Karen Clements, BSN, MSB, MHCDS
The MHCDS program is an amazing opportunity to continue to add to my toolbox of skills to impact the delivery of healthcare to patients, improve the environment of care for patients and staff, and to be a good steward of financial resources.
Karen, tell us more about your professional experience.
As Chief Nursing Officer for the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, I am responsible for the nursing practice of approximately 1800 nurses and a budget of $104 million. I am responsible for quality of nursing care and practice for patients at the Academic Medical Center (AMC) and the Community Group Practices (CGP) as well as, patient and staff engagement across the Dartmouth-Hitchcock enterprise.
What has been the best part of the program for you – so far?
Engaging with healthcare leaders from around the world. To know that we are all struggling with the same issues and using our 'collective' brain to impact healthcare is inspiring.
How have you used the skills and knowledge you have gained?
Using the leadership assessment tool, information learned in class, and the individual coaching sessions has given me the ability to navigate through some difficult professional scenarios that have developed during my time in the course.
The ability to work individually and within your group allow for significant personal growth in the MHCDS program. I would tell candidates considering MHCDS to be open for feedback and allow yourself to be challenged throughout the program."