SOME OF THE earliest memories that
Tim Howell, D.N.P., R.N., C.E.N.P,
has of working at UMC Health System
are peppered with images of physicians
smoking cigarettes while leafing through
charts at the nurses' station.
"It's comical to think about now," said
Howell, who serves as senior vice president
for Patient Care Services with UMC. "But
back in the 1970s, that was allowed."
Times have certainly changed since
Howell launched his career in nursing at UMC in 1978, and his
path has evolved accordingly during the past 40 years. Howell
spent his first evening with the UMC team as charge nurse in
the multidisciplinary Intensive Care Unit, working with a team
that specialized in everything from burn injuries to pediatrics to
postoperative care. He was promoted to evening supervisor of the
hospital in 1981 and quickly moved up the ranks.
By 1985, he took on the position of assistant director of nursing,
eventually becoming co-director of nursing before taking on his vice
president and chief nursing officer roles in 1989. rough it all, one
element has remained consistent — the collective dedication that
Howell and his colleagues have to the patients they serve.
"It's always been about the patient," Howell said. "I have enjoyed
being part of leadership that, day after day, tries to improve upon
excellence and provide the highest quality of care."
A DISTINGUISHED RECOGNITION
As he reflects on his 40 years with UMC, Howell notes that
the recent honor of earning Magnet Recognition® from the
LOOKING BACK
TIM HOWELL, D.N.P.,
R.N.,C.E.N.P.
A UMC HEALTH SYSTEM VETERAN REFLECTS ON FOUR
DECADES OF NURSING SERVICE.
"The most rewarding thing
about working at UMC is the
compliments that the patients
and families give us about the
care we provide. As I make
my rounds, I talk to patients
and families and ask what's
happening, and it's always nice
to hear those comments."
TIM HOWELL, D.N.P., R.N., C.E.N.P.
American Nurses Credentialing Center stands out as one of his most
treasured moments.
"We pursued that honor — which recognizes the highest quality
of nursing excellence and patient care — for several years," Howell
said. "We were are all here for the patients and that is what keeps us
coming back."
UMCHEALTHSYSTEM.COM 3
