CHRISTUS Spohn names new chief nurse executive

Corpus Christi, Texas – CHRISTUS Spohn Health System has named James “Jim” Cato, Ed.D, MHS, MSN, RN, CRNA, its new Chief Nurse Executive for the Health System. Dr. Cato comes to CHRISTUS Spohn from Philadelphia where he served as Chief Nursing Officer and Assistant Dean of Clinical Practice for the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

A Texas native, Dr. Cato brings a combined 33 years of healthcare experience including nursing, nursing leadership and hospital operations. In addition, Dr. Cato has extensive knowledge in clinical informatics and information systems.

Dr. Cato received a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from Nova Southeastern University in Florida and holds two Masters, one in Nursing from Old Dominion University and another in Health Science from Texas Wesleyan University. He received his CRNA from Harris Hospital School in Nurse Anesthesia and has a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Southern Illinois University.

As CHRISTUS Spohn Health System’s Chief Nurse Executive, Dr. Cato is responsible for patient care and professional practice across the six hospitals in the Health System. CHRISTUS Spohn has three hospitals in Corpus Christi, one in Beeville, Texas, one in Alice, Texas and one in Kingsville, Texas. CHRISTUS Spohn Memorial in Corpus Christi is a teaching facility for Texas A&M Medical School and has residencies in family practice and emergency medicine.

Dr. Cato’s first day of employment began Dec. 12, 2011.

“With a passion for improving the care of our patients and the professionalism of our nurses, Dr. Cato will lead us in our continued effort to strengthen our healthcare ministry,” said Pamela Robertson, President and Chief Executive Officer of CHRISTUS Spohn Health System. “He possesses a unique skill set that can only enhance our commitment to excellence, and increase our positive engagement with our patients, physicians, and associates.”