Bayhealth is proud to welcome Brenda Blain, DNP, RN-BC, FACHE, NEA-BC, as the new senior vice president and chief nurse executive. Blain brings with her 35 years of experience in the field of nursing, including serving as the chief nurse officer and chief operating officer for Magnet® designated Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Irving in Texas since 2009.
Blain has a doctorate in nursing practice from Texas Christian University, a master’s in nursing from University of Missouri-Columbia and a bachelor’s in nursing from Southwest Missouri State University. She received her RN at St. John’s School of Nursing in Springfield, Missouri. Her certifications include Clinical Specialist-Medical-Surgical Nursing and Nurse Executive-Advanced. Blain is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. “Being a nurse is the only thing I’ve ever been driven to do. I feel very fortunate to know what I wanted to be as a child,” Blain said.
Two main things brought Blain to Bayhealth. First is the fact Bayhealth is a Magnet® organization with two facilities and plans to open a new health campus. In this, she recognized a great opportunity for her nursing career. Second, was the location. “Looking at Delaware never crossed my mind, but doing research I soon realized it’s the best kept secret in the nation.” Blain says she was amazed by all Delaware has to offer – beaches, major cities nearby, mild weather, and a wealth of history. Coming from the Midwest, she notes something was deemed historically significant if it was 100 years old unlike the rich history of Delaware, which dates back centuries. In fact, she thinks the areas Bayhealth is located in are pretty perfect.
Now that Blain is at Bayhealth, she truly sees what the organization has to offer; particularly the devotion of staff and the facilities where care is offered. In her role, Blain is responsible for Patient Care Services, Emergency and Trauma Services, Kent CRNAs, Peri-Op and OR Services, Service Excellence, Pharmacy, Education, and Nursing Magnet Designation.
Her hope is to improve the knowledge of outcomes; create actions plans and goals for all units; increase the strength of shared governance; and help create a movement plan for the transition to Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus. She believes in the importance of lean thinking and lean processes, and plans to incorporate that way of thinking at Bayhealth. “I also want to continue the great things we already have going at Bayhealth,” Blain said. “The longevity of the staff tells me a lot of the people and their devotion to Bayhealth. I’m happy to be here.”
