Connie M. Wilson leads with vision as director of patient care services at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Lexington, Kentucky, while also working as interim director of patient care services for the Portland, Oregon, facility. In these leadership roles, she carries the responsibility of strategic planning and budget oversight, while collaborating with consulting groups to establish measurable benchmarks that track progress across multiple departments. Her oversight spans a wide range of critical services including radiology, care management, pediatric orthopedics, the ambulatory surgery center, surgical units, operating room, post-anesthesia care, sterile processing, laboratories and pharmacies. Central to her leadership philosophy is a focus on patient safety, employee well-being and the continuous improvement of processes that support both clinical excellence and staff development.
Ms. Wilson’s path toward executive leadership was built upon a strong academic foundation. She earned a Master of Science in nursing with a concentration in leadership and management from Walden University, following an Associate in nursing from the University of Kentucky. She also holds certifications as a perioperative nurse and as a sterile processing and distribution technician. Her pursuit of higher education while balancing full-time professional responsibilities reflects her commitment to lifelong learning and her dedication to providing the highest quality of care for patients.
In Ms. Wilson’s role with Shriners Hospitals for Children in Lexington, she has guided her team through significant organizational milestones. She is especially proud of the resilience her staff demonstrated during the pandemic, when the facility successfully avoided the need for contract or traveling nurses and maintained an exceptionally low turnover rate. This accomplishment highlights her ability to cultivate a supportive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to deliver their best work.
Before taking on her present position, Ms. Wilson was nurse manager of surgical services at Baptist Health Lexington. In that capacity, she managed surgical operations and placed a strong emphasis on advancing staff education and certification. A defining achievement during this time came in her management of the sterile processing department. When she assumed leadership, none of the staff members were certified. Within a short period, she not only earned her own certification but also guided her entire team to achieve the same milestone. This success was later recognized by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses for maintaining a high percentage of certified nurses in the operating room, a testament to her investment in professional growth and the pursuit of excellence.
Ms. Wilson’s earlier career included service as clinical nurse manager at St. Joseph East in Lexington. She began as a circulating nurse in the operating room and steadily advanced to preceptor, charge nurse and ultimately manager. During her tenure, she spearheaded initiatives that elevated patient outcomes and staff performance. One project in particular gained national attention when her team received recognition from OR Magazine for its innovative approach to post-operative pain control. By implementing strategies that reduced opioid use by nearly a third among pediatric orthopedic patients and incorporating a therapy dog as part of the recovery process, she demonstrated how creative thinking could directly benefit young patients.
Beyond her administrative duties, Ms. Wilson is active in several professional organizations. She serves on the board of directors of the Kentucky Nurses Association, is a member of the American Nurses Association and contributes to the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses as secretary of her local chapter. Her commitment to service extends into the community through her volunteer work with Surgery On Sunday, where she lends her expertise to provide care for individuals in need.
Ms. Wilson’s contributions have been recognized with multiple honors, including the Daisy Award, nomination for Nurse of the Year in Kentucky and acknowledgement from OR Magazine for her leadership in patient care innovation. Each award reflects not only her technical expertise but also her commitment to advancing the field of nursing in meaningful and sustainable ways.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Ms. Wilson enjoys scuba diving, traveling and spending time with her family. Looking ahead, she remains dedicated to mentoring nurses and supporting the career advancement of nurse managers. She believes that the most enduring measure of success is the ability to empower others to achieve their goals and to continue improving care for patients and families.