Bertelsen will head the 35-bed medical-surgical/pediatrics unit on Level 3 and oversee a staff of 54. Last year, the unit cared for 3,015 patients including 167 children. Valencis will direct the same day surgery and post anesthesia care units and supervise 46 employees. In 2004, SDS treated 6,500 patients including 500 children.

 “Ellen comes to us with significant management experience in both acute care and long-term care,” said Robert McWhirt, vice president for nursing at CMH. “She has excellent clinical abilities and is a real team builder.”

He went to add, “Patti is well known for organizational abilities and comprehensive clinical experience. The staff really enjoys her energy and enthusiasm for patient care.”

Bertelsen obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing from San Jose University in California in 1977. She is a retired Navy nurse and has held many positions in leadership management including director of nursing at Asbury~Solomons and senior clinical manager at HomeCall. She is currently pursuing a dual master’s in nursing and business administration.

“I love management, team building and making a positive impact on staff satisfaction and patient care,” said Bertelsen. “My main priority is to continue to build on the high quality of care provided at CMH.”

Valencis obtained her nursing degree from Prince George’s Community College in 1973. She has 25 years experience in critical care nursing, including open-heart surgery and dialysis patients. She was assistant manager of a 24-bed critical care unit and specializes in providing pain management to critically ill patients.

“I like the challenge of a surgical center,” said Valencis. “My main priority is to advocate for the surgical services patients and staff. My goal is to provide effective leadership as well as collaborative practice.”