Carol Ann Gioia
Woodbury,New Jersey
Summary
Results-driven nurse leader known for high productivity and efficient task completion. With specialized skills in operational management, staff development, and regulatory compliance, excel in fast-paced environments requiring attention to detail and critical thinking. Top soft skills include leadership, communication, and adaptability, ensuring seamless surgical department operations and enhanced team performance.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Surgical Services
Main Line Health- Lankenau Medical Center
Wynnewood, PA
01.2023 - Current
- Guided activities of 250 full-time employees while overseeing $47.2M annual budget for a 370-bed acute care facility.
- Directed operational management and strategic vision of Surgical Services and Support Services.
- Facilitated leadership development and operational coordination across Main OR (14), APC (4), and Endoscopy/Bronchoscopy/Pain (6) units.
- Served as campus facilitator for Nursing Excellence initiatives.
- Directed projects aimed at improving operational efficiency, cutting costs, and boosting the quality of patient care.
- Reduced FCOTS by 12%, leading to higher surgeon satisfaction.
- Fostered creation of a growth-focused and accountable team culture.
- Enabled advancement within OR nursing team to Specialty Team Coordinator roles.
- Facilitated on-site specialty certification courses, achieving a 50% pass rate among attendees.
- Orchestrated fiscal planning contributing to effective service outcomes.
- Achieved $24,000 in savings on supplies through the 'Hold-Discontinue Supply' initiative.
- Served on system nursing strategic plan committee facilitating transformation of PAT from campus-based to system-wide call center.
- Managed fiscal activities involving accounting, budgeting, expenditure approvals and report coordination.
- Designed yearly operational budgets for surgical services and assessed performance metrics.
- Provided leadership and direction in the organization, planning, development and implementation of surgical services.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals on service delivery issues.
- Analyzed patient satisfaction survey results from surgery areas and implemented improvement strategies as needed.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
Director of Nursing
Main Line Health- Lankenau Medical Center
Wynnewood, PA
01.2018 - 12.2023
- Directed management of 550 FTEs and $47.2M annual operating budget within a 370-bed acute care facility.
- Delivered strategic guidance for Critical Care, Step-down, Women and Children, NICU, Trauma, and Support Services departments.
- Streamlined strategic initiatives to strengthen teamwork within a group of thirteen nurse leaders and support service professionals.
- Coordinated efforts with multidisciplinary teams to optimize clinical workflows and resource utilization.
- Established comprehensive guidelines to maintain exceptional care standards.
- Created cross-functional ECMO efficiency and effectiveness initiative to support strategic priorities.
- Oversaw inpatient NSI quality and safety committees, including Falls, CAUTI, CLABI, HAPI, and patient experience.
- Led initiatives for improved teamwork and communication in Surgical Services using TeamSTEPPS 2.0.
- Served as Executive Nurse leader representative on the system's Institutional Review Board.
- Executive Nurse Leader; Nurse Innovation Research Council, Professional Nurse Clinical Advancement Program, and Clinical Technician Advancement Program
- Orchestrated a flawless Joint Commission inspection resulting in no red zone issues.
- Honored by AHA Stroke Association for excellence in stroke care with the GWTG Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards to maintain superior patient services.
- Successfully attained Level II Trauma Center status.
- Implemented cost-saving measures through dialysis delay process optimization, generating $100K annually.
- Provided mentorship to MSN and DNP students, fostering advanced nursing expertise.
- Facilitated leadership in launching the Hybrid Nurse Cardiothoracic Nursing initiative.
- Assessed need for additional staff, equipment and services based on historical data and seasonal trends.
- Attended meetings with senior management personnel to provide updates on progress of projects and initiatives being undertaken by the nursing team.
- Reviewed incident reports submitted by nurses related to any adverse events that occurred during their shift.
- Developed and implemented nursing policies and procedures to ensure quality patient care.
- Implemented changes needed to correct deficiencies found during government inspections.
- Facilitated communication between departments within the hospital setting to improve efficiency.
- Conducted performance evaluations for all nursing staff members and made recommendations for improvement when necessary.
- Conducted recruitment and retention activities to develop highly skilled nursing team.
- Analyzed trends in patient care activities such as medication errors or falls within the facility.
- Oversaw explanation of personnel policies and job descriptions as part of nursing employee orientation process.
- Maintained communication and transparency with governing boards, department heads and medical staff.
- Monitored inpatient bed use, facilities and staff to provide optimal use of resources.
- Oversaw the daily operations of the nursing department including staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare providers to coordinate patient care plans.
Director of Perioperative Services
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Oversaw operations in PAT, SPU, and SPCC efficiently.
- Enhanced efficiency by converting clerical staff duties into those of medical assistants during EHR implementation.
- Organized initiatives focused on evaluating and refining SPU workflows for improved patient transitions.
- Designed enhanced onboarding curriculum tailored for SPCC technicians to ensure competence.
- Enhanced team accountability using an advanced scanning method designed for monitoring meal break durations.
- Spearheaded performance improvement measures to cut surgical tray errors by 55%.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall patient care and response times.
- Assessed need for additional staff, equipment and services based on historical data and seasonal trends.
- Oversaw scheduling of surgeries based on availability of personnel, supplies and equipment needed for successful completion of procedures.
Magnet Program Coordinator
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Coordinated ANCC Magnet re-designation application process for the TJUH Enterprise.
- Led development and submission of Magnet applications.
- Guided clinical staff in aligning nursing practices with Magnet standards.
- Facilitated consistent mentoring for frontline leadership within the Shared Governance framework.
- Contributed to the Executive Infection Control Committee and Nurse Quality Indicator Taskforces for CAUTI, CLABSI, C-diff, Falls, Handwashing.
- Developed a digital nurse credential management solution alongside informatics experts using PeopleSoft.
- Integrated ANCC Magnet standards into the development of Jefferson's Nursing Excellence Awards.
- Performed assessment of data to determine the effectiveness of programs, aiding in strategic direction setting.
- Conducted regular program evaluations, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes.
Director Nursing Operations
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Managed operational activities for nursing and support teams in a not-for-profit, 182-bed healthcare facility.
- Implemented strategic planning initiatives for nursing management teams focusing on diverse disciplines including education and patient care support services.
- Facilitated communication of metrics to enhance understanding of clinical outcomes.
- Facilitated adoption of Shared Governance framework aligning with Pathway to Excellence standards.
- Fostered an inclusive atmosphere prioritizing collaboration, professional development, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
- Led project management for initiatives such as ACE unit, device locator system, and bed flow management system.
- Led cross-functional teams to drive project completion within budget and deadlines.
- Coordinated with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with laws and standards.
- Established performance metrics and evaluated staff to promote continuous improvement.
- Directed operations to improve efficiency and increase profit margins.
- Facilitated professional development programs to build a high-performing team.
- Managed budgeting and financial planning processes for the organization.
- Created detailed plans outlining timelines, goals, budgets, staffing needs and other requirements for projects.
Nurse Manager
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Directed team and clinical activities for a 22-bed intensive care unit.
- Oversaw and guided the Respiratory Care Department and inpatient dialysis services.
- Applied NIH evidence-based practice bundles, attaining zero VAP infections over 18 months.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements such as HIPAA and OSHA.
- Monitored staff performance and provided coaching and formal counseling to staff.
- Received and investigated complaints from families, patients and clinical staff, devising solutions to multifaceted challenges.
- Performed personnel interviewing, hiring, disciplinary actions and dismissals.
Research Nurse – Phase I
Wyeth Clinical Pharmacology
Philadelphia, PA
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Assisted in overseeing implementation of investigational drug protocols with volunteers.
- Delivered HIV counseling and admission screening to potential volunteer clients.
- Conducted utilization reviews to ensure compliance and efficiency.
- Ensured compliance with applicable regulations such as HIPAA, GCP and ICH guidelines, FDA rules.
Faculty, Adjunct Nursing and Allied Health Program
Rowan College of NJ
Sewell, NJ
01.2006 - 01.2010
- Employed instructional techniques to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Tracked student performance and adherence to care protocols during clinical rotations.
- Upheld patient safety standards by supervising students during medication administration.
- Promoted team atmosphere, interacting with students and staff with respect and support.
Education Specialist & Staff Development
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
01.2000 - 01.2007
- Designed and implemented educational curriculum to address specific learning needs.
- Aligned policies and procedures with current standards of care in collaboration with leadership.
- Successfully managed 2001 global recruitment initiative, enlisting 90 nursing professionals from Manila.
- Identified professional development needs by creating and presenting teacher surveys.
Staff Nurse
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
01.1988 - 01.2000
- Excelled in acute patient care and time-sensitive decision-making processes.
- Medical Surgical
Education
Doctor of Nursing Practice -
Thomas Jefferson University College of Nursing
Philadelphia, PA01.2018
Master of Science in Nursing -
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ01.2005
Baccalaureate of Nursing -
Widener University
Chester, PA01.2002
Associate Science in Nursing -
Rowan College of New Jersey
Sewell, NJ01.1987
Skills
- Leadership excellence
- Financial operations oversight
- Performance improvement
- Operating plans development
- Excellent communication
- Training and mentoring
- Surgical expertise
- Problem-solving abilities
- Operations management
Affiliations
- Deptford Township Board of Education, Elected BOE member, 2020-2022 (1st term), 2023-2025 (2nd term)
- American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), ACHE member, 2019 - present
- American Organization Nurse Leaders (AONL), AONL member, 2016
- AONL Nurse Leader in Advocacy (NLIA), 2017-2022
- Hospital Association and Health System Association of Pennsylvania, Nurse Advocacy Ambassador
- Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders (PONL), President, 2023 & 2024
- PONL Board Member, 2020
- Legislative Committee Board Member
- Southeastern Pennsylvania membership (SEPONL), Elected SEPONL Board Member, 2020 – 2021
- Co-chair, 2019
- Member at Large, 2016-2019
- Member of Education Subcommittee, 2011-2014
- Sigma Theta Tau- National Honor Society
Honorsandawards
- Jonas Philanthropies, Recipient of Jonas Nurse Leaders Scholars Program Cohort- V, 2015-2018
- Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Recipient of Emerging Nurse Leader Scholarship, 2016
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital- Methodist Division, Nurse Leadership Award
- Professional Practice Council Leadership
Selectedpodiumpresentations
- PONL Annual Conference, Navigating the Workforce, 09/2023
- Main Line Health, Clinical Ethics; Moral Distress and Resilience
- Main Line Health System, Team STEPPS 2.0 Facilitator
- Advance Practice Nurse Symposium, Evaluation of Presurgical Preparation; CHG for Patients Undergoing Elective Spine Surgery, 2018
- TJUH Nurse Residency Program, Business of Healthcare, 2015-2018
References
Available upon request.
Professionallicensureandcertifications
- Pennsylvania, RN, RN-28918OL
- New Jersey, RN, 26NRO7449900
- American Nurses Credentialing Center, Nurse Executive Advance- Board Certified (NEA-BC)
Selectedachievements
- 01/2023, Successfully ensured that organizational values, goals, and objectives were embedded in daily operations, creating a culture of excellence, efficiency, and patient-centered care.
- 01/2023, Led and managed Surgical Services, Critical Care, Step-down, Women and Children, and Support Services, ensuring exceptional patient care and operational excellence.
- 01/2023, Collaborated with medical staff, nursing leadership, and operational leaders to deliver cost-effective, high-quality clinical services, optimizing patient care delivery.
- 01/2023, Improved clinical outcomes, reduced costs, and increased patient satisfaction through effective departmental oversight and strategic initiatives. Led an annual cost-saving of $100,000 for a dialysis patient throughput initiative.
- 01/2023, Developed and implemented policies and procedures to maintain regulatory compliance, patient safety, and quality of care. Recommendations and modifications to medication waste policy.
- 01/2023, Maintained and exceeded the standards of the Patient Satisfaction Initiative Criteria, making Lankenau Medical Center the preferred choice for patients and employees. HCAHPS and Press Ganey survey achieved a > 94% likelihood to recommend in six out of eight (75%) direct report units.
- 01/2023, Achieved and maintained high staff retention rates through effective team leadership, mentorship, and professional development. More than 60% of direct reports achieved Leader Index 1 on the employee engagement survey.
- 01/2023, Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance clinical processes, improve resource allocation, and streamline workflows by increasing OR add-cases by 29% and improving FCOTS by 12% through collaborative initiatives with surgeons and anesthesia.
- 01/2023, Played a pivotal role in developing and maintaining departmental budgets, controlling costs, and allocating resources for optimal service delivery—modification and adjustments made to staffing algorithms to align with budgeted HPPD.
- 01/2023, Fostered collaboration, communication, and relationship-building competencies through strategic planning, shared decision-making, diversity and inclusion efforts, and community involvement.
- 01/2023, Nursing leadership support for a $5 million dollar hybrid OR, including planning, design, construction, and case transition during construction.
Timeline
Director of Surgical Services
Main Line Health- Lankenau Medical Center
01.2023 - Current
Director of Nursing
Main Line Health- Lankenau Medical Center
01.2018 - 12.2023
Director of Perioperative Services
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
01.2017 - 01.2018
Magnet Program Coordinator
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
01.2014 - 01.2017
Director Nursing Operations
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
01.2014 - 01.2017
Nurse Manager
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
01.2014 - 01.2017
Research Nurse – Phase I
Wyeth Clinical Pharmacology
01.2014 - 01.2017
Faculty, Adjunct Nursing and Allied Health Program
Rowan College of NJ
01.2006 - 01.2010
Education Specialist & Staff Development
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
01.2000 - 01.2007
Staff Nurse
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
01.1988 - 01.2000
Doctor of Nursing Practice -
Thomas Jefferson University College of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing -
University of Phoenix
Baccalaureate of Nursing -
Widener University
Associate Science in Nursing -
Rowan College of New Jersey
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