Ozarks Healthcare Promotes Hope Smith, RN, to Director of Emergency Services

Ozarks Healthcare is pleased to announce the promotion of Hope Smith, RN, to Director of Emergency Services.

Originally from West Plains, Smith brings 15 years of experience with Ozarks Healthcare and a strong background in nursing leadership to her new role. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of positions across the organization, including Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Women's Health, Registered Nurse (RN) on the Medical/Surgical (Med/Surg) Unit, Float Pool RN, House Supervisor, Supervisor of Nursing Administration, and most recently, Manager of Nursing Administration.

"Stepping into this role is both an honor and a privilege," Smith said. "After 15 years at Ozarks Healthcare, it's incredibly meaningful to continue growing my career in an organization that has invested in me. I'm excited to lead an amazing team and continue making a positive impact on our patients, staff, and community."

As Director of Emergency Services, Smith will oversee emergency care operations while supporting patient care, quality initiatives, staff development, and operational excellence. She is also passionate about developing future nurses and looks forward to supporting the continued growth of Ozarks Healthcare's Nurse Residency Program.

"My priorities are supporting our staff, improving the patient experience, strengthening quality and safety, and continuing to build a positive culture where our team feels valued and empowered to provide the best care possible," Smith said.

"Hope has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, and a commitment to compassionate, high-quality patient care throughout her career at Ozarks Healthcare," Tonya Aaron, Ozarks Healthcare Chief Nursing Officer, said. "Her extensive clinical experience, operational knowledge, and passion for supporting both patients and staff make her an excellent choice to lead our Emergency Services team. We are excited to see the positive impact she will continue to make in this new role."

Smith said Ozarks Healthcare has been more than just a workplace throughout her career.

"Ozarks Healthcare has been my home for the past 15 years," she said. "I've been fortunate to grow both personally and professionally while working alongside incredible people who truly care about our patients and each other. I'm grateful for the opportunities I've been given and look forward to continuing to serve our community in this new role."

For more information about careers or services at Ozarks Healthcare, visit www.ozarkshealthcare.com.

Ozarks Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system that serves more than 160,000 residents across south-central Missouri and northern Arkansas. With its main campus residing in West Plains, Missouri, the health system offers a full spectrum of healthcare for all ages through its 114-bed hospital, behavioral health, therapies, pharmacies, rehabilitation, and home care services, along with specialty and family medicine clinics. Ozarks Healthcare has rural locations across an eight-county service area and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.

Hope Smith, RN, Ozarks Healthcare Director of Emergency Services