SAN DIEGO, Calif. — December 1, 2023 – Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego, the largest children’s hospital on the West Coast and one of the nation’s top pediatric health care systems, is pleased to announce that Susan Herman, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CENP has been appointed as Vice President of Patient Services and Chief Nursing Officer. Dr. Herman will be responsible for coordinating the clinical and administrative functions of inpatient, ambulatory, surgical and emergency services. Additionally, she will serve as ex-officio member of the Rady Children’s Hospital and Health Center Board of Trustees and the Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego Board of Directors.
Dr. Susan Herman
“Rady Children’s already sets a high standard for nursing care, and we are delighted that Dr. Herman will bring her leadership skills to support our status as a Magnet®-designated organization, an achievement awarded to organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence,” said Patrick Frias, MD, President & CEO of Rady Children’s.
Prior to her appointment, Dr. Herman served as Chief Nursing Executive at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospitals, where she was responsible for clinical care and patient care standards. In addition to her inpatient responsibilities, she provided oversight for the Outpatient Specialty Centers and the Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village initiative. Before her work in Long Beach, Dr. Herman served with the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University Medical Center, and as Chief Nursing Officer/VP of Patient Care Services at Adventist Health in Bakersfield.
“Nursing is the backbone of the exceptional care provided by Rady Children’s to the children of San Diego and beyond,” said Nicholas Holmes, MD, Senior Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer. “We are thrilled for Dr. Herman to continue building a culture of family-centered care for which we are known. She is a transformational leader who enables a collaborative work environment for nursing and care staff.”
Rady Children’s extends our sincere appreciation to nursing leaders and colleagues who participated in the selection process. Additionally, we are grateful for the leadership of Dr. Lindsey Ryan, Associate Chief Nursing Officer, who is serving as acting Chief Nursing Officer until Dr. Herman officially assumes the role on Dec. 27, 2023.
Dr. Herman obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with High Distinction at Pennsylvania State University; her Master of Science in Nursing at University of California San Francisco; and her Doctorate in Nursing Practice at California State University, Fresno, and San Jose State University. Additionally, she has participated in a variety of roles at state and national levels for several nursing leadership organizations, including serving as president of the Association of California Nurse Leaders in 2015.
About Rady Children’s Hospital
Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego is the largest children’s hospital on the West Coast and one of the nation’s top pediatric health care systems. Ranked as one of the 10 best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News and World Report in 2023, Rady Children’s includes a 511-bed pediatric hospital that serves as the largest provider of comprehensive pediatric medical services in San Diego, southern Riverside and Imperial counties. With more than 40 locations, Rady Children’s is the only health system in the San Diego area dedicated exclusively to pediatric health care and is the region’s only designated pediatric trauma center. Rady Children’s is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations to support its mission.
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