Following a nationwide search, Christine M. Tebaldi, MS, RN, PMHNP-BC, the interim chief nursing officer (CNO) for McLean Hospital, has been selected as the CNO for McLean and vice president of Nursing (VPN) for Mass General Brigham Behavioral and Mental Health (BMH), effective immediately.
Paula Bolton, MS, CNP, ANP-BC, and Jeanne McElhinney, MS, RN, BC, who have been serving as interim associate CNOs for McLean, will continue in those roles until further notice.
In this new combined role—leading nursing for McLean and BMH—Tebaldi will collaborate with medical leadership on the delivery of patient care across McLean Hospital, while also having a matrixed responsibility for behavioral and mental health services across Mass General Brigham, working closely with the other CNOs at their respective entities.
Among her core responsibilities are leading with respect to policy and nursing practice initiatives in behavioral and mental health within McLean and across the system, as well as engaging and empowering nursing staff in their career growth and professional development.
“This is an exciting and transformative role designed to partner with clinical and operational leaders across Mass General Brigham. This is well aligned with my vision for integrating nursing practice by leveraging best practices from each of our behavioral health settings,” said Tebaldi.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to collaborate with talented leaders from across Mass General Brigham and I am looking forward to contributing to advancing behavioral and mental health nursing practice across the system.”
Christine M. Tebaldi, MS, RN, PMHNP-BC
In addition to serving as McLean’s interim CNO, Tebaldi has simultaneously filled an interim associate chief operating officer (COO) position—an interim role she will continue until a permanent COO is named later this summer.
“Christine’s dedication to nursing practice, patient care, and operational efficiency are hallmarks of her career, which is evidenced by the progressive growth of her responsibilities at McLean during her more than 15-year tenure,” said Scott L. Rauch, MD, president and psychiatrist in chief at McLean and president and chief medical officer for SBMH.
“She is a highly respected colleague and mentor whose thoughtful approach, expertise, and compassion are widely appreciated and valued. As an effective change agent and trusted leader in our field, I can think of no one better suited to serve in this exciting and transformative CNO/VPN role.”
Prior to taking on her current responsibilities, Tebaldi was the director of Clinical Business Development at McLean, where she coordinated community hospital-based psychiatric emergency, consultation, and integrated care services, as well as new program development across the hospital, and international consultations.
Under her leadership, McLean expanded emergency services across southeastern Massachusetts. In 2021, in collaboration with clinical and administrative leaders, Tebaldi was central to the launch of a new hospital site, including three new psychiatric inpatient units, at McLean SouthEast at Oak Street. She also co-led McLean’s response and recovery efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tebaldi is an active member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), where she has served in several leadership roles including co-chair of the Institute for Mental Health Advocacy, and currently as a board member at large.
Most recently, she was chair of the APNA’s Well-Being Initiative Stress Self-Assessment & Resources Workgroup. Tebaldi is eager to bring this perspective, focusing on the importance of nurse well-being, to McLean and SBMH.
“Delivering high-quality, compassionate patient care, fostering collaborative and respectful work environments for our workforce, and supporting staff through all stages of their careers are at the core of being a hospital leader,” said Tebaldi.
“These elements of the McLean and Mass General Brigham mission—in the service of ensuring a positive patient and family experience—resonate deeply with me.”
Tebaldi is often called upon for her expertise on topics such as patient-centered care, emergency preparedness and disaster response, crisis stabilization, and addressing stigma. She is also the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Disaster Mental Health Regional Lead and State Advisor.
“As I congratulate Christine on her new CNO/VPN role, I would also like to offer my sincerest gratitude to the search committee, led by Shelly F. Greenfield, MD, MPH, chief academic officer for McLean, and Maddy Pearson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CNO for Brigham and Women’s Hospital,” Rauch concluded.
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