HCA Mission Health has named Ruth Kain, PhD, MSN, RN, as its next chief nursing officer, effective May 5, according to an April 10 news release from WNC Business.
Dr. Kain brings more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience to the role, including the last several years with Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare. She most recently served as CNO of HCA’s MountainView Hospital in Las Vegas. Prior to that, she was CNO at HCA’s Tulane Health System in New Orleans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Kain succeeds Melani Wetmore, DNP, RN, who is departing Mission Health May 1 after four years as chief nursing officer.
Dr. Kain steps into the role at a time of heightened scrutiny for Mission Hospital. The facility has faced sustained criticism from staff, union leaders and community members since its 2019 acquisition by HCA Healthcare, with concerns centered on understaffing and patient safety. In February, a patient died in the emergency department after reportedly waiting more than 12 minutes for help in a bathroom.
