| For immediate release: Nov. 3, 2011 |
Contact
Gary Kimsey 970.495.7427
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Poudre Valley Hospital announced today that Donna Poduska has been appointed vice president and chief nursing officer, effective October 31.
Poduska will oversee patient care and nursing operations for the Fort Collins hospital that employs more than a thousand registered nurses.
"Donna's long experience as a registered nurse and in nursing administration at PVH will bring a high level of quality and insight into nursing care for patients," said Kevin Unger, PVH president and CEO. "Donna is highly respected throughout our organization and the nation for her commitment to nurses and patient care."
Poduska began work 43 years ago as a PVH nurse. She has held the positions of charge nurse, head nurse, director, and vice president of patient care services. Her most recent position was director of resource services for nursing.
She is instrumental in developing policies, initiatives and educational programs that set a high standard for nursing at PVH and has resulted in the hospital being named in 2000 as a Magnet Hospital for Nursing Excellence by the America Nurses Credentialing Center, Silver Spring, Maryland.
PVH was the 18th hospital in the nation to receive the Magnet status, which recognizes a healthcare organization's commitment to quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovation in professional nursing practice. PVH's designation continues until 2013, at which time PVH can reapply to continue as a Magnet Hospital.
Poduska's leadership was also instrumental in the hospital receiving a national honor-the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators Award-from the American Nurses Association for achieving and sustaining nursing quality that improves patient care and safety. PVH was the first hospital to receive the award after it was created in 2008 and was also a recipient of the award in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Poduska holds a master's degree in nursing administration from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, and a bachelor's degree in nursing from Montana State University, Bozeman.
Among the many volunteer leadership positions she has held statewide and nationally, Poduska has been president of the Colorado Organization of Nurse Leaders. She has published numerous research articles on nursing and patient care, and received the Colorado Nightingale Regional Award and other honors for her work and leadership.
-PVHS--
