Chief Nursing Officer
We are pleased to announce that Michele Petersen, MSN, BSN, RN, has joined us as our new Chief Nursing Officer!
Michele brings more than 30 years of diverse healthcare leadership experience, ranging from critical access hospitals to large regional medical centers. Throughout her career, she has led teams in achieving multiple successful accreditation surveys, developed strategic nursing plans, expanded surgical and specialty services, and spearheaded quality and patient safety initiatives. Her leadership has directly contributed to major improvements in patient satisfaction, employee engagement, and clinical outcomes at every organization she has served.
In her most recent role at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital and Healthcare Center, Michele oversaw clinical operations across a hospital, four clinics, and a long-term care center, leading a team of over 300 employees. Her accomplishments included the implementation of EPIC across hospital and clinic settings, the successful re-certification of a Level IV trauma center, the development of multidisciplinary rounding models, and the launch of new specialty surgical services.
Michele is known for her collaborative leadership style, her commitment to professional development, and her passion for building strong, resilient care teams. She believes in empowering staff through education, communication, and shared governance, and is a champion for innovation, patient safety, and community-focused healthcare.
She holds a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from St. Ambrose University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Eastern Michigan University. Michele is an active member of several professional organizations, including AONE, AACN, ACHA, ANA, and she holds certifications in quality and safety through the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI).
Please join us in giving her a warm welcome as she gets to know our hospital, our patients, and each one of you. We are confident that Michele’s leadership will be a tremendous asset as we continue advancing excellence in care for our community.