Candace Pena
Burleson,TX
Summary
Dedicated to promoting quality patient care and satisfaction and offering experience in nursing and healthcare administration. Possesses proven track record of developing and implementing comprehensive nursing policies, providing excellent leadership and mentoring, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Director of Nursing Operations
ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital Of Mansfield
04.2023 - Current
- Enhanced staff performance by conducting regular evaluations, providing constructive feedback, and offering tailored professional development opportunities.
- Monitored and inspected staff processes to eliminate hazards posed for both patients and staff while ensuring continuous compliance with regulations.
- Implemented interdisciplinary rounding practices to streamline communication among healthcare providers involved in patient care.
- Facilitated continuing education and training programs to drive staff competency and professional development.
Director of Nursing Operations
ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital Of Weatherford
02.2020 - 04.2023
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
- Streamlined nursing operations by optimizing staffing schedules, resource allocation, and workflow processes.
- Promoted a culture of safety by enforcing compliance with infection control policies and procedures.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
- Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, patients, and families.
- Served as a liaison between nursing leadership, hospital administration, medical staff, allied health professionals, patients, families, and other stakeholders to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
- Collaborated with staff, management, and external groups to coordinate patient care.
- Identified department issues to recommend corrective actions.
- Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and patient complaints or concerns.
RN, Emergency Department
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital
06.2013 - 08.2015
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Maintained a safe environment for patients and staff by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Contributed to continuous quality improvement initiatives by participating in departmental meetings, conducting chart reviews, and identifying areas for improvement in patient care processes.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
RN, Telemetry
Plaza Medical Center
02.2011 - 05.2013
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Supported critical decision-making by participating in daily rounds with physicians, discussing patient progress and adjusting treatment plans as needed.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Collaboration with nursing and leadership to create and initiate preceptor program.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT03.2023
Associate of Science - Nursing
Tarrant County College District
Fort Worth, TX12.2010
Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Risk Mitigation
- Clinical Resources Management
- Medicare Compliance
- Drug utilization review
- Policies Compliance Enforcement
- Staff Management
- Process Improvement
- Professional Development
- HIPAA Guidelines
- Employee Work Scheduling
- Quality Improvement
Additional Information
I would like to further continue my education and obtain either a MSN in Leadership or MHA degree. However, with my current position, finding time to return to school has been difficult. While there is a gap in my work history, I wanted to focus on the nursing positions that are more in line with position applying for. During this gap, I worked in marketing for rehab hospitals. While I used my nursing knowledge, it was not with direct patient care.
Timeline
Area Director of Nursing Operations
ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital Of Mansfield
04.2023 - Current
Director of Nursing Operations
ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital Of Weatherford
02.2020 - 04.2023
RN, Emergency Department
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital
06.2013 - 08.2015
RN, Telemetry
Plaza Medical Center
02.2011 - 05.2013
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Governors University
Associate of Science - Nursing
Tarrant County College District
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