Ms. Smithson leads St. Dominic Hospital’s patient care services division, overseeing more than 1,400 nurses and 571 beds while setting nursing standards, policies and quality, safety, environmental and infection control programs. She is a key operational and strategic leader within the hospital’s decision-making structure, partnering with the governing body, medical staff and clinical leaders to advance interdisciplinary care, patient experience and financial performance. Since joining in 2023, Ms. Smithson has delivered measurable improvements in culture and outcomes, including a dramatic reduction in nursing turnover from 20.02% in September 2023 to 12.29% by June 2025. She strengthened patient-centered practice through evidence-based initiatives such as bedside shift report and nurse leader rounding, contributing to gains in patient experience measures. Ms. Smithson also expanded recognition programs and awards, reinforcing a culture where compassionate care is seen and celebrated. She broadened shared governance by adding unit practice councils and created listening forums through nursing town halls, giving frontline teams a stronger voice in decisions that shape practice. Most recently, she helped launch a professional enhancement program that rewards and recognizes bedside RNs who demonstrate leadership and clinical excellence, aligning retention and engagement strategies with high-quality outcomes.
