Penobscot Valley Hospital is proud to announce that Lisa Veillette has completed the Rural Hospital Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Certification Program through the Center for Rural Health Leadership (CRHL). Veillette was part of the program’s ninth cohort, which launched in April 2025 and brought together nursing leaders from across the country—including three participants from Maine—to strengthen leadership capacity in rural healthcare settings.
The CRHL program was developed in direct response to the National Rural Health Association’s initiative to address the ongoing rural hospital closure crisis. With many facilities facing unprecedented financial and operational challenges, CRHL was designed to equip rural executives with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to lead effectively during one of the most difficult periods in rural healthcare history.
What sets this certification apart is its origin and purpose. Built by rural hospital CNOs for rural hospital CNOs, the curriculum was shaped around an important question: “What do you know now that you wish you’d known then?” That insight-driven foundation ensures the program remains practical, relevant, and highly attuned to the real-world experiences of rural nurse leaders.
Throughout the program, participants engaged in expert-led courses and interactive live discussions on topics essential to the success of rural hospitals. The curriculum includes education in financial management, leadership development, regulatory compliance, patient outcomes, quality improvement, and strategic planning with hospital boards. These areas are critical as rural healthcare organizations navigate limited resources, workforce shortages, evolving regulations, and the unique needs of the communities they serve.
Veillette shared, “this program gave me skills to effectively contribute to the decisions made by the leadership team at PVH as we work through and overcome challenges that rural hospitals are currently facing.”
With leaders like Veillette expanding their expertise, PVH continues its commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care close to home. Her achievement reflects both personal dedication and the hospital’s ongoing investment in strong, knowledgeable leadership to support patients, staff, and the broader community.
Penobscot Valley Hospital congratulates Lisa on this important accomplishment and thanks her for her continued leadership and service.