Dr. Tara Shajan has been appointed Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at a New York State Psychiatric Center under the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), marking another significant milestone in her distinguished career in psychiatric nursing and healthcare leadership. The appointment reflects recognition of her extensive experience in behavioral health administration, clinical excellence, and commitment to advancing nursing practice.
In her new position, Dr. Shajan will serve as a member of the hospital’s executive leadership team, guiding the strategic direction of nursing services throughout the organization. Her responsibilities will include strengthening evidence-based nursing practices, promoting patient safety initiatives, enhancing quality outcomes, supporting workforce development, and ensuring high standards of care delivery across the institution.
With more than two decades of experience in healthcare leadership, Dr. Shajan has built an impressive professional portfolio within some of the nation’s leading healthcare systems. Throughout her career, she has held senior leadership roles at organizations including Northwell Health, Montefiore Health, Catholic Health, NYC Health + Hospitals, and several other prominent institutions. Her expertise spans nursing operations, quality improvement initiatives, regulatory compliance, staff engagement, organizational transformation, and patient-centered care strategies.
As Chief Nursing Officer, she is expected to spearhead efforts aimed at strengthening professional nursing standards while expanding opportunities for education, mentorship, and leadership development among nursing professionals. Additionally, she will collaborate closely with physicians, executive administrators, interdisciplinary teams, and community stakeholders to enhance healthcare outcomes and support the Office of Mental Health’s broader mission of delivering comprehensive and recovery-oriented services.
Beyond her executive responsibilities, Dr. Shajan has earned recognition for her active contributions to the nursing profession at both national and international levels. She currently serves as Vice President of the National Association of Indian Nurses of America (NAINA), where she advocates for professional growth, mentorship opportunities, leadership development, and initiatives that empower nurses across diverse healthcare settings.
Commenting on her appointment, Dr. Shajan described the opportunity as both an honor and a profound responsibility. She emphasized her commitment to supporting nursing professionals, promoting excellence in clinical practice, and ensuring compassionate, person-centered care for patients and families navigating mental health challenges.
Dr. Shajan’s appointment underscores her longstanding dedication to advancing nursing leadership, fostering innovation in healthcare delivery, and improving access to high-quality mental health services throughout New York State. Her leadership is expected to play an important role in shaping the future of psychiatric nursing while strengthening the healthcare workforce that serves vulnerable communities.
