PSQH: The Podcast Episode 113 – Addressing Workforce Hurdles and Improving Patient Care
On episode 113 of PSQH: The Podcast, Michael Charlton, CEO of AtlantiCare, and Helene Burns, Chief Nurse Executive at AtlantiCare, talk about how addressing workforce hurdles can improve patient care.
Michael Charlton, MHL, is the president and CEO of AtlantiCare Health System. He leads a team of more than 6,500 caregivers in serving a population of over 1,000,000 across southeastern New Jersey. A purpose-driven leader, with a background as a visionary entrepreneur in the hospitality industry, Charlton excels in fostering collaboration and innovation. As leader of the anchor institution in the region, he is committed to driving transformative change. Since taking on the role of president and CEO, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to address the social determinants of health, champion workforce challenges and remains focused on improving the lives of all those AtlantiCare serves.
Charlton’s 15-year tenure as a member of AtlantiCare’s Board of Trustees, including his role as chair of the board of trustees from 2017 through early 2023, has been marked by profound contributions to the organization’s growth. As a key member of AtlantiCare’s strategic growth task force, he played a pivotal role in the development and expansions of facilities, programs and services. Notable initiatives included the opening of the Medical Arts Pavilion in Atlantic City (2022) and the Health Park in Manahawkin (2016). He also co-chaired the successful campaign for the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Mainland Campus transformation expansion (2015).
Charlton was a member of the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Board of Trustees from 2020 through 2022, and proudly served as a member of the Board’s Operations/Investment, Governance, and Award committees, as well as their Workforce Task Force. Prior to joining AtlantiCare, Charlton founded Icon Hospitality. His other roles have included serving as a consultant for Matrix Advisors Health Venture; vice president of Finance for MFA Properties & Development, Atlantic City; and as a Wall Street analyst.
Helene Burns, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAONL, FAAN is Chief Nurse Executive at AtlantiCare.
In her role, she is responsible for the practice of nursing across the organization, including the oversight of all members of the nursing team.
Dr. Burns collaborates with nursing leadership and team members to create and execute a nursing strategy that standardizes care delivery across the AtlantiCare system. She works closely with clinical and administrative leadership to develop and implement tactics for building healthy communities that are based on veracity, compassion, and accountability.
Dr. Burns joined AtlantiCare in December of 2023 after serving as the Regional Chief Nursing Officer at Jefferson Health in Cherry Hill, NJ. Prior to joining Jefferson, she held various nursing leadership positions in New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Texas. She began her career as a nurse at AtlantiCare in 1981.
Dr. Burns earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master’s of Science in Nursing from Widener University in Chester, PA and her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA. She has served as the President of New Jersey Organization of Nurse Leaders and is a member of the American Organization of Nursing Leadership (AONL), where she serves on various committees. She is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and AONL.
Listen to the episode below: