Having accrued more than 40 years of experience in the field of nursing, Patricia A. Forde, RN, has garnered a laudable reputation as an executive director of nursing LHC Group DBA Life Care at Home in Cranston, Rhode Island, since 2014. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Rhode Island in 1975. Ms. Forde proceeded to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Maryland in 1977 and a Master of Business Administration from Providence College in 1985.
Previously, Ms. Forde served as the director of clinical services at Pinnacle Home Care in Warwick, Rhode Island, from 2011 to 2014. She was likewise a registered nurse case manager for Home Care Advantage in Cranston from 2009 to 2011 and flourished as the executive director of clinical services at Assisted Daily Living in 2010. From 2003 to 2009, she held multiple positions as a case manager, quality assurance coordinator and admissions nurse at Amedisys Home Care. Between 1996 and 2000, Ms. Forde worked at VNS Homecare Inc., in Narragansett, Rhode Island, as the vice president of clinical services and interim chief executive officer. She also worked as the director and manager of case management at First Allmerica Finance between 1995 and 1996.
Ms. Forde maintained activity at Metropolitan P&C from 1985 to 1995 as the manager of claims medical management, an administrator and a senior nurse consultant. From 1979 until 1985, she was a consultant and clinical specialist at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence and, in 1979, worked as the manager of Roger Williams General Hospital. Moreover, Ms. Forde found success as a clinical instructor at Rhode Island College from 1981 to 1993 and a clinical liaison at Boston University from 1980 to 1982.
Ms. Forde aspired to be a nurse since her childhood and received further encouragement from her grandmother in convincing her to attend college. Deciding to make use of both a business degree as well as her nursing background, she joined the staff of Metropolitan Insurance. The vice president of claims there called Ms. Forde and directed her to start a program, which would put nurses in the field claim office in order to help adjusters to better evaluate injuries. This began a national trend and she was very proud to give the industry a completely different perspective on what nurses are truly capable of.
Ms. Forde is a member of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and Sigma Theta Tau. She was previously a member of the professional education committee for the American Cancer Society and an instructor for the American Heart Association. Ms. Forde was listed as a 2018 Top Nurse by the International Nurse Association and was selected in 2018 to be included in the Trademark Women of Distinction Honors Edition.
Moving forward, Ms. Forde would like to be remembered as a leader and compassionate, fair person. People who have known her for many years say she is a high achiever and will help those around her to count on her sense of humor. Some of Ms. Forde’s influences include Carol and Kathy Smith, Richard Knipping and John Estabrook.
