SPARTA – Teresa Roberts has been promoted to chief nursing officer (CNO) at Highlands Medical Center (HMC) in Sparta, according to Bill Little, chief executive officer.
Roberts began her career at HMC in 2001 as the director of performance improvement/patient safety officer, with additional responsibilities including education, risk management, infection control, employee health and accreditation preparedness. She was promoted to chief quality officer in January 2004 and became the interim CNO in May 2014 after the retirement of Gearline Copeland.
“With 32 years experience, including 30 years in management, Teresa brings a proven track record to her new position,” Little said in a release. “Teresa has been serving as interim CNO while simultaneously serving as chief quality officer. During this time, she has more than adequately demonstrated the qualities we are looking for in leading the clinical efforts at Highlands on a go-forward basis. I have no doubt that having Teresa permanently in this role will allow Highlands to continue the momentum we are experiencing in improved employee, physician and patient satisfaction as well as patient safety.”
Roberts earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing at East Tennessee State University and began her nursing career at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Located in Sparta, Highlands Medical Center is a 60-bed acute-care hospital. HMC is a part of the Capella-Saint Thomas system of hospitals, a joint venture between Capella Healthcare and Saint Thomas Health, along with sister hospitals River Park Hospital in McMinnville, DeKalb Community Hospital in Smithville and Stones River Hospital in Woodbury.