THE HEALING FORCE

Krystal Atkinson

Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Nursing Officer, Mon Health Medical Center and Chief Nursing Executive, Mon Health System

SUPERPOWER: Staying calm and focused

As a little girl, Krystal Atkinson wanted to be a health care worker, inspired by her aunt’s work as a nurse. Her mom’s surgery further fueled her passion. “I remember watching the nurses spending time with her and was very impressed by their caring nature and manner in everything that they did for her,” Atkinson says. “I knew I wanted to do something to help other people, and this confirmed the path that I would take.”

Atkinson was raised in Richmond, Virginia, and spent most of her career there. She obtained her master of science in nursing at American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Services before receiving her doctor of nursing practice from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. She previously served as chief nursing officer at Portsmouth Regional Hospital in New Hampshire.

Now, Atkinson serves as chief administrative officer and chief nursing officer at Mon Health Medical Center and chief nursing executive of Mon Health System. “Quality care is our purpose and the foundation for everything that we do,” she says. Atkinson and her team continually educate themselves to stay up to date with the latest innovations in health care, with a mission to enhance the health of the communities they serve—one patient at a time. She says adherence to and focus on quality standards help uphold this mission.

Atkinson is known for her passion to enhance the health system and her willingness to challenge standards and break boundaries to make that happen. “I’m driven to make a positive difference every day,” she says. “I strive to be thoughtful in my decision-making, reviewing all sides without jumping to conclusions and looking for a positive outcome in any situation.”

She continues to build and grow programs to serve the community and encourages young people to consider careers in health care. “We have great partnerships with our local colleges and universities, which provide a pipeline for future career development,” she says.

WRITTEN BY JULIE PERINE

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