Andrea Vaughan MHA, RN
Avondale,Arizona
Summary
Spearheaded nursing operations and led multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care delivery. Healthcare professional committed to nursing leadership with track record of improving patient outcomes and staff performance. Known for enhancing operational efficiencies and implementing best practices. Reliable team collaborator focused on achieving results and adapting to evolving healthcare needs.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Intake RN
Copper Springs
Avondale, AZ
04.2025 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive medical and psychiatric evaluations for new patients.
- Manage crisis situations, including substance abuse and suicidal ideation.
- Collaborate effectively with medical providers and interdisciplinary teams.
- Maintain accurate and detailed patient documentation.
Triage RN
Community Bridges
Arizona
01.2022 - 12.2024
- Assessed patient referrals from hospitals and emergency departments across metropolitan Phoenix and Arizona for appropriate placement.
- Managed behavioral health crises, including substance abuse and suicidal ideation interventions.
- Coordinated placement of Serious Mental Illness (SMI) patients into Community Bridges facilities.
- Facilitated medical clearance assessments and collaborated with local pharmacies.
- Worked closely with interdisciplinary teams to address patient needs and ensure seamless care transitions.
- Maintained detailed documentation and communicated critical patient information to facilities.
Director of Nursing
Aurora Behavioral Health
Glendale, AZ
07.2019 - 09.2021
- Oversaw nursing operations at a 100-bed inpatient psychiatric, chemical dependency, and detox facility.
- Served as a core member of the executive management team, integrating nursing services into overall healthcare operations.
- Led quality improvement initiatives, including audits, incident reviews, and system evaluations.
- Managed recruitment, orientation, performance reviews, and professional development of nursing staff.
- Directed fiscal operations, ensuring budget compliance and cost-effective care delivery.
- Provided clinical supervision in psychiatric nursing and maintained direct communication with referral sources and families.
Interim Director of Nursing / Director of Risk Management
Canyon Vista Recovery Center
Mesa, AZ
06.2018 - 07.2019
- Oversaw daily operations of a 30-bed residential substance abuse treatment center, managing nursing and behavioral health teams.
- Designed patient care programs and optimized staffing schedules.
- Led expansion efforts, adding 20 additional inpatient beds while securing insurance contracts.
- Developed policies, conducted staff training, and ensured compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Spearheaded quality improvement and risk management initiatives, enhancing patient outcomes.
Psychiatric RN
Merit Health
MS
09.2015 - 09.2017
- Conducted patient assessments for self-harm and suicide risk.
- Managed crisis interventions, medication education, and group facilitation.
Nurse Manager
Merit Health
MS
11.2014 - 09.2015
- Oversaw daily operations of a 47-bed acute psychiatric unit.
- Directed a team of 48 employees, ensuring effective staffing and retention strategies.
- Led multidisciplinary team collaborations and facilitated staff training.
Director of Nursing
Windsor Healthcare
Phoenix, AZ
09.2013 - 11.2014
- Managed a 60-bed skilled nursing/psychiatric unit and a 40-bed assisted living unit.
- Supervised 60+ employees, optimized staffing schedules, and led quality improvement efforts.
Director of Nursing
Remuda Ranch Eating Disorder Treatment Center
Wickenburg, AZ
09.2012 - 09.2013
- Directed inpatient and residential care operations, supervising 50+ staff.
- Managed nursing budgets, controlled overtime, and led competency-based staff training programs.
- Enhanced patient care processes through performance improvement initiatives.
Nurse Manager
Remuda Ranch Eating Disorder Treatment Center
Wickenburg, AZ
11.2011 - 09.2012
- Oversaw daily operations of the residential treatment center, supervising 40+ staff.
- Recruited and retained nursing personnel while ensuring high-quality patient care.
RN House Supervisor (NOC Shift)
Quail Run Behavioral Health
Phoenix, AZ
06.2010 - 11.2011
- Provided oversight of facility operations during nighttime shifts.
- Managed patient care, staffing coordination, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Supervised nursing staff and behavioral health technicians to ensure optimal patient care.
- Conducted documentation audits and tracked quality improvement measures.
Director of Nursing
The Meadows Addiction Treatment Center
Wickenburg, AZ
06.2010 - 11.2011
- Led nursing operations at an 82-bed addiction treatment facility.
- Supervised nursing staff, managed disciplinary actions, and contributed to policy development.
Education
Master of Healthcare Administration - undefined
Bellevue University
08.2017
Bachelor of Science - undefined
Bellevue University
08.2008
Applied Science of Nursing - undefined
Mesa Community College
12.2001
Skills
- Oversaw staff management and leadership to enhance team performance Led organizational and strategic planning efforts to align with healthcare objectives Championed adherence to healthcare compliance and regulatory standards Guided psychiatric and mental health initiatives to improve patient outcomes Directed staff training and recruitment processes to build a skilled workforce Managed electronic health records systems to optimize data accuracy Drove quality assurance and risk management strategies to mitigate potential issues Cultivated effective communication and interpersonal skills across teams
- HIPAA compliance
- Clinical judgment
- Compassionate care
- Teamwork and collaboration
Certification
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
- Therapeutic Options
- Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance
Timeline
Intake RN
Copper Springs
04.2025 - Current
Triage RN
Community Bridges
01.2022 - 12.2024
Director of Nursing
Aurora Behavioral Health
07.2019 - 09.2021
Interim Director of Nursing / Director of Risk Management
Canyon Vista Recovery Center
06.2018 - 07.2019
Psychiatric RN
Merit Health
09.2015 - 09.2017
Nurse Manager
Merit Health
11.2014 - 09.2015
Director of Nursing
Windsor Healthcare
09.2013 - 11.2014
Director of Nursing
Remuda Ranch Eating Disorder Treatment Center
09.2012 - 09.2013
Nurse Manager
Remuda Ranch Eating Disorder Treatment Center
11.2011 - 09.2012
RN House Supervisor (NOC Shift)
Quail Run Behavioral Health
06.2010 - 11.2011
Director of Nursing
The Meadows Addiction Treatment Center
06.2010 - 11.2011
Master of Healthcare Administration - undefined
Bellevue University
Bachelor of Science - undefined
Bellevue University
Applied Science of Nursing - undefined
Mesa Community College