Visionary Leadership

Edward L. Beard, Jr., DNP, RN, NEA-BC - President & CEO

“Our nursing care model was originally developed in the mid-1970s. It began as a pilot study on our OB/GYN unit and was one of the first programs of its kind in North Carolina. Although some elements have changed, the basic tenets of that model are still intact hospital-wide. Now primary nurses are called “Patient Care Coordinators” or “Patient Care Managers” and although they may not be delivering all aspects of the patient’s care, the same nurses are coordinating and overseeing the care. We have evolved, but our focus remains on ensuring continuity of caregivers – the most important part of the primary care model. In 2001, we became only the second facility in North Carolina and the 32nd in the nation to receive designation as a Magnet hospital. Subsequent Magnet recognition was earned in 2005 (second designation), 2010 (third designation), 2014 (fourth designation) and most recently in 2019 for our fifth designation. Achieving Magnet hospital designation is a journey – a journey focused on continuously improving the quality and capabilities and level of professional nursing. Our first designation was an incredible achievement. Achieving designation four more times was even harder. We continue to strive to maintain the Magnet standards and we are honored to be North Carolina’s first and only 5-time Magnet recipient for nursing excellence. By raising our expectations of ourselves every single day, our patients benefit. They deserve no less from us.”

Adina Andreu, MSN, RN, CNM, NEA-BC - Vice President & CNO

"The nursing profession has evolved into one of the most diverse and dynamic careers. While innovation and new technologies are implemented, the core of nursing remains just as it did when Florence Nightingale laid our foundation. Nurses strive to provide exceptional, holistic, empathic and individualized healthcare.

Nurses at CVMC often refer to themselves good-naturedly as overachievers. We take pride in the fact that:

• 46% of our nurses are BSN prepared.
• 21% of our nurses hold a Masters’ Degree.
• 5% of our nurses are doctorally prepared.
• 71% of our nurses hold at least one specialty certification.

But that is not the entire story. CVMC nurses continuously give back to their community by volunteering their time, donating to vital causes, and inspiring and instructing the next generation of healthcare providers. Many of our nurses serve on community boards providing their expertise to improve the health of our population while others have become experts in finding every avenue available for our patients to gain access to care. Our goals have expanded, not just to care for our patients while they are within our walls, but to help them maintain and improve their health as we transition them back into their homes.

As CNO, it is extremely exciting to participate in our profession’s advancement by supporting nurses to develop professionally and promote our vital role leading the healthcare team. Not only does this keep our profession vibrant, but the most rewarding part is that it positively affects our patients, their families and ultimately, our community."

Best,

Adina Andreu
Chief Nursing Officer
Catawba Valley Medical Center