Velinda J. Block, Senior AVP/Chief Nursing Officer

UAB University Hospital

The Nursing Service at UAB hospital is focused on providing the highest quality healthcare utilizing innovative approaches in order to improve the health of our communities, one patient at a time.

Profile Name: Velinda J. Block

Title: Senior AVP/Chief Nursing Officer

Company/Organization: UAB University Hospital

Address:   MEB 300
                 619 19th St. S
                 Birmingham, AL  35249

Phone: 205-975-7541

Website:  www.uabnursing.org

Favorite Quote:  "Were there none who were discontented with what they have, the world would never reach anything better." by Florence Nightingale

Company/Organization Brief Mission: University Hospital will be the
recognized global leader for providing innovative, high quality,
cost-effective, and compassionate health care services that improve the health status and knowledge of society.

Job description: I oversee nursing and nursing practice for a 900+ bed academic hospital.  This includes managing a staff of more than 3000 and a budget of over 180 million dollars.

Length of service: I was recruited to my current position 2 years ago from St. Louis where I spent the last 14 years at St. Louis Children's Hospital as the Vice President of Patient Care Services.

Education: I received a BSN from Medical College of Georgia/University of Georgia and my Master's degree from Vanderbilt University.  I am currently pursing Doctorate degree in nursing from UAB.

Family: I have been married to my wonderful husband, Branson, for 15 years.  My pride and joy is our son Cole who is a Junior at Emory University.

Advice to women in business: Always believe in yourself.

Best advice ever received: Focus on doing the best you can in your current position and promotions will find you.

Secret to surviving in business: Understand your own personal core values and always be true to them.

Strongest inspiration: My parents taught my sister, brother and I that hard work and focus will enable you to achieve whatever you desire.  They put focus on education and hard work.

Secret to dealing with employees: Be a visible leader in order to learn from employees and establish trust.  I routinely "shadow" frontline staff in all nursing departments across the hospital (more than 45 a year).  I wear scrubs and roll-up my sleeves to help and learn.  It gives me the opportunity to see challenges from their perspective and they learn that I am committed to helping them meet the needs of our patients.

Primary volunteer and community involvement:  I serve on the Board of the Birmingham Ronald McDonald House.

Favorite place or way to relax: Since moving to Birmingham, we have purchased land on Smith Lake.  I enjoyed going up there with my husband and dog Chewie.