charlotte is buzzing with excitement as Advocate Health prepares to welcome its new Chief Nursing Officer, Betty Jo Rocchio. Set to take the reins on November 11, Rocchio will oversee an impressive team of more than 42,000 nurses across Advocate’s vast network, which includes 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations. This is a significant moment for both Rocchio and the organization, as they aim to continue raising the bar in health care standards across the board.

A New Era in Nursing Leadership

Rocchio steps into her new position following the retirement announcement of her predecessor, Mary Beth Kingston. Kingston has dedicated over 45 years to nursing and will leave a legacy that Rocchio hopes to build upon. “I look forward to working with nursing leaders across our organization to realize the full potential of our nursing teammates,” Rocchio shared, with an enthusiasm that underscores her commitment to making a real impact on patient care and community health.

Advocate Health, which was formed after the merger of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health in 2022, has rapidly become a powerhouse in the healthcare arena, now standing as the third-largest health system in the nation. Currently, the organization boasts over 155,000 employees who are dedicated to serving more than 6 million patients. This scope allows Rocchio the unique opportunity to foster a culture of excellence and collaboration among nursing staff across multiple states.

Rich Experience in Nursing

With her 30 years of experience in nursing, Rocchio is well-prepared for her new role. Most recently, she held the position of Chief Nurse Executive at Mercy Health, a multi-state healthcare system based in St. Louis. Her impressive resume also includes various leadership roles within the Mount Carmel Health System in Columbus. Rocchio began her nursing journey as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit and later became a certified registered nurse anesthetist, showcasing her extensive hands-on experience in critical care settings.

Vision for the Future

As Rocchio looks ahead to her new responsibilities with Advocate Health, she expresses a strong desire to enhance nursing practices and elevate patient care across the system. Her leadership will be crucial in guiding the nursing workforce to adapt to the ever-changing healthcare landscape, particularly in light of recent challenges faced during the pandemic.

She believes that fostering supportive relationships among nursing leaders will be key to unlocking the potential of Advocate’s nurses. Rocchio stated, “I am excited about the opportunity to work side by side with our nurses as we strive to create a supportive workplace environment that will allow us to provide the highest quality of care to our patients and communities.”

Community and Healthcare Impact

The Charlotte community can expect an invigorated focus on health care as Rocchio transitions into this pivotal role. With the burgeoning size of Advocate Health and its dedication to improvement, the future of patient care looks brighter than ever. Rocchio’s leadership promises to be a catalyst for change, prioritizing nursing excellence while maintaining a patient-centered approach.

As Charlotte embraces Rocchio’s leadership, the goals of empowerment, collaboration, and superior patient care will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of Advocate Health’s mission. The commitment to creating a healing environment not only benefits patients but also nurtures the nursing staff that tirelessly cares for them.

In a world where healthcare challenges are constantly evolving, the strength and experience of leaders like Rocchio offer a reassuring beacon of hope. The city of Charlotte eagerly awaits the positive changes that are sure to come under her guidance.