CNO Corner – A conversation with Christine Kippley

Christine Kippley, chief nursing officer (CNO), started her nursing career journey in Chicago, Illinois as a staff nurse on a medical surgical unit.  She obtained her MBA at Loyola University and soon became a nurse manager.  Christine managed both a medical surgical unit and an outpatient diabetes center where she became a certified diabetes educator. In 2010 she moved to New York where her first job was as a nurse manager at Plainview Hospital on the medical oncology unit, and later she transferred to Huntington Hospital to manage their medical surgical unit.

In 2013 Christine was selected for Northwell’s high potential program and became a Beginnings new hire orientation facilitator, where she obtained her nurse executive certification. From here, she earned a great opportunity to be the director of case management at Huntington Hospital before being selected to lead nursing at Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC) as its chief nursing officer.

PBMC, which is located on Long Island’s beautiful east end, is a team of nearly 1,500 caring professionals who are delivering healthcare to Riverhead and the surrounding communities in Suffolk County and Eastern Long Island.

We learned more from Christine about what makes Peconic Bay Medical Center so unique for nursing and a wide variety of careers.

Tell us about the nursing team at PBMC.

The nursing team at Peconic Bay is inclusive of both experienced and novice nurses.  This provides a great environment for learning. Over the past few years, PBMC has added many new opportunities for nurses with experience and those new to the profession as we are experiencing significant growth.  As our services have grown, our nurses have spread their wings and have been offered new opportunities in the Cath lab, PACU, OB, ED and leadership.  Many of our nurses in these specialty areas started at PBMC on the medical surgical or telehealth units.

How does PBMC support growth and development for nurses?

Our nursing councils provide a platform for our nurses and leadership to share information and be involved in decision making.   The councils are comprised of nurses from each unit in our facility.  We are well on our way to achieving nursing excellence and pursuing Magnet status.   We were one of the 16 Northwell facilities that recently achieved American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Practice Transition Accreditation Program accreditation with distinction for our nurse residency program.  Many of our nurses are currently enrolled in BSN and MSN programs and certification is highly encouraged.

What exciting nursing initiatives are available at PBMC?

One example is our recent application and acceptance to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Age Friendly facility initiative.  This program will provide a framework for us to care for our most vulnerable and largest population.  Another example is our oncology services expanding to the east end, and with that, we have designated one unit for our oncology patients.  Educational opportunities are provided to the nurses staffing this area to care for this special population.

Why is unique for nurses working at PBMC?

One of the best things about working at PBMC is the friendly community feel of the hospital.    Being a smaller community hospital there are endless opportunities to explore new things and get involved.

What advice do you have for nurses either starting their careers or looking to continue to grow?

My advice to any new nurse is to just say YES to any opportunity, both clinical and educational, that comes your way.  Don’t be afraid!  Every experience will help you grow and prepare you for the next step, wherever that may lead you!

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