Rachel Ewing is more than just a Chief Nursing Officer at Fairfield Memorial Hospital (FMH); she is a dedicated, highly skilled, and compassionate leader who has made a profound impact on the hospital, its staff, and the community. Since joining FMH in 2021, Rachel has showcased her ability to lead with integrity, foster innovation, and promote the highest ethical standards.
Rachel has been awarded the 2024 Illinois Nurses foundation 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award. Designed to highlight young nurses that are making a lasting difference in the healthcare industry, this award celebrates those who shape the future of nursing.
Rising to Leadership: From ED Director to CNO
Rachel joined FMH as the Director of Emergency Services, bringing with her four years of extensive experience in trauma, cardiac, and neurology emergency services. After just one year, she was faced with the challenge of stepping into the role of Chief Nursing Officer following the abrupt vacancy of her predecessor. Despite the lack of succession training, Rachel fearlessly took on the responsibility, quickly proving her capability to lead at the highest level.
Evidence-Based Practice and Hospital Improvements
Rachel is a staunch advocate for evidence-based practice, and her leadership has driven numerous hospital and community initiatives that have positively impacted both patient care and organizational efficiency. Some of her most notable contributions include:
- Redesigned Staffing Matrices: Rachel successfully revamped the staffing models for the ER and Surgery departments, eliminating the need for on-call pay and reducing daily overtime. These changes have streamlined operations and improved cost efficiency across departments.
- Float Pool Nursing Department: As Project Manager, Rachel spearheaded the development of FMH’s Float Pool Nursing Department, resulting in a projected yearly payroll savings of over $100,000. This project was directly tied to her Master’s capstone project, further demonstrating her commitment to practical and sustainable solutions.
- 2022 Hospital Expansion Project: Rachel led the successful expansion of FMH’s Emergency and Surgery Departments, ensuring the hospital could meet the growing needs of the community while maintaining high standards of care.
- Joint Commission Survey Leadership: Under Rachel’s leadership, FMH achieved a successful Joint Commission Survey in which 97% of standards were found to be in compliance. This accomplishment reflects Rachel’s dedication to legal and regulatory compliance and her ability to lead cross-functional teams to success.
A Focus on Education and Community Health
Rachel’s commitment to nursing extends beyond her role at FMH. She has built strong professional relationships with local nursing schools, offering assistance and support to help increase student pass rates. She also created an LPN to RN Program that allows LPNs to work flexible hours while pursuing their RN degree, providing them with practical experience and career advancement opportunities.
Rachel’s leadership in education doesn’t stop at the hospital level. She collaborates with donors to ensure nursing students receive scholarships and financial assistance, helping deserving individuals complete their education and begin successful nursing careers.
Advocating for the Community
Rachel’s impact on the community is equally impressive. She has provided AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) to local Senior Citizen Centers and the Elks Lodge, promoting heart health and emergency preparedness. Additionally, Rachel volunteers her time to improve community health and serves as an advocate for FMH at the state capitol, representing the hospital and pushing for healthcare improvements at the national level.
A Hands-On Leader
Rachel is known for her hands-on leadership style, often spending countless hours reviewing clinical research and current literature to ensure projects are rooted in the best available evidence. Her commitment to clinical excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration has made her a sought-after leader on various nursing and research committees. She has built a reputation as a leader who is always present, actively involved in the hospital’s day-to-day operations, and deeply invested in the success of her team.
Awards and Recognition
Rachel’s leadership has been instrumental in FMH receiving several prestigious awards during her tenure, including:
- America’s Best Nursing Homes 2022-2023: Recognized by U.S. News & World Report with an overall 5-star rating.
- Home Health 2022-2023 HHCAHPS Honors: Recognized by HEALTHCAREfirst for excellence in home health care.
- 2023 Emergency Department Midwest Alliance for Patient Safety Award: Highlighting FMH’s dedication to patient safety and quality care.
- 2023 Becker’s Hospital Review HCAHPS Star Ratings: Specifically recognized for excellence in nursing communication.
- 2023 AHA Bronze Stroke Ready Award: Demonstrating the hospital’s readiness and quality in stroke care.
Future Focus: Preparing for Tomorrow’s Challenges
Rachel is always looking ahead. She is currently serving as the Project Manager for the 2024 Eclipse Disaster Planning initiative, ensuring that FMH is prepared for the influx of visitors and potential healthcare challenges during the solar eclipse. Additionally, Rachel is implementing a Swing Bed Program to further enhance care for patients in transition, improving health outcomes and extending FMH’s community impact.
Rachel Ewing: A Passionate Advocate for Nursing and Healthcare
Rachel Ewing’s leadership at Fairfield Memorial Hospital is defined by her unwavering dedication to patient care, nursing excellence, and community well-being. Her ability to drive innovation, her hands-on leadership style, and her deep compassion for both her staff and patients make her a true asset to FMH and the healthcare field at large.
Congratulations to Rachel Ewing and Fairfield Memorial Hospital for this prestigious honor! The Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Award for Emerging Nurse Leaders is proven to open career doors for its recipients. INF is proud to celebrate nurses like Rachel who have made a lasting impact in the healthcare industry.
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