Dr. FitzPatrick is Jefferson Health’s system CNO, providing strategic oversight for nursing practice and patient care programs across 32 hospitals and a vast outpatient and urgent care footprint. She leads more than 14,000 nurses and ensures nursing is represented in critical enterprise decisions, while partnering closely with the Jefferson College of Nursing to strengthen academic-practice integration and grow the talent pipeline. Dr. FitzPatrick elevated nursing voice and accountability through system and regional nursing professional governance structures that embed frontline input into decisions that shape practice and the work environment. She has also advanced new care delivery models on medical-surgical units, including virtual nursing and redesigned team roles, supported by stronger operational partnerships in areas like transport, dietary and lab services. A hallmark accomplishment is the “Nurse SEAL Team” program launched in 2022, an elite, flexible nursing team that scaled from 25 to more than 150 full-time nurses supporting high-need areas across 13 hospitals. She further built workforce sustainability through innovations such as the nurse emeritus program, re-engaging experienced retired nurses as mentors and support for teams and emerging leaders. Dr. FitzPatrick’s work rewards expertise, reduces burnout and strengthens high-quality, compassionate care across the Jefferson system.
