Barbara Faruggio

Barbara Faruggio, RN, MS, is a principal of Clinical Integration Specialists LLC, a consulting group offering diverse services in the area of Hospital Operations, Case Management, Clinical Costing, Pathway “ Revitalization” and Outcomes Management. The company’s trademark is that of using a systems theory approach in an interactive planning environment. Project completion is successful because all involved stakeholders are included in the process, a shared vision is developed and measurable outcomes are clearly defined. A diversity of clients includes those with an ADC of 10 patients to that of a healthcare care system with 3800 beds.

Ms. Faruggio has over 20 years experience as a Vice President for Patient Care Services in a variety of settings. Her responsibilities over a 600-bed acute care facility included the development of a Home Health Department, Geriatric Service Line and a Clinical Costing System. The addition of two 150-bed towers, during the peak years of a nursing shortage in the late 80’s and early 90’s, required that she develop a multifaceted approach to both recruiting and retaining staff. “Building the Facility of Choice” became her drive during the nineties.

Later, as a Nursing Executive of an integrated system which included 1000 acute care beds, 3 long term care facilities, and a 130 bed free standing Behavioral Health Center, she focused on the development of inter-facility clinical guidelines and staff relationships. She has also held the position of Product Line Vice President for Geriatrics and Home Health in an integrated system that totaled 3,800 beds. Her expertise as a team leader and facilitator enabled her to bring diverse groups to consensus expediently and willingly.

Professional membership includes the American Organization for Nursing Executives, The National League of Nursing and the American Nurses Association. As a past member and chair of the VHA National Nursing Council, she has been able to “hear and see” what has been considered “ Best Practice” on a national level. As a board member for 21 Plus (an organization for Developmentally Disabled Adults), the rotary and other groups, she developed strategies that linked the community into the hospital’s strategic initiatives, inclusive of recruiting staff. In addition to having a Masters Degree in Health Care Administration from Iona College, Hagen School of Business, New Rochelle, N. Y., she is also a graduate of the J & J Wharton Fellows Program in Management for Nurse Executives.