Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Brenda Hovanec

Eastford,CT

Summary

Accomplished Director of Nursing with over a decade of of experience as innovative leader with a strong work ethic. Expert in regulatory compliance and quality assurance, significantly enhancing patient care standards. Skilled in team building, motivating staff towards excellence, and adept in clinical operations management.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Nursing

Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation
04.2024 - 08.2024
  • Oversees the nursing team and overall nursing operation/budget for 180-bed skilled nursing facility
  • Responsible for ensuring our person-centered care meets or exceeds federal and state guidelines
  • Collaborates with team members, interdisciplinary teams, and external groups to coordinate resident care.
  • Performs rounds to observe care and interview team members, residents and families.
  • Establishes new policies and updated existing policies to improve standard of care for residents.
  • Develops positive team member relations, incentives and recognition programs to promote teamwork and mutual respect.
  • Continue to enhance use of PCC to improve work flow, standardization of documentation, track data, and use in quality assurance process improvement (QAPI).
  • Oversees two specialty areas within the skilled nursing facility: rehabilitative nursing care and memory support.
  • Leads the nursing team through good Department of Health survey history including the last yearly survey in June of 2022, with two deficiencies.
  • CMS star rating maintains an overall 5 Star rating.
  • Conducted regular risk assessments within the department to identify areas of potential vulnerability and implement corrective actions where necessary.
  • Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.

Regional Director of Nurses

Athena Healthcare
05.2023 - 04.2024
  • Led the nursing teams and managed the overall nursing budget for 3 skilled care facilities over a year span:

Evergreen Health and Rehab

Stafford Springs, CT

2023-2024

180 bed LTC facility

Monotowese Health and Rehab

North Haven, CT

2023-2024

120 bed LTC facility

Valerie Manor

Torrington, CT

2023-2024

151 bed LTC facility

  • Visited sites periodically to view service levels and adherence to Connecticut CMS standards.
  • Collaborated with staff, management and external groups to coordinate patient care.
  • Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents and families.
  • Established new policies and updated existing policies to improve standard of care for patients.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes and resident complaints or concerns.
  • Overseeing the hiring and development of nursing team members.
  • Strong communication skills with residents, families, and physicians as needed.
  • Responsible for ensuring resident care meets or exceeds federal and state guidelines.
  • Good Department of Health survey history including several deficiency-free complaint surveys.
  • Monitored staff performance by actively engaging in and observing day-to-day activities.
  • Motivated employees through effective communication, recognition programs, and tailored incentive structures that aligned with corporate objectives.

Director of Nurses

Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation Center
06.2021 - 05.2023
  • Oversees the nursing team and overall nursing operation/budget for 180-bed skilled nursing facility
  • Responsible for ensuring our person-centered care meets or exceeds federal and state guidelines
  • Collaborates with team members, interdisciplinary teams, and external groups to coordinate resident care.
  • Performs rounds to observe care and interview team members, residents and families.
  • Establishes new policies and updated existing policies to improve standard of care for residents.
  • Develops positive team member relations, incentives and recognition programs to promote teamwork and mutual respect.
  • Oversees two specialty areas within the skilled nursing facility: rehabilitative nursing care and memory support.
  • Leads the nursing team through good Department of Health survey history including the last yearly survey in June of 2022, with two deficiencies.
  • Conducted regular risk assessments within the department to identify areas of potential vulnerability and implement corrective actions where necessary.
  • Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
  • Championed quality improvement initiatives, driving continuous advancements in patient care standards.
  • Established key performance indicators to measure nursing team success and identify areas for improvement.

RN Supervisor and Charge Nurse

Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation
05.2012 - 05.2021
  • Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action on a 90-bed LTC facility.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options, prior to discharge.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
  • Managed care from admission to discharge.
  • Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
  • Oversaw delivery of care for patients on subacute unit, providing direct care, delegating nursing assignments, and supervising team comprised of nurses, LPNs, nursing assistants, and unit clerks.

Head Camp Nurse

Camp Laurel
05.2014 - 09.2014
  • Promoted a culture of wellness among campers through engaging activities focused on physical fitness and nutrition education.
  • Assisted in developing health policies and procedures that aligned with state regulations and best practices in pediatric care.
  • Served as a reliable resource for parents seeking information about vaccinations or other pre-camp requirements.
  • Attended regular staff meetings to discuss camper wellbeing and offer recommendations for improvements when necessary.
  • Provided emergency first aid to injured campers swiftly, minimizing further complications or harm.
  • Increased parental satisfaction by maintaining open communication regarding camper health concerns and updates.
  • Managed sensitive situations involving homesickness or mental health concerns with empathy and professionalism.
  • Facilitated training sessions on basic first aid for camp staff, empowering them to respond effectively during emergencies.
  • Administered medications to campers accurately, ensuring proper dosage and adherence to schedules.

Director of Nurses

Regency Heights of Windham
11.2010 - 05.2012
  • Worked closely with the State of Connecticut under the 5 year plan of correction.
  • Responsible for the management of a 124-bed facility, specializing in rehab, sub acute, dementia, and clinically complex patients.
  • Implementation and monitoring of all patient care, clinical systems, development and education of policies and procedures.
  • Launched new programs targeting specific health concerns within the community, improving overall population health outcomes.
  • Championed quality improvement initiatives, driving continuous advancements in patient care standards.
  • Established key performance indicators to measure nursing team success and identify areas for improvement.
  • Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by conducting thorough audits and making necessary improvements.
  • Improved patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and developing comprehensive care plans.
  • Evaluated existing policies and procedures regularly to adapt them according to changing medical regulations.
  • Reduced hospital readmission rates by implementing robust discharge planning processes and patient education initiatives.

Director of Nursing

Regency Hieghts of Norwich
02.2010 - 11.2010
  • Responsible for the development and implementation of a 5 year Plan of Correction.
  • Quarterly reviews with the State of Connecticut with relation to the Plan of Correction.
  • Responsible for the management of a 112-bed facility, specializing in rehab, sub acute, dementia, and clinically complex patients.
  • Developed positive employee relations, incentives, and recognition programs to promote teamwork and mutual respect.
  • Built and maintained positive working relationships with physicians and staff to support seamless healthcare operations.
  • Reduced hospital readmission rates through effective discharge planning and patient education.
  • Conducted regular risk assessments within the department to identify areas of potential vulnerability and implement corrective actions where necessary.
  • Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients with complex needs.
  • Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents, and families.
  • Worked closely administration to develop and implement best practices to improve patient outcomes.

Assistant DON/ Interim DON

Regency Heights of Danielson
06.2009 - 02.2010

Responsible for the management of a 190 bed facility specializing in Rehab, sub acute, dementia, and long term patient care.

  • Improved patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and protocols.
  • Established new policies and updated existing policies to improve standard of care for patients.
  • Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
  • Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents, and families.
  • Developed positive employee relations, incentives, and recognition programs to promote teamwork and mutual respect.
  • Reviewed all Accident and injury reports
  • Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing overall service delivery within the facility.
  • Ensured adherence to safety guidelines for both patients and staff members during all aspects of clinical operations.

Assistant Director of Nursing

Regency Heights of Danielson
05.2008 - 06.2009
  • Oversee clinical operations of the Nursing Department.
  • Provide reports and recommendations as needed/ required for the Director of Nurses concerning the operations of nursing.
  • Assisted the Director of Nurses in the development, implementation, and evaluation of facility policies, procedures and guidelines on an on going basis.
  • Developed positive employee relations, incentives, and recognition programs to promote teamwork and mutual respect.
  • Improved patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and protocols.
  • Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
  • Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents, and families.
  • Coordinated with physicians on complex cases, ensuring seamless communication among healthcare professionals involved in patient care.
  • Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing overall service delivery within the facility.

Unit Manager Acute Rehab

Regency Heights of Danielson
11.2007 - 05.2008
  • Mentored new hires during orientation periods for seamless integration into the team while maintaining high-quality patient care standards.
  • Assisted in development and implementation of policies, procedures, and regulations for unit operations.
  • Contributed to hospital-wide quality improvement initiatives by identifying areas of opportunity within the unit and implementing best practices.
  • Developed strong working relationships with physicians, nurses, therapists, and ancillary staff for cohesive unit functioning.
  • Coordinated discharge planning processes effectively to ensure a seamless transition for patients from the hospital to their next level of care.
  • Reduced medication errors by diligently overseeing the administration of medications to patients.
  • Facilitated interdepartmental collaboration through effective communication and coordination of patient care plans.
  • Promoted patient independence by establishing patient care goals and taught and counseled patients, friends and family about medications and self-care skills.
  • Handled complaints from patients and families and immediately took steps for quick resolution and to prevent reoccurrence.
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly for professional growth opportunities, accountability measures, and feedback-driven improvement strategies.

Day Shift Supervisor

Village Manor Health Care
04.1998 - 11.2007
  • Improved day-to-day operations for smooth workflow by closely monitoring employee performance and providing constructive feedback.
  • Evaluated employee performance periodically, identifying strengths and areas for improvement while providing actionable feedback for growth opportunities.
  • Coordinated with other departments for resource allocation, scheduling adjustments, or joint project initiatives to ensure efficient inter-departmental collaboration and harmonious work environment.
  • Supported upper management in strategic decision-making by providing relevant data analysis, insights, and recommendations from daily operations perspective.
  • Successfully managed emergency situations or unforeseen challenges, providing decisive leadership and effective problem-solving strategies to overcome obstacles and maintain productivity levels.
  • Acted as a liaison between day shift employees and upper management, facilitating open communication channels for addressing concerns, suggestions, or grievances in a timely manner.
  • Collaborated with other supervisors to implement cross-training initiatives, increasing workforce flexibility and versatility.
  • Trained new employees and delegated daily tasks and responsibilities.
  • Prepared shift summary reports for supervisor and communicated regularly on goals and progress.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing-Gerontological Nurse Specialist

University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT
05.1997

Skills

  • Long-Term Care
  • Innovative Leadership skills- 10 years in DON role
  • Team Building-Motivating Teams
  • Expert knowledge in Regulatory and Statutory Compliance: CMS and CT State Regulations
  • Use of Electronic Medical Records-Point Click Care
  • Acute Rehabilitation
  • Memory Support
  • Quality Assurance Improvement process (QAPI)
  • Clinical Operations Management
  • Critical Thinking
  • Strong Work Ethic
  • Clinical Documentation

Timeline

Director of Nursing

Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation
04.2024 - 08.2024

Regional Director of Nurses

Athena Healthcare
05.2023 - 04.2024

Director of Nurses

Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation Center
06.2021 - 05.2023

Head Camp Nurse

Camp Laurel
05.2014 - 09.2014

RN Supervisor and Charge Nurse

Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation
05.2012 - 05.2021

Director of Nurses

Regency Heights of Windham
11.2010 - 05.2012

Director of Nursing

Regency Hieghts of Norwich
02.2010 - 11.2010

Assistant DON/ Interim DON

Regency Heights of Danielson
06.2009 - 02.2010

Assistant Director of Nursing

Regency Heights of Danielson
05.2008 - 06.2009

Unit Manager Acute Rehab

Regency Heights of Danielson
11.2007 - 05.2008

Day Shift Supervisor

Village Manor Health Care
04.1998 - 11.2007

Bachelor of Science - Nursing-Gerontological Nurse Specialist

University of Connecticut
Brenda Hovanec