Gina M. Szwed-Cullen

Visionary Nursing Executive with extensive experience in transformational leadership and clinical expertise. Proven ability in curriculum development and advancing staff competencies to enhance patient care outcomes. Committed to fostering innovative, collaborative environments that drive excellence in healthcare delivery.

• Developed and implemented company-wide KPIs to monitor clinical performance, operational efficiency, and patient outcomes, driving accountability and continuous improvement.
• Selected to lead training and competency assessment for all RN staff, ensuring clinical excellence and patient safety.
• Collaborated in planning and executing annual skills events, promoting professional development and adherence to best practices across the organization.
• Assisted in developing the hospital’s first acuity model, optimizing staffing, resource allocation, and quality of care outcomes.
• Partnered with multidisciplinary medical staff to implement a new care model, enhancing patient-centered care and overall service quality.
• Led strategic planning initiatives for forecasting and growth, aligning clinical operations with organizational goals and expanding service capacity.
• Directed budget planning and financial oversight for clinical programs, ensuring cost-effective operations while supporting quality patient care and service expansion.
• Oversaw program financial performance, monitoring revenue, expenses, and KPIs to drive growth, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Led strategic program development initiatives, evaluating market needs, forecasting resource requirements, and implementing scalable solutions for growth.

• Developed and launched the College Connect Program, grew the program from 2 to 27 patients, generating over $2M in revenue growth through strategic operational and clinical initiatives.
• Partnered with Lurie’s Pediatric GI on research initiatives, enhancing patient quality of life (QoL) and advancing clinical knowledge.
• Created the ADVOCATE NBI program and established PAN partnerships to strengthen patient advocacy and community engagement.
• Achieved 40% growth in key hospital partnerships through strategic clinical and operational initiatives.
• Led foundation and fundraising initiatives, securing resources to support clinical programs, patient services, and research projects.
• Honored as NCH Employee of the Month and active MAGNET Champion, co-chairing initiatives and successfully leading Re-Designation efforts to strengthen nursing excellence.
• Served on national and corporate committees, including the SMASH Committee (Senior Care) and Shared Governance Strategic Board, shaping policy, quality improvement, and best practices.