Erlanger Health System announces that Rachel Harris, BSN, RN has agreed to take on the role of senior vice president and chief nursing executive for Erlanger on a permanent basis. In June, Ms. Harris took on the role as an interim CNE.
“Since her interim appointment in June, Rachel has worked tirelessly to listen to and advocate for our staff and she has provided me wise and straightforward counsel,” said Dr. William Jackson, president and CEO of Erlanger Health System. “Her professional growth within the nursing ranks has reflected a desire to address challenges and opportunities from the front lines, and this is demonstrated in her leadership approach.
Rachel is committed to helping develop a culture at Erlanger where our people are the first priority.”
Ms. Harris began her healthcare career at Erlanger in the 1980’s as a “candy striper” caring for newborns. She earned her bachelor of science degree in nursing from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1994. During her over 25-year professional career, she has served in myriad leadership and clinical positions including assistant chief nursing officer of Erlanger East and North hospitals, nurse manager of the Heart Failure Unit, Dialysis, NW7 Stroke floor, Surgical Intensive Care and house supervisor.
Moving forward, Ms. Harris has prioritized the development of a “Shared Governance Model” and rebooting the “Education Governance Committee” to ensure all Erlanger clinical staff have a voice.