Nicole Whims, MSN, MBA, RN, OCN, has been named the new Chief Nursing Officer of Dignity Health – St. Bernardine Medical Center (SBMC), effective Monday, April 14. Whims has been serving as the Interim CNO since January of this year. Her commitment to patient care, nursing staff development, and operational excellence complement her ability to lead SBMC’s nursing teams with compassion and vision.
Whims joined SBMC as a graduate registered nurse in June 2006 and has served in a variety of roles, including staff nurse, educator, manager of oncology, director of medical-surgical services, and senior director of med/surg and telemetry, before stepping in as interim CNO. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in leadership in health care systems from Grand Canyon University, as well as a Master of Business Administration with a focus on organizational leadership from the University of Arizona Global Campus.
“Nicole is a true asset to SBMC. She is passionate about our mission, dedicated to our staff, and committed to providing the highest quality care to our patients,” said Doug Kleam, SBMC President. “Nicole shared she is proud to have grown within our organization and is excited to see what successes we can achieve together as a team.”
Under Whims’ leadership, SBMC opened the transitional care clinic to ensure discharged patients are seen within seven days. She has also provided nursing oversight for key strategic initiatives, including the general Inpatient Hospice Program and the Virtual Companion Program.
About Dignity Health - St. Bernardine Medical Center
Founded as a faith-based hospital in 1931 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Dignity Health – St. Bernardine Medical Center (SBMC) is a 342-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in San Bernardino, California. The hospital offers a full complement of services and it shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health, one of the largest health care systems. SBMC has been recognized by American Stroke Association - “Get With the Guidelines” Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, one of Healthgrades America's 100 Best Hospitals for Prostate Surgery and for Spine Surgery, named a Center of Excellence for Robotic Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation, and earned Blue Distinction for Surgery, Cardiac Care, and Maternity Care from Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Visit dignityhealth.org/stbernardine for more information.