The Institute for Innovation in Nursing Readiness provides expertise to health care systems and personnel in developing effective plans, response and education on emergency preparedness methods. The Institute specializes in competency based training, curriculum requirements, evaluating and responding to JCAHO standards as well as assisting hospitals and systems in organizing mitigation, planning, response and evaluation activities.

Sue Eckert RN, MSN earned her masters of science degree from the Catholic University of America, with a major in nursing and minor in education. She completed her undergraduate work at Georgetown University, Washington DC. She currently holds the position of Director; Institute for Innovations in Nursing Readiness at the ER One Institute at the Washington Hospital Center, Washington DC. In this capacity she coordinates projects with private industry and government agencies aimed at improving the preparedness of hospitals and health care providers. Sue serves as the chairperson of both her hospital’s emergency preparedness committee as well as the corporate preparedness committee for emergency preparedness and response. She brings over 20 years of management experience and work in acute care health settings, having held the roles of Head Nurse, Clinical Specialist and Director. As the Director of Critical Care and Emergency Services for 15 years at the Washington Hospital Center, she managed all aspects of nursing services for a variety of clinical settings. Sue coordinated the hospital’s response to the Pentagon attack on 9/11. She has successfully completed the REAC/TS course on Emergency Management of Radiation Accident Victims and currently is the project manager for Washington Hospital Center’s collaborative project with HHS on Radiation Monitoring in Emergency Room Settings. A member of AONE, AACN and ENA, she is a frequent lecturer and author on emergency preparedness topics.