Paula Agosto, RN, MHA

A respected nursing leader with decades of experience at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Paula Agosto plays a pivotal role in advancing clinical practice, innovation, nursing research and patient- and family-centered care across the organization. 

Ms. Agosto provides oversight for more than 7,000 Nursing and Clinical Care Services staff and leads efforts to strengthen nursing excellence across CHOP. Under her leadership, CHOP has established a robust professional governance structure, including a groundbreaking professional advancement program that has significantly strengthened the recruitment and retention of nursing staff while markedly reducing first-year turnover. By supporting nurses early in their careers and reinforcing the value of their contributions, the program has positioned CHOP as a leader in the healthcare sector and underscored the essential role of the nursing profession.

Ms. Agosto began her career in 1985 as a staff nurse in CHOP’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Since 1996, she has held progressively responsible leadership roles, including Nurse Manager of the PICU, Director of Critical Care, and Assistant Vice President of Critical Care, Respiratory and Neurodiagnostic Services. 

Ms. Agosto is dedicated to fostering innovation and cultivating partnerships with academic institutions, statewide colleagues and national partners. Her areas of expertise include advanced preceptorship, formal nurse educator development and advanced critical care education, all aimed at creating opportunities for nursing professionals to grow and succeed. 

Ms. Agosto has served on The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania Board of Directors since 2024. She was included on Modern Healthcare’s 2026 list of Most Influential Clinical Executives and has been named a Hospital and Health System Chief Nursing Officer to Know by Becker’s Healthcare multiple times. 

Ms. Agosto has a Registered Nurse degree from Villanova University and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Saint Joseph’s University.