In October of last year, the UPMC Jameson and UPMC Horizon hospital system hired John Davis as its new Vice President, Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. John has outstanding knowledge, experience, and a passion for health care in our region. Learn more about his goals, plans, the hobby that relaxes him outside of work, and more.
Where were you prior to coming to UPMC Horizon and UPMC Jameson?
I was in Columbus with Ohio Health for about three years, and prior to that Cleveland Clinic. I am from Ohio, having grown up in Medina between Cleveland and Akron.
What are some of your goals for the hospitals?
Helping to provide stability and building on the outstanding culture and teams we already have here at UPMC Horizon and Jameson. I want to continue to reinforce our commitment to our people while continuing our tradition of excellent patient experiences and outcomes.
Also, bringing some stability to Nursing, knowing that hospitals across the nation are struggling with staffing. There have been a lot of people changing careers over the past couple of years, so we need to find new models of care and look at how we structure our teams. I also am focused on making sure we take care of our teams, treating them equal to the way we care for our patients. I often hear people talking about going back to normal, but we have a great opportunity to not look in the rearview mirror and instead create our future.
What are your biggest strengths you bring to UPMC Horizon and UPMC Jameson?
I am very much a people person and I enjoy connecting with people, listening, and bringing their voices to the forefront. I love being able to act on ideas while bringing more people to the table. For those ideas we can’t implement, I like to give people an explanation and build on those conversations. Having open dialogue is very important and creates a sense of shared governance, between leaders and frontline staff.
Dr. Beth Piccione (the President of UPMC Horizon and Jameson) and I have a great relationship and our goal is to connect with people. We continue to look at calendars and get rid of some of the meetings that may impact our clinical priorities. Getting out from behind the computer and in front of people is very important to me. We need to meet people where they are, understanding not everyone can come to a meeting or jump on a call. I should know what is going on, and I should not see anything on a survey for the first time and be surprised.
What is your favorite thing about UPMC and UPMC Horizon and UPMC Jameson?
Definitely the people. I have been so warmly welcomed and have been impressed by the work that goes on in these facilities. Everyone supports each other, the patients, and the community. Our teams have pushed through a difficult time in healthcare, and they take their responsibility of caring for the community very seriously.
As an example, we recently became the only OB (Obstetrics) provider for two counties. That is a huge responsibility and something I have seen our teams take great pride in.
What was your career path to become a CNO? Was that always your goal?
I did not think I would ever be a Chief Nursing Officer. I started as a nurse at Cleveland Clinic, with the goal of growing clinically. I eventually got some charge responsibilities and I really liked it. I moved to Cleveland Clinic in Florida and became an assistant nurse manager, the equivalent of a clinician here. I fell in love with leadership, and I finished my MSN and took over as the nurse manager on the same 66-bed unit. I had some amazing mentors who allowed me to grow. While in Florida, I met my husband, who is from Steubenville, Ohio, and we wanted to come back to the area. I took a director role at Cleveland Clinic in Medina, my first foray into community care, and I loved it. I finished my Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) at University of Akron and then my husband’s job then brought us to Ohio Health in Columbus prior to taking on the CNO job here. I want people to know that I have settled here, I have begun to get involved in the community, and I am 100% invested in our future together.
Favorite activities outside of work?
Most people would not guess, but I’m a hobby farmer. We have 30 acres and raise goats, chickens, cows, and pigs. It’s very relaxing to me to hang out with the animals. We used to volunteer caring for animals, and we decided to get a hobby farm when we moved back to Ohio. My husband calls it our “farm life crisis.” I guess you could call it work, but it’s very replenishing for me.
Favorite type of food and restaurants?
Pizza for sure, or any Italian restaurant really. Locally, I have enjoyed II Tomato in New Castle and Combine Brothers in Hermitage.
Special thanks to John Davis and Jason Walker (Public Relations) for their assistance with this story.
