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Mercy Hospital Jefferson is naming Brandi Farkas its new chief nursing officer. In her new role, Farkas will lead all inpatient nursing units at the hospital.
Farkas, a registered nurse, earned her master’s in nursing from Western Governors University, and she earned her bachelor’s in nursing from Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri. She joined Mercy in 2003 as a staff nurse at Mercy Hospital St. Louis and returned to join Mercy Jefferson in 2016 where she served as director of logistics and executive director of patient experience prior to being named chief nursing officer.
Get to know more about Farkas in her own words.
Why did you choose a career in health care?
During my freshman year of college, I was still undecided on my major. I had begun my pre-requisite courses but wasn't quite sure of my destination. I had to work in the evenings, so I decided to apply at a local nursing home where I was an aide, eventually earning my certification as a nurse assistant (CNA). I knew immediately this was the work I wanted to do. To be able to care for someone at their most vulnerable moments, to be a part of their story, to connect with them, to learn from them was such a joy and a privilege. I knew my next step was to become a nurse. I knew I wanted to make health care my career.
What drew your interest in joining Mercy and specifically Mercy Jefferson?
I joined Mercy as a new graduate nurse in 2003. I was drawn to Mercy because the joy and passion that I had experienced as a CNA was being lived out in the mission at Mercy. The mission, the values, the charisms all matched what I felt was at the core of the nurse that I wanted to be. To be a part of that mission, to continue to be a part of that mission is such a blessing. Mercy Jefferson is such a special place. The culture here is just incredible. It's palpable. I'm at home here.
How do you envision your role as chief nursing officer?
My goal is to create a culture that empowers our nursing team, providing them with the support they need to offer the best possible patient experience.
How will you influence the care and experience of Mercy Jefferson patients?
My experience as the executive director of patient experience has given me the insight that I will bring into my role as the CNO. In every interaction we have with our patients, their families and our co-workers, compassionate connection and communication are key. Modeling the standard of exceptional service to every patient, every time.
Tell us a little about your family and what you like to do outside of work.
I am married to my wonderful husband, Kenny. Together, we have three teenage sons, 17-year-old Dylan, 14-year-old Collin and 14-year-old Ryan, and one fur baby, Rubi, an Aussiedoodle dog. We have an at-home gym where we enjoy family workouts and competitive games of ping pong. We enjoy traveling and are a family of foodies. We love trying new places and recipes. I love spending time watching my boys in all their activities. If I am not at work, you will find me in a gym or on a field somewhere being my boys’ biggest fan!
How does your family and personal life influence the care and leadership you provide at Mercy Jefferson?
My family is at the core of everything I do. The responsibility I hold for caring for my family is the same responsibility I feel we must give to those families in our care. Patients and their families are coming to us in their time of need. They are trusting us to provide them exceptional care and compassionate service. My goal is to deliver on that promise.
