Rebekah Artman has been appointed chief nursing officer (CNO) for Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital, both of which are part of the Duke LifePoint network. In her new position, Artman will oversee nursing strategy and clinical operations at both hospitals, focusing on quality, safety, and patient experience in the region.
Artman previously served as senior nursing officer at the two hospitals since early 2025. During that time, she worked with hospital and system leadership to improve nursing practices and engagement. The transition to CNO expands her responsibilities as the top nursing executive for both facilities.
Ashley Hindman, CEO of Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital, commented on Artman’s appointment: “Rebekah has earned the respect of our nursing teams through her visibility, leadership, and genuine passion for patient-centered care. 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 started her healthcare career at Harris Regional Hospital in 2007 as a certified nursing assistant. She became a registered nurse in 2009 and later worked as an ICU nurse before moving into leadership roles at Haywood Regional Medical Center. There she focused on patient safety initiatives, nurse retention, and evidence-based practice. She then participated in Lifepoint Health’s Assistant Chief Nursing Officer development program and held ACNO positions at Frye Regional Medical Center in North Carolina and Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital.
Reflecting on her new role, Artman said: “It’s an honor to continue serving the people of western North Carolina. 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.”
