Mercy Fort Smith names new chief nursing officer

Registered Nurse Jennifer Thomas has been named chief nursing officer (CNO) for Mercy Hospital Fort Smith, according to Ryan Gehrig, president of Mercy Hospital Fort Smith.

Thomas is vice president of ancillary services and has been serving as interim CNO since March. She joined Mercy in May 2010 as executive director of Critical Care Services and has since taken on additional leadership roles and responsibilities.

In her 30 year career, she has worked in a variety of staff, educator and leader roles.

“Jennifer epitomizes professionalism at every level whether in a clinical or administrative setting,” Gehrig said in a statement. “She has tremendous passion for the patient and is always looking for the best and brightest nurses to care for our patients.”

As Mercy Fort Smith CNO, Thomas will work to recruit and retain nurses. She is also tasked to ensure that nursing care results in a positive experience for patients.

“In my new role, I will work to optimize patient outcomes with our nursing care. Our nurses are second to none and we will continue to build on that tradition,” said Thomas.