Cassie Beard, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at Scotland County Hospital in Memphis completed the National Rural Health Association CNO Certification course.
Congratulations to Scotland County Hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)! Cassie Beard, MSN, RN, completed the National Rural Health Association CNO Certification course. This program was created by rural hospital CNOs, for rural hospital CNOs and was informed through an essential question: “What do you know now that you wish you’d known then?” The program includes expert-led classes and interactive live discussion sessions covering essential topics like financial management, leadership development, regulatory compliance, patient outcomes, strategic planning with boards, and more. Meagan Weber, CEO, Scotland County Hospital & Clinics states, “Cassie has done well through her first year here, with a focus on building up our nursing department leaders and nurse staffing. She has a passion for learning, and has helped us think outside the box.”
Graduates of this course consistently report measurable growth across curriculum areas of leadership, operations, finance, and clinical/quality. Many continue to meet with their cohort members after graduation to share ideas and solve challenges in real time. “This program was built to equip rural executives with the skills, strategies, and support to lead through the toughest challenges facing rural healthcare today,” said Sydney Grant, Chief Learning Officer for CRHL. “It’s about more than just learning—it’s about community, confidence, and action.”
The course is conducted through The Center for Rural Health Leadership (CRHL). CRHL was built in response to the National Rural Health Association’s initiative to address the rural hospital closure crisis by equipping executives with the knowledge and skills to lead successfully during the most difficult time in rural healthcare history.
