Nursing leader brings national lessons, trends home to WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital

Meredith Aumer, DNP, RN, CPEN, NE-BC, believes that connection to colleagues and service to patients are the heart of nursing.

 

As Chief Nursing Officer of WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital, Aumer explored both concepts during the American Organization for Nursing Leadership’s (AONL’s) annual conference in Chicago this spring, which drew more than 5,000 nursing leaders from across the nation, including several other Chief Nurses from WVU Medicine Hospitals.

 

The event features over 50 sessions focused on topics like emerging technology, workforce challenges, and professional development, while also offering opportunities for nursing leaders to foster meaningful connections.

 

Aumer said the conference connected her directly with executives from leading hospitals, sharing ideas on priorities like onboarding new nursing graduates and launching specialized care services.

 

But what emerged as the top nursing focus at the conference? Artificial intelligence. Aumer said she believes AI can help reduce administrative burdens on nurses and allow them to spend more time interacting with patients and families. This would be a “win” that ultimately boosts staff retention, she said.

 

“When nurses get overburdened by administrative tasks and don’t have the opportunity to talk to patients and their families, that’s when they start to disengage and burn out,” Aumer said. “We are all in nursing because we value the human connection of patient care.”

 

Professional development emerged as another key conference discussion. At WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital, Aumer hopes to expand opportunities for nurses and clinical staff to receive coaching, attend conferences, pursue certifications, and explore advancement opportunities within our health system.

 

Those efforts are especially key for the next generation of nurses, who increasingly value career growth and flexibility, she said.

 

“In nursing school, students are being taught that you can go anywhere, and I agree,” Aumer said. “You can work in telehealth, nurse triage, hospital or community work, or as a flight nurse. There are so many options. As nursing leaders, we should avoid being stagnant and embrace those options because those young people are advancing our practice to the next level.”

 

With such rich knowledge gained from AONL, Aumer said her priorities are focused on supporting staff development, strengthening partnerships across the WVU Medicine system, and preparing our hospital for the growing role of AI in healthcare.

 

“As AI evolves the nursing profession,” she said, “I am confident WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital will adapt seamlessly, as we always do.”