Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital, Duke LifePoint hospitals, are pleased to announce that Rebekah Artman, MBA, BSN, RN, CCRN, CPPS has been named chief nursing officer (CNO) for both facilities. In this elevated leadership role, Artman will guide overall nursing strategy and clinical operations, leading initiatives that support exceptional quality, safety, and patient experience across the region.

Artman has served both hospitals as senior nursing officer (SNO) since early 2025, collaborating closely with hospital and system leadership to strengthen nursing practice and engagement. Transitioning into the CNO role expands her scope and influence as the top nursing executive for both hospitals.

“Rebekah has earned the respect of our nursing teams through her visibility, leadership, and genuine passion for patient-centered care,” said Ashley Hindman, CEO of Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital. “Her experience and strategic insight will continue to strengthen our mission of making communities healthier, and we are excited to see her step into this vital role.”

Artman began her healthcare career at Harris Regional Hospital in 2007 as a certified nursing assistant. After becoming a registered nurse in 2009, she worked as an ICU nurse and advanced into leadership roles at Haywood Regional Medical Center, a Duke LifePoint hospital, where she championed initiatives around patient safety, nurse retention, and evidence-based practice. Her career then led to Lifepoint Health’s Assistant Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO) development program and ACNO roles at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, North Carolina, and Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital in Elko, Nevada.

Her return to Harris and Swain represented a full-circle moment: coming home to lead the teams that helped shape her nursing journey.

“It’s an honor to continue serving the people of western North Carolina,” Artman said. “I am incredibly proud of the work our nurses do each day, and I’m committed to supporting them with the resources, teamwork, and environment they need to deliver exceptional care close to home.”