Queen of the Valley Medical Center's CNO, Suki Stanton, Retires After 43 Years of Service

On September 17, 1973, Susan (Suki) Stanton walked through the doors of Queen of the Valley Hospital for the first time, excited, anxious and ready to report for her first shift as an operating room nurse and caregiver. On September 23, 2016, she will retire as Queen of the Valley Medical Center’s Chief Nursing Officer.

“When I first walked into this hospital 43 years ago, I never thought I would have become the Chief
Nursing Officer one day,” she said. “At 21-years-old, I was a surgery nurse who was fresh out of school
from LA. While I was from Napa, as a young adult I wanted to explore new places. But as time went on, I
discovered The Queen’s charm is unique and I wanted to settle in Napa.”

Leaders quickly noted her genuine affection for this hospital, and the people within it, as well as her knowledge and experience. She was promoted to Charge Nurse for the operating room, and later, the Director of Surgical Services. During her tenure, she worked for nearly every service line in the hospital, including Patient Care Services, Perinatal, Cardiac, Laboratory, Home Health, Strategy and Marketing. Her extensive
knowledge of the healthcare industry gave her the foresight to excel in a variety of roles, but it’s her passion and persistence that makes Suki an exceptional leader.

“Suki doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. She rolled up her sleeves and found a creative way to build a Wellness Center that has kept our community healthy,” said Walt Mickens, President & CEO. “The Wellness Center has taken our hospital to heights even she never dreamed. It has placed The Queen at the leading edge of preventative and disease management services.”

Suki is a legacy at Queen of the Valley not only for her accomplishments, but also for living and breathing the hospital’s mission, as established by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. As stated by St. Joseph Health’s Executive Vice President of Mission Integration, Sr. Marian Schubert, Suki embodies a Sister of St. Joseph of Orange in her words, spirit and actions.

“When the Sisters talk about The Queen, there is always one person who is applauded for exemplifying the beliefs of the Sisters. Suki has the heart of a Sister of St. Joseph of Orange,” said Sr. Marian.

Over the past 43 years, Stanton has been a gentle, yet fierce leader who has compassionately cared for her friends, family members and neighbors both within and beyond the Queen’s walls. On August 22, 2016 Suki received a special plaque from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange to recognize her for serving her dear neighbor from 1973-2016 and she was named as a recipient of the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses for her compassionate care for her friends, family members and neighbors both within and beyond the Queen’s walls.

“This is a special place filled with special people. It’s as if my DNA has brushed off on the walls of this hospital—this place is a part of who I am. It is a place where you can be creative, advocate, see and feel love,” Suki said. “I feel truly blessed to have spent my career here as a leader and caregiver in this healing environment and I look forward to staying here in Napa and continuing my friendships and relationships with all of the staff and community here.”