New VP leads Nursing, Patient Experience

Gundersen Health System welcomes Andrea Hauser, DNP, RN, CNL, as its vice president of Nursing and Patient Experience overseeing the intersection of high-quality care and exceptional patient experience.

Hauser, a native of Caledonia, Minn., joined Gundersen in 2002 as an intern before serving as a Medical Surgical nurse, nurse educator, clinical nurse leader, clinical manager, and most recently as director of Gundersen Nursing. As director, Andrea provided ownership of strategy that benefited nurses across the health system.

"I've always gravitated toward work that positively impacts our patients in broad, meaningful ways, especially where I am able to serve people who deliver care," she said. "This role allows me to partner with clinicians, nurses, clinical staff and many others to formally fold in patient experience."

Hauser's unified executive role is critical for health systems, said Mary Ellen McCartney, Gundersen chief human resources officer.

"Having Andrea's strategic mind in place to lead our Nursing and Patient Experience teams benefits our patients and our care teams," she said.

"Gundersen staff do incredible work every day to make sure patients' needs are met clinically and personally," Hauser said. "I'm very excited to lead both Nursing and Patient Experience and system strategy, enhance connections, and nurture competency and confidence for all staff as we deliver exceptional care and patient experience."