Meet a Champion of Nursing Diversity: Elaina Hall

Elaina Hall, DNP(c), MSN, RN, MBA, NEA-BC, FACHE, is the chief quality officer of SnapCare, formerly SnapNurse, and an experienced healthcare executive in the areas of healthcare system operations, performance improvement, nursing practice, and leadership consulting. Hall’s passion is consistently delivering the ‘best and brightest’ for SnapCare clients. With a focus on opportunities for the clinician corps working with SnapCare, Hall has expertise in health system quality improvement and supporting clinicians in their journey to reskill and upskill for professional growth.

Hall graduated from Clemson University and extended her education in nursing, earning an MBA and MSN. She is currently pursuing her DNP. She also leads the Ventura/Santa Barbara Chapter of the Association of California Nurse Leaders. She is a Board-Certified Advanced Nurse Executive by the ANCC and an American College of Healthcare Executives Fellow.

 Hall’s significant contributions to the nursing field have been recognized in the prestigious Champions of Nursing Diversity Series 2024. This series is a platform that showcases healthcare leaders who are prominent figures in their organizations and are making substantial changes in the nursing field. Hall’s inclusion in this series is a testament to her impactful work and her status as a leader in promoting diversity and inclusion in nursing.

Meet Elaina Hall, DNP(c), MSN, RN, MBA, NEA-BC, FACHE, the chief quality officer of SnapCare.

Talk about your role in nursing.

As the Chief Quality Officer at SnapCare, I play a crucial role in driving performance improvement initiatives to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of our staffing and workforce management processes. This involves analyzing data, identifying opportunities for improvement, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement solutions that enhance the overall quality of our services. In addition to clinical quality, I am also tasked with ensuring that SnapCare complies with all regulatory requirements and accreditation standards

How long have you worked in the nursing field? 

26 years.

Why did you become a nurse? 

I became a nurse because of my passion for caring for people and my deep-seated empathy for those in need. From a young age, I found fulfillment in providing comfort and support to others during times of vulnerability. Nursing allowed me to turn this passion into a meaningful career where I could make a positive difference in people’s lives every day.

Furthermore, as an advocate for diversity in healthcare, I recognized the importance of ensuring that all individuals receive equitable and compassionate care regardless of their background. Nursing allows me to advocate for inclusivity and cultural competence in healthcare delivery, ensuring that every patient is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, or socioeconomic status.

In essence, becoming a nurse was not just a career choice for me but a calling driven by a desire to care for others, empathize with their struggles, and champion diversity and inclusivity in healthcare. It is a privilege to serve as a nurse, and I am committed to upholding the values of compassion, empathy, and advocacy throughout my nursing career.

What are the most important attributes of today’s nursing leaders? 

• Visionary and innovative thinking to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to foster teamwork and interdisciplinary approaches.
• Emotional intelligence and empathy to support both patients and staff members.
• Adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Advocacy for patient-centered care and healthcare equity.

Tell us about your career path and how you ascended to that role.

Before obtaining my nursing degree, I began my journey in healthcare as a certified nursing assistant and patient care technician. These early roles provided me with invaluable experience in direct patient care and laid the groundwork for my future in nursing.

After earning my nursing degree, I embarked on a career as a bedside nurse, specializing in challenging areas such as Burn, trauma, ICU, and ED. I thrived in these high-intensity environments, gaining expertise and honing my skills while providing critical care to patients in need.

Throughout my career, I embraced opportunities for growth and development, working in various departments and even joining the float pool to broaden my experience. This flexibility and willingness to adapt allowed me to excel in different clinical settings and expand my knowledge base.

In 2006, I took a significant step forward by transitioning into my first manager role. This marked the beginning of my leadership journey, where I was entrusted with overseeing operations and guiding my team to deliver exceptional patient care. I embraced the challenge, using my clinical expertise and communication skills to drive positive outcomes and foster a collaborative work environment.

As the years passed, I continued to take on progressively complex roles within healthcare organizations, moving from community hospitals to academic health systems. Each new role presented its own challenges and opportunities for growth, and I approached them with determination and a commitment to excellence.

Today, I am proud to serve as the Chief Quality Officer of SnapCare, an AI-enabled workforce marketplace that serves the entire continuum of care. I can make a meaningful impact on healthcare delivery and champion a culture of continuous improvement.

My career path has been filled with challenges and triumphs, but through it all, I have remained dedicated to providing the best possible care to those in need. Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped me into the nursing leader I am today.

What is the most significant challenge facing nursing today?

One of the most significant challenges facing nursing today is the ongoing shortage of nurses, exacerbated by factors such as an aging population, increased demand for healthcare services, and burnout among healthcare professionals.

As a nursing leader, how are you working to overcome this challenge?

As a nursing leader, I am acutely aware of the significant challenges posed by the ongoing shortage of nurses, compounded by factors such as an aging population, increased demand for healthcare services, and burnout among healthcare professionals. Recognizing the critical need to address these challenges, I have been actively involved in implementing a clinician reskilling program to mitigate the effects of the nursing shortage and promote sustainability within our healthcare system.

The clinician reskilling program empowers healthcare professionals, including nurses, to expand their skill sets and take on new roles that align with emerging healthcare needs. By providing training and resources for upskilling and reskilling, we aim to optimize the utilization of existing clinical talent and alleviate some of the pressure caused by the nursing shortage.

Through this program, we offer opportunities for nurses to acquire additional certifications, pursue advanced training in specialized areas, and transition into roles that complement their existing skill sets. This helps address staffing shortages in critical areas and enhances the overall quality of patient care by ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped with the necessary skills and expertise to meet evolving patient needs.

What nursing leader inspires you the most and why?

Beverly Malone, Ph. D., inspires me the most and stands as a beacon of inspiration in nursing leadership. As the CEO of the National League for Nursing and a former president of the American Nurses Association, Dr. Malone has dedicated her career to advocating for nurses and ensuring culturally competent care for diverse patient populations.

Her impact extends beyond the borders of the United States. As the first Black general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing in the United Kingdom, she broke barriers and paved the way for diversity and inclusion within the profession. Her global achievements include representing the U.K. delegation at the World Health Assembly, where she advocated for nursing and healthcare on an international platform.

Dr. Malone’s dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to advancing the nursing profession inspire nurses worldwide. Her tireless advocacy for equitable and compassionate care has left an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of nurses to strive for excellence in their practice.

What inspirational message would you like to share with the next generation of nurses?

You are the heart and soul of healthcare, the guardians of healing, and the champions of hope. Embrace the privilege and responsibility of caring for others with humility and empathy. Your journey will be filled with moments of joy, challenges, and triumphs. Stay true to your values, never stop learning, and remember that every interaction is an opportunity to make a difference. Your passion and dedication will transform lives and leave a lasting legacy. Dream big, work hard, and always believe in the power of nursing to change the world!