As HSS continues to expand its clinical footprint and influence, strengthening enterprise Nursing and clinical leadership remains a strategic priority to ensure consistent quality, patient safety, and operational excellence across the system.

“We are confident that under Ann Marie’s leadership, HSS will continue to advance Magnet-level excellence, improve clinical quality and patient-centered outcomes, and drive growth with discipline and distinction,” said Bryan T. Kelly, MD, MBA, president and CEO, and Surgeon-in-Chief Emeritus, at HSS. “Her appointment to this new role reflects our commitment to fostering visionary leadership that strengthens our nursing practice and elevates the patient experience.”

In this role, Dr. McDonald will provide strategic leadership for Nursing across all sites and affiliates, with accountability for nursing quality, patient safety, workforce engagement, and the consistent application of HSS standards of care. In addition, she will oversee key clinical support services, including Pharmacy, Respiratory Therapy, and Laboratory Services, further strengthening system integration, performance management, and patient experience. Since September of 2025, Dr. McDonald has served as Interim CNE.

“Nursing is the foundation of our success, shaping every aspect of the patient experience and redefining excellence in musculoskeletal care,” said Mary E. Cassai, MPA, RN, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Our nurses are innovators, advocates, and leaders who set the standard for quality, compassion, and collaboration across the enterprise—ensuring every patient receives care that is exceptional, transformative, and centered on their needs.”

Dr. McDonald is a Registered Nurse with more than 20 years of experience across clinical operations, quality, performance improvement, and regulatory compliance. She has deep expertise in federal quality programs and accreditation and represents HSS on national advisory groups supporting CMS and The Joint Commission. A registered nurse, she holds her master’s degree and doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University, where she also served as adjunct faculty. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the New York Academy of Medicine. “HSS is setting the standard for musculoskeletal health, and I am excited to help lead this next chapter of growth and innovation,” said Dr. McDonald. “Together, we will empower our nursing teams, drive advancements in care delivery, and shape the future of health with purpose and impact.”

At HSS the Chief Nursing Executive leads a team of more than 1,500 specialized nurses across the continuum of care at locations in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Florida, overseeing support and advocacy for nursing quality, patient safety, nurse engagement, physician collaboration, and patient satisfaction. HSS is a recipient of the Press Ganey Pinnacle of Excellence Award®, which is based on patient surveys that include measures such as “Likelihood to Recommend,” “Overall Rating,” and “Teamwork.”

“We are proud of the strides HSS has made in nursing excellence and patient care, and we embrace both the responsibility and the opportunity to continue raising the bar,” said Douglas E. Padgett, MD, surgeon-in-chief and medical director at HSS. “Ann Marie exemplifies our core values at the highest level, helping us fulfill our purpose of helping every person live the life they love through the power of movement.”

Dr. McDonald’s new role at HSS is effective immediately.

Dr. Coyne joined the HSS nursing staff in 2017.  Most recently, he served as vice president, clinical practice & chief nursing informatics officer. His work pioneering improvements in patient safety and satisfaction and creating efficiencies in the healthcare setting has earned him “40 Under 40” recognition from Crain’s New York, and “Top 25 Innovator” from Modern Healthcare. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Paul into this vital leadership role at HSS, knowing he will further advance quality and innovation in patient care at all levels across the enterprise,” said Louis A. Shapiro, President and CEO of HSS. “Nursing is foundational to our success as the world leader in musculoskeletal health.”

At HSS the Chief Nurse Executive leads a team of more than 1,500 specialized nurses across the continuum of care at locations in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Florida, overseeing support and advocacy for nursing quality, patient safety, nurse engagement, physician collaboration, and patient satisfaction.  HSS is a recipient of the Press Ganey Pinnacle of Excellence Award® based on patient surveys that includes measures such as “Likelihood to Recommend”, “Overall Rating”, and “Teamwork”.

“We are very proud of the accomplishments HSS has achieved in nursing excellence and patient care, and embrace the responsibility and opportunity to continue to raise the bar,” said Bryan T. Kelly, MD, MBA, surgeon-in-chief and medical director at HSS. “Paul exemplifies our core institutional values at the highest level in order to fulfill our purpose of helping people get back to what they need and love to do better than any other place in the world.”

“I am inspired by the vision of HSS to grow and achieve unprecedented excellence in all aspects of musculoskeletal health and look forward to navigating the complex health challenges in current times,” said Paul Coyne, Senior Vice President, Chief Nurse Executive at HSS. “I am passionate about helping others through patient care and am honored to be an advocate for the nursing profession at HSS.”

Dr. Coyne earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees from Columbia University to become an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner with a subspecialty in palliative care. He earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science (MS) degrees from Northeastern University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Providence College.

His new role at HSS is effective May 2.

“Especially in the bright light of nursing leadership worldwide over the past year, Magnet re-designation validates the culture of excellence at HSS,” said Louis A. Shapiro, HSS president and CEO. “On behalf of our colleagues, patients and community, I am honored to congratulate all HSS nurses for their consistent Magnet achievement, and applaud their skillful and unwavering commitment to patient care.”

The Magnet Recognition Program designates hospitals where nursing leaders successfully align their nursing strategic goals to improve the organization’s patient outcomes. Health care organizations that wish to maintain Magnet status must reapply every four years. The ANCC conducts a lengthy and rigorous review and evaluation of applicants.

“Maintaining Magnet status for almost two decades is a testament to the outstanding team of nursing professionals at HSS,” said Jennifer O’Neill, DNP, APN, NEA-BC, senior vice president, chief nursing officer and chief operating officer of the HSS Main Campus in New York City. “Magnet re-designation affirms the success of the programs we have developed and implemented to ensure high-quality patient care. It also is tangible evidence of our nurses’ hard work, dedication and commitment to reinforcing the core values that guide us day in and day out.”

In addition to promoting nursing excellence and quality patient care, the Magnet Recognition Program® seeks to support improvements and innovation in professional nursing practice; empower nursing staff to reach their full potential; and disseminate best practices, according to the ANCC. The Magnet model for excellence is based on strong nursing leadership, favorable patient outcomes, coordination and collaboration across specialties, and processes for measuring and improving the quality and delivery of care.

“Nurses are a vital part of the HSS team that strives to preserve the highest standards in patient care, education, research, and community outreach,” says Bryan T. Kelly, MD, surgeon-in-chief and medical director. “Magnet recognition is the gold standard for nursing excellence, and for health care consumers it can serve as a reliable reference point for safe, high quality care.”

The HSS Nurse Residency Program, established in 2008, has been a leader in the field with best practices for transitioning new nurses to bedside while supporting professional development of nursing personnel. Nurses in accredited transition programs experience curricula that promote the acquisition of knowledge, skills and professional behaviors necessary to deliver safe, high-quality care.

“ANCC accreditation assures our nurse residents that HSS offers an elevated transition program with a clear course of instruction and reliable evaluation methods,” said Jennifer A. O’Neill, DNP, APN, NEA-BC, senior vice president, Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer. “With ANCC Accreditation, our transitioning nurses gain the skills and confidence needed to perform effectively within a new practice setting.”

The Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP)™ is a voluntary review process that validates hospital residency programs that prepare registered nurses (RNs) for new practice settings that meet rigorous, evidence-based standards for quality and excellence. Additionally, ANCC’s standards are a powerful international benchmark that allow organizations to self-assess and identify ways to strengthen their practice transition programs.

“Our exemplary and dedicated nursing staff play an integral role in delivering the best patient care to ensure the best outcomes,” said Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO of HSS. “This ANCC honor of distinction reaffirms the Hospital’s commitment to nursing excellence and our focus on recruiting and retaining the highest quality staff.”

The first hospital in New York City to receive the Magnet Award for Nursing Excellence from ANCC, HSS is also the first to be re-designated with this honor four consecutive times.

About ANCC

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA), provides individuals and organizations throughout the nursing profession with the resources they need to achieve practice excellence. ANCC's internationally renowned credentialing programs certify nurses in specialty practice areas; recognize healthcare organizations for promoting safe, positive work environments; and accredit providers and approvers of continuing nursing education. In addition, ANCC provides leading-edge information and education services and products to support its core credentialing programs. www.nursecredentialing.org.

“It’s truly an honor, and I am humbled and privileged to serve as NAON’s president during its 40^th anniversary year,” said Davis, who has been active in the nonprofit organization for the past two decades. He will serve a one-year term as president.

NAON was established in 1980 to promote the highest standards of nursing practice through research, education and effective communication between orthopedic nurses and groups with similar interests. Davis notes that NAON’s focus on best practices, research and education aligns perfectly with the mission of Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), where he has spent his 39-year career in nursing.

Leadership of NAON is the latest achievement for Davis, who is highly respected and recognized by colleagues as an innovative leader, thoughtful mentor and exemplary clinician who strives for excellence.

“A NAON core value that Jack’s practice most exemplifies is integrity,” said Patricia Quinlan, PhD, RN, assistant vice president of Nursing Excellence at Hospital for Special Surgery. “I have always admired Jack for his willingness to serve. A vital member of our nursing administrative team, Jack connects with nurses on every level.”

Davis began his career as a licensed practical nurse at HSS in 1980, the same year that NAON was established. “Like the founders of NAON, I too was determined to build a strong foundation in orthopedic nursing with a focus on research, education and practice. I found those values at HSS,” he remarked.

Davis realized early on that a career in nursing with greater opportunity would require higher education. So he decided to go back to school. He passed the Orthopaedic Nurse Certification examination in 1992 and went on to earn Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Nursing.

After becoming a registered nurse, he moved from inpatient care to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) at HSS, where he assessed and managed pain and other patient concerns after surgery.

He later left the PACU for a nurse coordinator position. He was responsible for staffing, emergency admissions, pharmacy and the blood bank during the evening and night shift. He notes that in this role, he learned about interdisciplinary communication and team building, and he enjoyed mentoring and coaching nursing staff.

Davis went on to work as a nurse clinician and quality manager for a total joint replacement specialist, who introduced him to the care of patients before and after surgery.

In his current role as manager of Patient Education and Research at HSS, which he assumed in 2008, Davis is responsible for the classes and online information that prepare patients for surgery. He also serves as a mentor to nursing staff, promoting their growth and development through education and research projects.

“I have known Jack for over thirty years. He has always been a champion of nursing and a wonderful role model,” said Barbara Wukovits, RN, director of Pain Management Services in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at HSS. “I have deep respect for his abilities and his loyalty to his colleagues. He truly is genuine and I am forever grateful to have him as a friend.”

His career at HSS has prepared him for the NAON leadership position, according to Davis. He notes that the hospital has offered him continuous opportunities for growth in a culture that embraces the pursuit of excellence. He chairs the Continuing Nursing Education Committee and the Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Committee at HSS. He participates in a number of additional groups, including the Continuing Medical Education Committee, the Nursing Community Education Outreach Program and the Institutional Review Board. He is a member of the editorial board of the HSS Journal.

Davis has written or co-authored numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and has presented his research at professional meetings and conferences throughout the United States and in Europe.

His NAON presidential theme for 2019–2020 is “Engage Your Core,” which he hopes will inspire NAON members to become more engaged on many different levels. He provided more details in his presidential message to NAON members: “Engage your core passion and drive to become a more professional orthopedic nurse; engage your core leadership values by stepping up to serve by joining a NAON committee or seeking a leadership position; engage your core team at work; engage your core nursing knowledge to enhance quality care.”

Davis reflects on the extraordinary evolution in patient care he has witnessed over his 39-year career in orthopedic nursing. “In 1980, total knee replacement was a new procedure to relieve the pain of severe arthritis. The average hospital stay was 14 days,” he recalls. “Today, some patients are able to leave the hospital the same day they have a knee replacement.”

Davis notes that the nursing profession continues to change and will face challenges along the way. “Health care reform in the musculoskeletal sector is needed and inevitable,” he says. “Who better to lead that charge than the thousands of NAON nurses?”

Paul Coyne, DNP, RN, AVP, clinical informatics and advanced practice nursing at HSS, explains that healthcare organizations have to be vigilant in avoiding making four very common mistakes.

"First, having a primary goal of selecting the application, or suite of applications, that have the most robust features at the lowest price point," Coyne says. "Second, implementing many applications with overlapping functionality to placate various internal stakeholders. Third, thinking that a clinical communication tool will magically solve all of your process problems. And fourth, choosing a tool because many other organizations use it and you don't want to fall behind."

"Don't simply ask your frontline staff what new tools they need – ask them what they believe are the barriers to optimal communication," Coyne adds.

Read the full article at HealthcareITNews.com.

The appointment follows an expansive five-month search process.  A recipient of multiple national honors for nursing administration, and most recently serving as Chief Nursing Officer at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey, Ms. O’Neill will start in March.  At HSS she will be responsible for over 30 patient care departments, and related policy and program development.

Ms. Goldberg has led nursing at HSS since 2005, during which time it became the first hospital in New York awarded Magnet Recognition for nursing excellence four consecutive times, expanded to multiple new inter-state locations, and was recognized internationally as a teaching center of excellence.  Ms. Goldberg now serves also as a Magnet Surveyor for the American Nurses Credentialing Center.  She will support Ms. O’Neill’s transition before leaving HSS to pursue other interests within the next few months.

"HSS is on a continuous journey to achieve unprecedented excellence in all aspects of musculoskeletal health, and nursing is at the core of advancing patient care and achieving better outcomes," said Louis A. Shapiro, president and chief executive at HSS.  "Stephanie and the rest of the HSS nursing team set a very high bar in every way, and Jennifer is well suited to lead us to realizing even greater potential."

Todd J. Albert, MD, surgeon-in-chief and medical director at HSS described Ms. O’Neill as "a standout in an outstanding group of candidates, which is a great testimony to the nursing profession and to the earned reputation of nursing excellence at HSS."