Southeast Alabama Medical Center (SAMC) is pleased to announce Melissa Owens, RN, MSN, AOCNS, recently began her new duties as chief nursing officer.

Melissa has been part of the SAMC team for 23 years. Most recently, she served in a leadership position as the associate chief nursing officer. During this time, she has demonstrated an ability to lead organizational change that positively impacts patient care and quality. Melissa served as executive sponsor for the emergency services performance improvement project and the operating room re-design. Both projects had a remarkable impact on patient care and satisfaction.

Prior to this, she served as nursing director of Oncology and Palliative Care. As the leader of this area, she implemented the Cancer Lay Navigation program at SAMC, developed the Palliative and Support Care Program and the Comprehensive Breast Program.

During her career at SAMC, she has also served as interim director of 5E/Urology and 6E/Neurology patient floors, an oncology clinical nurse specialist, an assistant head nurse and a unit nurse.

Melissa received her Bachelor of Science and her Master’s in nursing from the University of South Alabama in Mobile. Her certifications include: registered nurse, state of Alabama; Clinical Nurse Specialist, state of Alabama; Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Please join us in congratulating Melissa on her professional advancement and wishing her success in this new role.