Originally published September 15, 2023 on BeckersHosptialReview.com

After years of navigating their hospitals and health systems through the COVID-19 pandemic, chief nursing officers are now addressing staffing shortages, managing nursing budgets and creating professional pathways for the next generation of nurses. 

CNOs are responsible for overseeing nursing departments, launching novel initiatives and maintaining outstanding patient care outcomes. These leaders bring a unique blend of clinical and leadership experience to their roles.

Kris Allen. CNO at MSU Health Care (East Lansing, Mich.). Ms. Allen is in charge of strategic direction and operational management for primary care and specialty outpatient clinics at MSU. She has led the standardization of MSU's patient care team and identified and articulated a strategic vision for clinical operations. She is also an advisor for MSU's executive leadership team. She spent 18 years as a nursing professional, implementing evidence-based practices and improving overall patient satisfaction. Before joining MSU, she served as COO at a critical access hospital for eight years. In 2022, she partnered with MSU's CMIO to optimize the system's EHR. She also led MSU to a lower-than-average staff turnover rate.