Memorial Healthcare System Appoints Monica Puga Chief Nursing Executive

Monica Puga, RN, MSN, a nurse leader for nearly 20 years at Memorial Healthcare System, has been named chief nursing executive. The new senior vice president will utilize a data-driven approach to enhance care delivery, workforce development, and drive innovation.

“A large part of my role is care transformation and cross-continuum care redesign, which will enable us to remove inefficiencies and improve on our high-quality outcomes,” said Puga, a graduate of both Nova Southeastern and Barry universities. “Our people, culture, clinical excellence, and passion for innovation will improve the Memorial experience for patients, families, staff, and providers.”

Puga, a Weston resident, began her career at Memorial as a registered nurse in 2001, quickly advancing through a variety of clinical and administrative leadership positions that led to the executive suite. One of her first strategic initiatives will be replenishing, retaining, and recognizing nursing staff impacted by COVID-19. Puga says she’ll begin by promoting workforce development programs that include more residency and fellowship opportunities, introducing innovative staffing models, and creating an environment that focuses on the health and wellness of the entire care team.

“Monica has a distinctive leadership vision for nursing and patient care delivery which, in these challenging healthcare times, I’m confident will help us advance on many fronts,” said Nina Beauchesne, FACHE, executive vice president and chief transformation officer at Memorial Healthcare System.

As she has for the past seven years, Puga will continue to oversee Memorial’s population health initiatives and Care Coordination Center.

Puga took her place on Memorial’s Executive Staff in September. She succeeded Maggie Hansen, RN, who retired after nearly 40 years with the healthcare system.