Brad Simons, BSN, RN Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) of Eaton Rapids Medical Center (ERMC) is now certified as a Rural Hospital Chief Nursing Officer through the National Rural Health Association (NRHA).
The NRHA Rural Hospital CNO Certification Program is a 6-month-long program geared towards providing CNOs with the tools to promote growth within critical access hospitals like ERMC. This program is intended to assist current rural hospital CNOs with strengthening their leadership skills to help guide their hospital to success.
Michigan Centers for Rural Health awarded a grant to ERMC that allowed Simons to network with other CNOs from across the country and cover key leadership principles such as operational performance, financial performance, and clinical performance.
“This program and certification provided me the right knowledge and guidance to lead our hospital,” said CNO, Brad Simons. “I look forward to applying everything I learned to my daily practice.”
Simons joined ERMC nearly four years ago as the Emergency and Trauma Program Manager before transitioning to CNO in June 2022. He brought with him a passion for emergency preparedness and a dedication to excellent patient care.
“Brad is very deserving of this recognition,” said ERMC President & CEO, Tim Johnson. “His dedication to the hospital and our patients is recognized by all who work with him, and we are fortunate to have his leadership directing ERMC into the future.”
Simon’s constant focus on improving the patient experience has led to the implementation of several noteworthy initiatives, including the addition of SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) certified nurses to the hospital’s staff and the grant-funded installation of “Stop the Bleed” kits throughout the hospital and local school system.
He is currently a member of several community-focused clinical groups, including the Capital Area Health Alliance board and the Tri-County Emergency Medical Control Authority Board of Directors.
The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) is a national nonprofit membership organization that brings together thousands of members across the United States. The association’s mission is to provide leadership on rural health issues through advocacy, communications, education, and research. To learn more about NRHA, please visit www.ruralhealth.us
