The biggest challenge for CNOs in 2026 is competing priorities, says this CNO.
As a CNO, Deana Sievert prides herself on the fact that she has remained a practicing bedside staff nurse.
With more than 30 years of healthcare experience and more than 15 years in senior leadership roles, she strives for top performance and focuses on just culture accountability.
Earlier in her career, Sievert held senior positions at ProMedica Health System, including president of Fremont Memorial and Fostoria Community Hospitals and chief nursing officer for the Acute, Ambulatory and Provider Division. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from The Ohio State University and is currently pursuing a PhD in executive nursing leadership. Most recently, she served as chief nursing officer at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, leading nursing operations for University Hospital, Ross Heart Hospital, the Brain and Spine Hospital and Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital.
Now, Sievert serves as the senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Rush University System for Health and Rush University Medical Center, where she oversees systemwide nursing strategy, workforce development and the standardization of care models, policies and procedures.
On our latest installment of The Exec, HealthLeaders speaks with Sievert about her journey into nursing, and her thoughts on trends in the nursing industry. Tune in to hear her insights.
G Hatfield is the CNO editor for HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
CNOs must function as the true north for their nursing workforces, and they must be decisive on where to start with problem-solving.
Nurse leaders must empower and engage nurses to get their input on processes while keeping them safe.
CNOs and other nurse leaders will need to lean into AI to help determine for clinical nurses what's important to address for specific patients.