As CNO, Ms. Kennett is the senior leader supervising nursing and quality at Cottage Hospital, where she is widely recognized for her hands-on, highly engaged leadership style. She leads from the front, readily stepping in alongside staff to support patient care and operations when needed. One of her most impactful accomplishments has been revamping nurse onboarding, including the implementation of a nurse residency program for new graduate nurses. Coupled with a commitment to competitive wages, these efforts resulted in a remarkable 47% reduction in travel nurse labor. Ms. Kennett’s practical, people-centered approach has strengthened workforce stability and improved continuity of care. Her leadership exemplifies how focused investment in nurses can yield meaningful operational and cultural gains, particularly in a rural hospital setting.
