Crystal Smith named VP of Patient Care Services, chief nursing officer for Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital

Experienced nursing leader Crystal Smith, DNP, RN, NE-BC, has been selected to serve as vice president of Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer for Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital. 

Smith, who has been Methodist Hospital’s service executive for clinical excellence since 2024, will begin transitioning into her new roles this month. She will succeed Teri Bruening, MSN-RN, GERO-BC, NEA-BC, who will retire in November.

“With more than 20 years of nursing experience, Crystal has built an impressive track record of leading complex clinical operations, advancing nurse-driven innovation and improving patient outcomes,” said Julie Murray, executive vice president of Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital. “She’s passionate about building trust, developing future leaders, strengthening interdisciplinary partnerships and fostering a culture where every team member feels valued, heard and empowered.”

Prior to joining the Methodist family, Smith was director of medical surgical services for Children’s Nebraska. She previously had the same role at CHI Health-Creighton University Medical Center. 

“This opportunity means so much to me, and I’m excited to continue serving alongside the incredible people who make Methodist such a special place,” she said. “As chief nursing officer, one of the things I value most is the opportunity to build relationships, listen to our teams and work together to ensure that our staff have the support and resources they need to provide the compassionate, innovative, high-quality care our community has come to know and trust.”

Smith earned her doctorate in nursing practice from Creighton University, her Master of Science in education from Nebraska Methodist College and her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Creighton University.

Smith is married to Scott, a social studies teacher at Elkhorn South High School, and she is the proud mother of five. The family enjoys traveling, being outdoors, watching the Creighton Bluejays and experiencing new things together.