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At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
How You Can Support
At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
How You Can SupportDr. Cook graduated from Shadyside Hospital School of Nursing and then received her BSN from Carlow College. She completed a master’s in public management at Carnegie Mellon University, The Heinz School. She received her Doctor in Nursing Practice degree from Carlow University in 2012.
Dr. Cook has extensive experience in nursing executive roles in many of the major healthcare organizations in the Pittsburgh area and surrounding communities. Her background includes multifaceted experiences in health care, nursing, quality and administration and surgical services within academic health systems and women’s public health.
Additionally, she has functioned in highly visible roles throughout her career spanning from staff nursing to executive roles in non-profit and for-profit organizations. She has served as the clinical and operational leader for the planning, design, construction and clinical and facility operations of numerous surgical, outpatient and inpatient facility.
As a Chief Nursing Officer, she was responsible for achieving quality patient care, utilizing visionary leadership, knowledge of nursing trends and practices and innovative problem-solving strategies.
Dr. Cook retired from the Allegheny Health System where she was a Chief Nursing Officer, the Director of Practice and Education at Allegheny General Hospital and finally the Director of the AHN Schools of Nursing, The West Penn SON and the Citizens SON. Dr. Cook has been an Adjunct Faculty at Chatham University and Carlow University since 2012. In her current role she is the Clinical Coordinator for the Nursing Graduate program, Associate Professor and Program Director of the MSN programs. Recently she has been instrumental in the development of the new MSN Executive Organizational Leadership degree.
Her research interests have been in patient safety and supporting a Just Culture for safety in hospitals and nursing facilities.
Education
- Doctor of Nursing Practice, Carlow University, Pittsburgh, PA (2012)
- Master of Public Management, Carnegie Mellon University (1987)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Carlow University, Pittsburgh, PA (1985)
- RN Diploma in Nursing, Shadyside Hospital School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA
Professional Memberships
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses
Research
Interests: Patient Safety; Focus of DNP Scholarly Work
Awards & Recognition
In cooperation with Robert Morris University, The Bayer Center for Non-Profit and The United Way of Allegheny County, Dr. Cook assisted the Board of Directors of Vintage (a non-profit organization providing day services and healthcare to the underserved senior population in the City of Pittsburgh) to develop and revise the organization’s strategic plan. Using the Drucker Principles for Strategic Planning and functioning in a consulting arrangement to lead the Board of Directors, the Executive Director and the staff to collaborate and effectively plan for the success of the organization in spite of reduced federal funding and limited resources. This project was awarded the 2005 Allegheny County United Way Award for Managing Excellence.
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