Christine M. Bowen RN, BSN, MSN, CCRN is a friend, colleague, and Chief Nursing Executive at Harper Hutzel Hospital. Christine was a diploma nurse in the Harper Hospital School of Nursing and continued her education at Wayne State University for her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing and received a Master's Degree from Madonna University. Ms. Bowen's career spanned across forty years as a bedside nurse, to Director of Critical Care, and finally Chief Nursing Officer.
She is a visionary leader and a trendsetter. Evidence-based in her philosophy and engrained in her practice, Ms. Bowen stimulates her management team to perform and measure success. An advocate for patient safety, Ms. Bowen was a primary force. She was instrumental in Harper University Hospital achieving The Joint Commission's Certificate of Distinction for Primary Stroke Centers, Bariatric Certificate, and Minimally Invasive GYN Center of Excellence. These certifications recognize centers that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for population care. Achievement signifies that the services provided by the hospital have met the critical elements necessary to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes. Ms. Bowen facilitated the availability of staff resources, education, the process for patient assessment and care delivery necessary to achieve multiple program certifications.
Ms. Bowen could step back and see the important role nurses play in the hospital setting, their influence on market metrics and impact on the enterprise's strategic plan. She has been instrumental in facilitating many initiatives such as MHA Keystone ICU, Leap Frog, ISO, Family Centered Care, and the coveted ANCC Magnet Designation. These programs recognize hospitals that demonstrate excellence or improvement in the performance areas of patient safety, quality, and resource utilization.
She has provided support for the certification of Critical Care nurses and developed a critical care competency program creating a work environment that allows novice nurse to grow and flourish with support and mentoring. She ensured that her novice nurses benefited from both an intensive educational program and through a nurse residency program.
In May 2010, Ms. Bowen received the 2010 AACN Circle of Excellence Award in Washington D.C. during the AACN National Teaching Institute conference. The Circle of Excellence awards recognize and showcase excellent outcomes by individuals in the care of acutely and critically ill patients and their families. The award program is designed to align with the association's mission and vision focusing on outcomes responsive to professional and environmental issues in acute and critical care nursing. Up to 25 individuals receive awards each year and become permanent members of the new AACN Circle of Excellence Society. The Circle of Excellence Society permanently connects award recipients to one another and to AACN creating a network of experts who continually generate innovation and excellence in acute and critical care.
In May 2017, Ms. Bowen won the prestigious Oakland University Nightingale Award for Administration. She was nominated by her peers and staff for her efforts to promote health and well being across the care continuum.
Ms. Bowen served as chairperson for Harper Hospital School of nursing Alumni for over 10 years. She ensured that the history of nursing at Harper University Hospital has been protected and documented for those of us who understand that the future is always rooted in the past.
Christine M. Bowen is truly an angel of mercy and shining light for all nurses. She truly represents excellence in nursing practice. She has always gone above and beyond for her patients and staff. It is a pleasure and a privilege to work with her.