Advocating for Lifelong Learning
Mary Fanning, DNP, RN, FRE, NEA-BC is a three-time graduate of the WVU School of Nursing.
A life-long West Virginian growing up in Welch, Mary completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from WVU in 1984. After earning this degree, Mary began working as a new nurse in the Intensive Care Unit in the “old” hospital located in the Health Sciences Center and was part of the move to Ruby in July 1988, then as the Assistant Nurse Manager for the MICU. That same year, Mary completed her Master of Science Degree at WVU with a focus on Nursing Administration.
She continued her professional journey at WVUH serving in various roles such as ICU Manager, House Supervisor and Critical Care Educator. Her senior leadership experience included Director roles with Staff Development, Adult Cardiac Nursing, and Nursing Administration. She then completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice from WVU in 2012 her program of research focused on transition to practice for graduate nurses.
Dr. Fanning’s executive leadership experience has been Assistant Vice President Nursing, Associate CNO and Vice President Clinical Nursing Services at WVU Medicine Children’s.
Beyond WVUH, she was appointed to the WV Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses for six years, have served as a Magnet Appraiser for over 12 years and worked on a variety of committees and professional nursing boards at the state and national level.
Now serving as the Chief Nursing Officer, Mary has administrative responsibility for directing all aspects of nursing and other departments to assure a clinical environment consistent with the clinical, teaching and research objectives of WVUH.
In her new role, Dr. Fanning feels she uses her education and experiences to enhance and guide the practice of nursing at all WVUH locations and support the needs of nurses and support staff provide excellent patient centered care as well as practice in a healthy work environment. Her education and long-term connections through WVU have enriched the breadth and depth of her ability to offer creative and innovative solutions to the many opportunities to enrich nursing practice and drive positive outcomes for patients and the nursing workforce.
A staunch advocate for education at all levels, Mary advises students beginning their journey in the nursing profession to “never stop learning.” Seize every opportunity to explore new ideas and diversify experiences. Don’t see education as a ‘task’ but rather a ‘gift’ to be exposed to new ideas and methods that can be translated to enhancing the wellness of West Virginians and beyond.