Nursing Senior Vice President receives national recognition on Becker’s 2026 list of top Chief Nursing Officers

Helen Staples-Evans, Loma Linda University Medical Center's Senior Vice President for Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer Loma Linda University Medical Center, has received national recognition as one of Becker's Hospital Review's 2026 listing of 361 hospital and health system CNOs to know.

Staples-Evans is responsible for strategic oversight, professional development, education, retention, and engagement of Loma Linda University Health's 5,100-member nursing team. She is strongly committed to supporting nursing staff and care teams and contributing to the health system's overall patient- and team-centered care.

Her colleagues say Staples-Evans leads with integrity, grace, and compassion. She sets high success standards and practices what she expects of others, continually spreading her vision by her presence, influence, and participation.

"I don't believe there is any challenge that is too great for the exceptional group of nurses here," said Staples-Evans. "It's an incredible honor to lead this amazing team that every day makes a difference in the lives of those we serve and draws strength from our collective passion for patient care. This Becker's recognition is a tribute to each nurse's effort to fulfill the Loma Linda University Health mission to spread the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ."

A member of the LLUH nursing team for 44 years. Staples-Evans received the 2024 LLUH President's Distinguished Service Award, recognizing her many contributions to educational endeavors, patient care, and strengtheninging LLUH's patient-focused healthcare.

Becker's annually recognizes the CNOs who successfully address healthcare's toughest challenges: easing staffing shortages, managing complex nursing budgets, and building the professional development pathways that will bring the next generation of nurses into the profession and keep them there. The honored CNOs regularly lead the initiatives that raise care quality and strengthen clinical excellence across their organizations, drawing on a rare combination of hands-on clinical experience and executive-level leadership.

The complete 2026 Beckers list of top Chief Nursing Officers is available on the publication's website.