CHARLOTTE, MI –  Sparrow Eaton Hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has been certified as a Rural Hospital CNO, signifying her special knowledge of issues related to rural health.

Tiffany Friar, DNP, MBA, RN, is one of four healthcare professionals in Michigan to complete the Michigan Center for Rural Health program during this section.

“The certification allowed me to expand my knowledge around leadership as it relates to rural health as well as to build meaningful relationships with a network of experts who will help me lead our organization for years to come,” Friar said. “As a rural leader it is essential that I influence and collaborate with the rural communities we serve to identify and provide essential services to improve our community’s overall health and wellness.”

The NRHA Rural Hospital CNO program spans six months, providing CNOs tools and education to encourage growth within critical access hospitals. The program is intended to support rural hospital CNOs by building their leadership, operational, financial, and clinical performance.

 “Tiffany’s relentless dedication to our patients and our community hospital is recognized by all who work with her,” said Sparrow Eaton Hospital President Helen Johnson. “She plays an integral role in directing us into the future and we are privileged to have her expertise here.”

Friar’s attention to the patient experience and overall leadership helped lead Sparrow Eaton during the pandemic and she has spearheaded the presentation of DAISY and Nurse of the Year awards to recognize nursing excellence. She has also served the Michigan Critical Access Hospital (MICAH) Quality Network as an executive member for the strategy group focused on creating safer care processes, and been a member of MICAH for nearly a decade.

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) is a nonprofit membership organization that brings together thousands of members across the United States. The association’s mission is to provide leadership on rural health issues through advocacy, communications, education, and research. To learn more about NRHA, see RuralHealth.us.

For more information on Sparrow Eaton, go to Sparrow.org/Eaton. 

Photo caption: Sparrow Eaton Chief Nursing Officer Tiffany Friar (right) is congratulated by Sparrow Eaton Hospital President Helen Johnson after being certified as a Rural Hospital CNO, signifying special knowledge of issues related to rural health.

Photos courtesy of Sparrow Health System