News

HAGERSTOWN, Md. – Melissa McHugh Short has been named chief nursing officer at Meritus Medical Center. In this role, she will oversee 600 bedside registered nurses, in addition to many other licensed RNs in various roles throughout the health system.

In an extensive career that spans nearly 20 years in nursing, and 15 years in nursing leadership, Short will lead the team of nurses and directly impact patient care and quality.

“I am responsible, in partnership with my colleagues, to ensure that the care we deliver to our community is top quality, compassionate, caring and equitable,” Short said, adding that she looks forward to serving the unique needs of the Washington County community.

Short joins Meritus from the Swedish Hospital and Healthcare System in Seattle, Wash., where she held numerous leadership roles, most recently serving as associate vice president of operations, supporting two hospital campuses.

“Melissa joins Meritus Medical Center’s senior leadership team with a passion for patient care excellence and serving as a nursing leader in a community hospital and health system. Her leadership experience and values will advance Meritus’ commitment to high reliability, continual readiness and nursing excellence, as well as capitalizing on Meritus Medical Center’s 2030 Bold Goals,” said Carrie Adams, Pharm.D., chief operating officer.

Short and her husband have four children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, skiing and biking.

Her first day at Meritus is Monday, August 8.