St. Bernards promotes Emily McGee to head of nursing operations

St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro has promoted Emily McGee to vice president of nursing, leading all nursing operations throughout the hospital. The appointment was announced Thursday (June 2).

McGee was previously assistant vice president of nursing and has spent the past 18 years with the organization. She began her career as a patient care technician before working bedside care in the hospital’s intensive care unit. She transitioned into the ICU director role, coordinating the design of a new ICU construction, which opened in December 2019.

According to the release, McGee oversaw the transition of care from the previous ICU to the new unit, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, she managed surging and specialized bed capacity within it. She subsequently assumed her role as AVP in 2021.

As vice president of nursing, McGee said she hopes to create an environment where patients receive the highest care possible and nurses grow as caregivers, leaders and individuals.

“I loved working bedside nursing,” McGee said. “From the patient interaction to the mission and drive to help everyone at St. Bernards, they shaped what I saw nursing should be. I knew then that I wanted to help others pursue nursing opportunities and foster an environment as if each patient and peer were my family member.”

St. Bernards Medical Center administrator Michael Givens said McGee’s work shows throughout the hospital.

“In nearly two decades at St. Bernards Medical Center, Emily’s work has helped thousands of patients,” Givens said. “She possesses a model determination and the nursing expertise we need. Above all, she cares deeply about our patients and team. It’s been a joy to watch her grow, and I’m thrilled she will continue to help us further refine our nursing care.”

McGee holds a bachelor’s of science in nursing from Arkansas State University and a master’s of business administration from Harding University.