Advancing a Culture of Safety through Adversity: Lessons Learned

Speaker Bios

Jennifer Slayton, Senior Vice President of Quality, Safety and Risk Prevention at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joined VUMC in 1998 and began her nursing career in 1999 in the Pediatric Emergency Department. In 2005, she started her journey in quality and patient safety when joining the Performance Management and Improvement team in the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital as a Quality Consultant. In 2020, Jenny was elevated to Senior Vice President for Quality Safety and Risk Prevention for the Vanderbilt Health System, now supporting the main VUMC campus as well as the Regional Hospitals. Her work focuses on leading Quality and Patient Safety Programs in collaboration with leaders from the health system to ensure safe, reliable patient care across the continuum. Jenny holds a Doctorate of Nursing Practice Degree from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing Degree from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Middle Tennessee State University.

Sandra Bledsoe, Vice President of Risk and Insurance Management at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, has served Vanderbilt’s community in the Office of Risk and Insurance Management for over 25 years. Along with her staff of 17, she is responsible for all aspects of the risk management operations including risk financing, loss prevention, and claim management. In addition to traditional risk management functions, she advises the organization in its Enterprise Risk Management assessments and risk mitigation plans. One of her passions and the favorite part of her responsibilities is the resolution of disputes with patients and their families. Sandy received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Harding University in 1981, her ARM designation 1990 and her CPHRM designation in 2006. Additionally, she has had training in quality improvement and has a Master of Arts specializing in Conflict Management. She has contributed to two publications regarding learning and improvement from analysis of medical malpractice claims. Speaking engagements have included the American Health Law Association, CNA insurance company, the local chapter of CPCU, and the Willis Healthcare forum on topics such as Lessons Learned from the Fungal Meningitis Outbreak, Managing Physician Acquisitions, and Adding Value with Risk Management. She has been a guest lecturer to MBA and MHA students on the topic of managing healthcare conflict. Memberships include the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management and the Risk and Insurance Management Society. In addition, she is a past board member of Alive Hospice and the Wayne Reed Christian Child Care Center and is a current board member of the Operation Andrew Group.

Marilyn Dubree, Executive Chief Nursing Officer at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, provides oversight for strategic initiatives and planning related to the provision of quality patient care for Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and health system. She also serves as senior associate dean for Clinical Practice for Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Vanderbilt University Medical Center achieved its third Magnet designation in 2017 which is an acknowledgment of excellence for nursing practice and leadership. She has been at Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center since 1976. Since her arrival, she has held positions as Clinical Nurse Specialist, Director of Surgical Nursing, Director of Operational Improvement, Associate Hospital Director and CNO, and her current position as Executive Chief Nursing Officer. She is widely recognized for her leadership in nursing and healthcare; she is a board-certified nurse executive through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Marilyn is a strong supporter and leader for Advanced Practice Nursing. She led the development of what is now the VUMC Office of Advanced Practice. Her leadership has supported the growth of Vanderbilt Advanced Practice to almost 2,000 individuals and the VUMC innovative models of practice and leadership to be nationally recognized. Her leadership role in healthcare has provided many opportunities for public speaking, media engagements and publications. Ms. Dubree earned her Master's Degree in Nursing from Vanderbilt University and her Baccalaureate degree from the Medical College of Georgia. Ms. Dubree is a Wharton Nurse Executive Fellow and a member of the American Nurses’ Association, Tennessee Nurses’ Association, American Organization of Nurse Executives, and Sigma Theta Tau. She served on the Tennessee Board of Nursing for five years.