Amanda Sandstrom
Cortland,NE
Summary
Strategic perioperative leader with 15+ years of OR leadership experience across multi-campus systems. Expert in surgical operations, workforce planning, block allocation optimization, ERAS implementation, and cross-functional collaboration with surgeons, anesthesia, and perioperative services. Strong record of improving workflow efficiency, strengthening team culture, and elevating quality and patient outcomes through data-driven, relationship-centered leadership.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Nurse Manager – Operating Room
Bryan Medical Center
Lincoln, NE
10.2016 - Current
- Assisted in managing daily operations for high-volume environments. Supported scheduling optimization for block redesign and staffing models. Aided in budget management and coordination between surgeons and anesthesia teams. Helped improve efficiency, safety, and patient flow in perioperative services.
Assistant Nurse Manager – Operating Room
Bryan Medical Center West
Lincoln, NE
06.2015 - 10.2016
- Assisted surgeons and anesthesia teams in identifying case requirements. Supported development of practice standards. Contributed to quality initiatives and throughput improvements. Aided in daily staffing and case management.
Registered Nurse – Operating Room
Bryan Medical Center West
04.2015 - 06.2015
- Circulated for diverse surgical specialties, ensured safe patient care, and coordinated with multidisciplinary teams.
Perioperative Clinical Supervisor
Newman Regional Health
Emporia, KS
07.2012 - 04.2015
- Supervised OR, PACU, SDS, and SPD operations. Managed block schedules, quality projects, staffing, and department committees. Provided clinical support as RN circulator during demand surges.
CDU Clinical Supervisor
Newman Regional Health
Emporia, KS
04.2011 - 07.2012
- Led Clinical Decision Unit operations, outpatient infusions, and wound care. Served as charge RN with strong communication and prioritization capabilities.
Registered Nurse
Shawnee Mission Medical Center
Shawnee, KS
12.2010 - 04.2011
- Provided postpartum, women's health, and post-op care in a high-volume inpatient environment.
Registered Nurse
Kansas City Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center
01.2010 - 01.2010
- Circulated and scrubbed for outpatient dermatologic surgeries and assisted with Mohs procedures.
Registered Nurse – Pediatric OR
Children’s Hospital & Medical Center
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Circulated and scrubbed for pediatric surgeries from outpatient to NICU/PICU acuity; assisted PACU on-call.
Physical Therapy Technician
St. Luke’s South Hospital
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Supported PT/OT/ST teams in an outpatient rehabilitation setting.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Creighton University
Omaha, NE12-2008
Bachelor of Science - Physical Education Emphasis in Athletic Training
Doane University
Crete, NE05-2006
Skills
- OR Operations
- Block Allocation Strategy
- ERAS Implementation
- Budget Oversight
- Workforce Planning
- Surgeon Collaboration
- Throughput Optimization
- Quality & Safety Leadership
- Regulatory Compliance
Affiliations
- Surgical Site Infection Committee Co-Chair
- AORN member
- Kansas Organizational Nurse Leadership Chair
- Unit Based Council RN representative West OR
- St. James Catholic Church member
Timeline
Nurse Manager – Operating Room
Bryan Medical Center
10.2016 - Current
Assistant Nurse Manager – Operating Room
Bryan Medical Center West
06.2015 - 10.2016
Registered Nurse – Operating Room
Bryan Medical Center West
04.2015 - 06.2015
Perioperative Clinical Supervisor
Newman Regional Health
07.2012 - 04.2015
CDU Clinical Supervisor
Newman Regional Health
04.2011 - 07.2012
Registered Nurse
Shawnee Mission Medical Center
12.2010 - 04.2011
Registered Nurse
Kansas City Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center
01.2010 - 01.2010
Registered Nurse – Pediatric OR
Children’s Hospital & Medical Center
01.2009 - 01.2010
Physical Therapy Technician
St. Luke’s South Hospital
01.2006 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Creighton University
Bachelor of Science - Physical Education Emphasis in Athletic Training
Doane University