Today we close out our Leading the Way Women’s History Month Series with Patricia Srenaski, BSN, RN, NHDP-BC. Pat specializes in systemwide emergency preparedness, planning, training, and exercises. A registered nurse for more than 40 years, she transitioned to emergency management in 2017 after roles in home care, infection prevention, and occupational health. Pat is a certified National Healthcare Disaster Professional and serves as Chair of Capital Region 3 ESF 8 and Co‑Chair of the Connecticut Health Care Coalition. She also volunteers with Women Heart of Central CT, supporting and advocating for women living with or at risk of heart disease.
What inspired her career path? A large part of Pat’s distinguished nursing career was spent with Hartford HealthCare at Home, serving in both clinical and leadership roles. While supporting the Quality and Safety Department, Pat led the project team that developed their Emergency Preparedness Program. The completion of this project helped Pat discover a new passion for the field of emergency management.
Her most rewarding leadership experience.As the ESF 8 Chair, Pat has had the opportunity to connect with people across the region. Building relationships, mentoring others, and giving back to her community are all integral to her goals to build strong, collaborative partnerships that support the growth of the emergency management field. Pat shared with us that “as partners, we can accomplish so much more when we help each other, share best practices, and improve our readiness.”
Her approach to equity and inclusion. Since entering emergency management in 2017, Pat has seen a rise in women pursuing the field, especially nurses. “Most emergency managers come from law enforcement, fire services, or EMS,” she says, which has motivated her to invite women to trainings, assist with exercises, shadow, and volunteer in emergency management. Pat is proud to champion more women entering this essential field.
