CARMEN RAGUSA
E. Rutherford,NJ
Summary
Clinical operations and quality leader with deep experience in ASC management, infection prevention, and regulatory readiness. Directs QAPI, incident review, credentialing, onboarding, and competency validation to support safe, compliant care. Known for building organized teams and improving daily operations in fast-paced surgical settings.
Overview
1
1
Language
1
1
Certification
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Nursing
Ambulatory Center for Endoscopy
North Bergen, NJ
04.2021 - 04.2026
- Provide executive oversight of daily clinical and business operations for a Medicare-certified, AAAHC-accredited ambulatory GI center and multi-specialty ASC (4 total OR/procedure rooms)
- Ensure continuous compliance with federal, state, and accreditation standards, maintaining 100% survey success across multiple AAAHC and NJDOH inspections
- Led credentialing and re-credentialing for medical staff, ensuring compliance and enhancing team qualifications.
- Oversaw incident reporting, root cause analysis, and performance improvement initiatives as Quality, Risk, and Patient Safety Officer, fostering a culture of safety and accountability.
- Chair and coordinate multidisciplinary committees including QAPI, Infection Control, Peer Review, and Board of Managers
- Direct HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee relations
- Lead orientation programs, staff competency validation, and ongoing clinical education initiatives
- Conducted quality reviews for nursing education and patient instruction practices, promoting best practices and adherence to standards.
- Maintained detailed records of training activities and staff progress against targets.
REGISTERED NURSE / PRE-ADMISSION TESTING & PHASE II RECOVERY
Hudson Regional Hospital
Secaucus, NJ
07.2018 - 03.2021
- Coordinated preoperative preparation for 10-room OR surgical program, enhancing patient readiness and streamlining case flow
- Conducted anesthesia risk assessments, provided patient education, and performed preoperative evaluations to ensure informed consent and safety
- Collaborated with surgeons and multidisciplinary teams to maintain complete and compliant surgical documentation, supporting quality care delivery
- Delivered post-anesthesia care for inpatient and ambulatory surgical patients in Phase II recovery
NURSE EDUCATOR
Principium Health
Lyndhurst, NJ
04.2017 - 07.2018
- Developed and delivered clinical education programs to enhance staff competency and patient care quality
- Developed nurse education programs for Principium Health care teams.
- Trained nurses on patient teaching and clinical documentation standards.
- Led onboarding sessions for new nursing staff at Principium Health.
- Reviewed clinical policies and updated education workflows for consistency.
- Coordinated continuing education with physicians and care managers.
- Supported quality reviews for nursing education and patient instruction practices.
- Conducted orientation sessions for new nurses, providing guidance and support in their transition to the role of nurse educator.
RN CASE MANAGER
Amedisys Hospice
Hackensack, NJ
12.2015 - 04.2017
- Coordinated interdisciplinary care and symptom management while providing family education to enhance care quality
- Managed end-of-life care for patients in home and long-term care settings
- Collaborated with physicians and healthcare providers to ensure seamless coordination of comprehensive patient care
- Monitored patient status and adjusted care plans with hospice team.
- Educated families on symptom control and comfort care to support informed decision-making during end-of-life processes
- Provided patient and family education regarding disease process, symptom management, end-of-life issues, and available resources.
- Supervised ancillary staff and ensured compliance with hospice care standards
DIRECTOR OF NURSING
Ambulatory Center for Endoscopy
North Bergen, NJ
06.2006 - 12.2014
- Led all clinical operations for a high-volume GI endoscopy center
- Directed nursing staff to optimize patient flow and enhance procedural efficiency
- Implemented QAPI, infection control, and patient safety programs to ensure compliance and improve care quality
- Developed policies and procedures to align with regulatory and accreditation standards, ensuring operational integrity
- Managed inventory, equipment, and life safety compliance per NJDOH requirements
- Designed and executed staff education and competency programs
NURSE MANAGER
Countyline Endoscopy & Surgery
North Bergen, NJ
10.2003 - 05.2006
- Managed daily clinical operations, ensuring effective staffing and scheduling to optimize patient throughput
- Oversaw pre-admission testing and insurance verification, streamlining operational workflows for improved patient experience
- Maintained supply chain and inventory controls to ensure consistent availability of medical supplies
Education
Master of Science - Nursing (MSN)
FELICIAN COLLEGE
LODI, NJBachelor of Science - Nursing (BSN)
FELICIAN COLLEGE
LODI, NJAssociate Degree - Nursing (ADN)
FELICIAN COLLEGE
LODI, NJSkills
- Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Operations
- Regulatory Compliance (NJDOH, CMS, AAAHC)
- Accreditation & Survey Readiness
- Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement (QAPI)
- QAPI oversight
- Infection Prevention & Patient Safety
- Infection control
- Clinical operations
- Credentialing management
- Risk management
- Medical staff governance
- Workforce management
- Staff onboarding
- Talent acquisition
- Staff scheduling
- Staff training
- Performance management
- Performance management
Certification
- Registered Nurse – State of New Jersey
- ACLS & BLS Certified
Affiliations
- Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates – Member since 1998
- Ambulatory Surgery Center Association – Active Member since 2022
- Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology – Active Member since 2021
- New Jersey Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers – Active Member since 2021
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Director of Nursing
Ambulatory Center for Endoscopy
04.2021 - 04.2026
REGISTERED NURSE / PRE-ADMISSION TESTING & PHASE II RECOVERY
Hudson Regional Hospital
07.2018 - 03.2021
NURSE EDUCATOR
Principium Health
04.2017 - 07.2018
RN CASE MANAGER
Amedisys Hospice
12.2015 - 04.2017
DIRECTOR OF NURSING
Ambulatory Center for Endoscopy
06.2006 - 12.2014
NURSE MANAGER
Countyline Endoscopy & Surgery
10.2003 - 05.2006
Master of Science - Nursing (MSN)
FELICIAN COLLEGE
Bachelor of Science - Nursing (BSN)
FELICIAN COLLEGE
Associate Degree - Nursing (ADN)
FELICIAN COLLEGE