CoxHealth names chief nursing officer

Photo provided by CoxHealth

Beth Polivka becomes chief nursing officer for CoxHealth on Feb. 15.

Longtime CoxHealth leader Beth Polivka has been promoted to chief nursing officer.

Polivka, who currently is director of nursing, is slated to take on the new role Feb. 15, according to a news release. She succeeds CoxHealth Senior Vice President and Chief Hospital Officer Karen Kramer, who held the CNO position in an interim capacity the past year.

“A respected and proven leader, Beth has been instrumental in leading and growing our women’s and children’s service line," Kramer said in the release. “Beth is passionate in her quest for nursing excellence, and we are so excited to see her share her talents through this role, which will bring great benefit to our staff and patients.”

Polivka's responsibilities in her new role include nursing practice leadership throughout the health care system. She will plan, organize, direct and evaluate nursing care for CoxHealth.

With 25 years of nursing experience, Polivka joined CoxHealth in 2004, first as a staff nurse in the post anesthesia care unit. She was promoted to nursing project coordinator in 2010 and administrative director of nursing in 2013, according to the release.