CNOs must lead with honesty and transparency, says this new CNO.
Jeff Alvarez knew he wanted to be a nurse from the time he was a teenager.
After an accident and extended hospitalization, Jeff knew he wanted to be the one to help people while they were experiencing some of the lowest points in their lives. He earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in nursing leadership and education from Carlow University in Pittsburgh.
Jeff has been a nurse for 25 years and joined UPMC in 2005 as a unit director at UPMC Presbyterian. He has spent the last 19 years in a variety of nursing leadership roles including unit director of the intensive care unit at UPMC East, director of nursing at UPMC McKeesport, and chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services at UPMC East and UPMC McKeesport. Jeff now serves as the vice president of patient care services and CNO at UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene.
Jeff is a proven leader with an extensive history of improved quality outcomes, increased patient experience results, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to developing and supporting his teams. He is committed to using evidenced-based processes to drive progress forward.
On our latest installment of The Exec, HealthLeaders speaks with Alvarez about his journey into nursing, and his thoughts on trends in the nursing industry. Tune in to hear his insights.
G Hatfield is the CNO editor for HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
CNOs must partner with local academic organizations to lay the groundwork for nursing pathways in middle schools and high schools.
Nurses should be regularly trained on deescalation techniques, conflict resolution, and any workplace safety protocols that exist in the health system to help prevent workplace violence scenarios.
CNOs should work with government officials to coordinate and inform them of the nursing perspective on pieces of legisation.