Amanda Douglas
Loveland,CO
Summary
Transformational perioperative leader with 15 years of operating room experience, including 6 years as Charge RN and 5+ years as Operating Room Manager at Poudre Valley Hospital. Known for operational excellence, high-reliability leadership, and the ability to guide teams through complex construction, shutdowns, safety events, and major workflow redesigns without compromising patient safety. Recognized for improving First Case On-Time Starts from 23% to 53%, reducing regulated medical waste by 35%, and leading multimillion-dollar operational transitions including OR shutdowns, GI Lab relocation, and hybrid vascular OR development. Highly respected for calm, solutions-driven leadership, strong interdisciplinary relationships, and a deep commitment to staff development and patient-first care.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operating Room Manager
Poudre Valley Hospital
Fort Collins, CO
05.2021 - Current
- Lead all clinical, operational, and administrative functions for a high-volume, 13-room operating room. Oversee staffing, productivity, safety, construction planning, and surgeon relations while ensuring high-quality patient care and efficient surgical throughput.
- Major Accomplishments & Leadership Impact
- Operational Excellence & Efficiency
- Improved First Case On-Time Starts from 23% to 53%, significantly enhancing surgical flow and patient care.
- Reduced red-bag regulated medical waste by 35%, saving the system $8,000/month through education, rounding, and staff engagement.
- Led suture wall reorganization, reducing par levels and removing low-use items, saving $14,479.32.
- Decreased HA bins and redesigned supply access workflows, eliminating elevator delays and improving efficiency.
- Revamped room stock in ORs 1–2 and 5–7, improving standardization and staff satisfaction.
- Successfully implemented Pyxis A-station rollout, improving medication and supply access.
- Streamlined Dilation & Evacuation (D&E) workflows over a sustained 20-week improvement effort.
- Construction, Shutdowns & System-Level Coordination
- Managed multiple OR shutdowns for fire system upgrades, air handler replacements, and birthing center moves—all completed without compromising patient safety.
- Coordinated complex communication and planning with Facilities, Clinical Engineering, SPD, PACU, OB, and regional leadership.
- Led full OR revamps of ORs 1, 2, 5, 12, 4, and 3, ensuring safe transitions, equipment relocation, and workflow continuity.
- Oversaw the build-out of OR 11 and OR 14, with OR 14 becoming a hybrid vascular OR, requiring advanced planning, equipment integration, and multidisciplinary coordination.
- Played a central role in the hospital’s master plan OR construction, ensuring minimal disruption and alignment with long-term institutional goals.
- Workflow Redesign & Service Line Support
- Successfully relocated the GI Lab upstairs, coordinating planning, education, and operational transition.
- Supported onboarding of multiple surgeons, ensuring seamless integration into OR workflows.
- Led CPT code review, scheduling support, and specialty coordinator guidance to improve accuracy and efficiency.
- Safety, Quality & Regulatory Leadership
- Led the team through a wrong-site surgery event and subsequent RCA, reinforcing expectations with compassion and clarity.
- Achieved minimal infractions during Joint Commission survey through preparedness meetings, audits, and staff education.
- Strengthened timeout, debrief, and face-to-face handoff processes (signage, education, audits).
- Launched the Safe Surgery Initiative following RCA learnings.
- Staff Development, Retention & Culture
- Retained 5 new nurses and 1 tech in the 2023–2024 season through a robust orientation model involving charge RNs, specialty coordinators, and educators.
- Mentored two nurses who achieved Level III and supported two RNs in achieving CNOR certification.
- Mentored an MCR leader (Fawn) through weekly and monthly leadership development sessions.
- Revamped specialty coordinator structure, redistributing service lines to improve workload balance.
- Led difficult HR conversations, including first termination, with positive feedback from HR and clinical leadership.
- Launched the Unit-Based Council (UBC) and strengthened shared governance.
- Increased Nurse Practice Council awareness and participation.
- Leadership Presence & Professional Growth
- Participated in regional Mock Mass Casualty Event, bringing three staff members for hands-on experience.
- Ensured all staff—including night shift—completed robotic surgery training with two hands-on sessions each.
- Read leadership books No Ego and Leadership Treasure to support personal growth.
- Recognized by peers and leaders for calm, kind, solutions-driven leadership and strong relationships with Facilities, CE, SPD, PACU, OB, and regional managers.
Registered Nurse – Operating Room, Charge RN (Days)
Poudre Valley Hospital
Fort Collins, CO
04.2016 - 03.2021
- Directed daily operations of a 13-room OR, managing staffing, assignments, and case flow.
- Led through the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting staff through rapid change while maintaining operational continuity.
- Ensured accurate documentation for implants, supplies, and revenue capture.
- Conducted annual evaluations and maintained coaching documentation.
- Oversaw staff education, competency development, and equipment readiness.
Registered Nurse – Operating Room
Poudre Valley Hospital
Fort Collins, CO
02.2007 - 04.2016
- Scrubbed and circulated laparoscopic, open, robotic, and orthopedic cases.
- Participated in a Rapid Improvement Event (RIE) that significantly reduced turnover times; presented at national AORN conference.
- Collaborated with OR, PACU/SAC, anesthesia, and surgeons to improve workflow.
Registered Nurse – Orthopedic Unit
Poudre Valley Hospital
Fort Collins, CO
01.2005 - 02.2007
- Provided post-operative care, patient education, and discharge planning.
- Served as evening charge nurse, coordinating unit operations and staffing.
- Took patient vital signs, prepared and administered medications at physician direction and monitored patient symptoms and comfortability.
- Educated patients and caregivers on nature of diagnosis and specifics of treatment plans.
Education
Master of Science in Nursing - Leadership & Management
Western Governors University
Utah 05-2026
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
Western Governors University
Utah01-2019
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Front Range Community College
Fort Collins, CO01-2005
Skills
- High-Reliability Safety Culture
- Construction & Shutdown Planning
- Staff Development & Retention
- Productivity & Resource Optimization
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration (Facilities, CE, SPD, PACU, OB, Regional Leaders)
- Waste Reduction & Cost Savings
- Regulatory Readiness (Joint Commission)
- Workflow Redesign & Efficiency Improvement
- Conflict Resolution & HR Leadership
- Policy and procedure development
- Regulatory compliance
- Continuous process improvement
- Interpersonal relationship building
- Excellent communication
Affiliations
- Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) – Member
- UEXCEL Board Member (Since 2020)
Certification
Basic Life Support (AHA)
Timeline
Operating Room Manager
Poudre Valley Hospital
05.2021 - Current
Registered Nurse – Operating Room, Charge RN (Days)
Poudre Valley Hospital
04.2016 - 03.2021
Registered Nurse – Operating Room
Poudre Valley Hospital
02.2007 - 04.2016
Registered Nurse – Orthopedic Unit
Poudre Valley Hospital
01.2005 - 02.2007
Master of Science in Nursing - Leadership & Management
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
Western Governors University
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Front Range Community College