From the bedside to the boardroom, Senior Vice President and System Chief Nurse Executive Dr. Jackie Ward has made a lasting impact on nursing and patient care. As a result, Dr. Ward has been named to the Becker’s Hospital Review list of “CNOs to Know,” which honors chief nursing officers driving innovation, excellence and workforce development.
CNOs take on complex challenges — addressing staffing shortages, managing budgets and fostering professional growth for emerging nurses — while shaping the future of healthcare. They are inspirational trailblazers who lead initiatives that elevate patient care and strengthen clinical practices, blending hands-on expertise with executive leadership.
At Texas Children’s, Dr. Ward oversees more than 4,000 nurses across all campuses. She guided the $130 million “Tomorrow Together” workforce initiative, enhancing recruitment and retention through pay improvements, restored paid time off and flexible scheduling. She also introduced continuum-based pathways for student nurses and patient care technicians, the “tandem nurse” role to support new graduates in high-acuity areas, and centralized hiring hubs that cut onboarding from 180 days to 45 days.
Dr. Ward meets monthly with frontline staff to listen, connect and engage, fostering trust throughout the nursing workforce. Under her leadership, our hospital has earned its fifth consecutive Magnet designation, reflecting excellence in patient care and nursing practice.
Beyond the hospital, she mentors emerging leaders, serves as chapter president for Jack and Jill of America, sits on local foundation boards and advocates nationally for nurse retention strategies.
Join us in congratulating Dr. Ward on this well-deserved recognition, as her hard work continues to inspire and elevate the Texas Children’s community!