Denise Thiede Named Patient Care Executive at Bethesda Hospital

Thiede will be responsible for developing a strategic vision to support the hospital's nursing practice and for advancing the hospital's journey toward Magnet designation, the highest level of accreditation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center - in association with the American Nurses Association - given to hospitals that employ registered nurses. Hospitals that are awarded Magnet status are institutions that attract and retain highly skilled nurses and foster an environment that promotes quality patient care. In all, a little more than 200 hospitals out of approximately 5,000 hospitals nationwide have been awarded Magnet designation since the program was formally established in 1993.

In addition, Thiede will oversee operational, financial and clinical responsibilities for all aspects of clinical care related to Bethesda's nursing units.

She brings over 20 years of health care experience to this position. A bedside caregiver for 13 years, Thiede has also served as a hospital administrator, a home care case manager and a health plan manager. Most recently, Thiede was the director of nursing for Woodwinds Health Campus in Woodbury. Prior to that, she was affiliated with United Health Group and Fairview Southdale Hospital.

Thiede holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from Concordia University. She is also Green Belt certified in Six Sigma and has completed her black belt training as well.