Cathy Shealy
WEST COLUMBIA,South Carolina
Summary
Experienced healthcare leader with 40 years in surgical services and operating room operations. Skilled in team leadership, staffing coordination, performance management, and process improvement. Known for fostering inclusive team environment, improving operational efficiency, and supporting high quality patient care. Seeking to contribute leadership expertise to a progressive healthcare organization.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
NM General OR Prisma Health Richland
Prisma Health Richland
Columbia, SC
06.2016 - 02.2026
- Led daily operations of a high-volume, multi-specialty operating room department
- Supervised, coached, and developed approximately 80-90 nurses, CST's, and support staff
- Managed departmental productivity and budget performance to support organizational financial goals
- Improved staffing efficiency and reduced reliance on contract labor through strategic recruitment and workforce planning
- Coordinated surgical schedules, staffing assignments, and case flow to support safe nd efficient patient care delivery
- Ensured equipment, instrumentation, and supply readiness in collaboration with sterile processing and surgical teams
- Promoted an inclusive team culture that fostered open communication, collaboration, and professional growth
- Led quality improvement initiatives focused on surgical throughput, achieving turnover time goals of 33 minutes (goal 35 minutes)
- Improved first-case on time start performance to 83%, demonstrating significant improvement from baseline performance of 50%
- Conducted performance evaluations, staff coaching, and professional development planning
- Collaborated with physicians, anesthesia providers, and hospital leadership to improve operational workflow and patient outcomes
Assistant Nurse Manager (ANM)
Prisma Health Richland
Columbia, SC
01.2010 - 03.2016
- Assisted with daily operational oversight of the operating room and supported departmental leadership initiatives
- Coordinated staffing assignments and supported productivity management efforts
- Participated in budget monitoring and operational performance improvement initiatives
- Served as a resource and mentor to clinical staff, supporting orientation and professional development
- Helped facilitate communication between leadership, physicians, and surgical teams to ensure efficient case flow
- Contributed to initiatives focused on improving turnover efficiency and first-case start performance
Staff RN - Operating Room
Prisma Health Richland
Columbia, SC
06.1998 - 12.2009
- Provided direct perioperative nursing care across multiple surgical specialties in a fast-paced environment
- Maintained high standards of patient safety, infection prevention, and regulatory compliance
- Collaborated effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and interdisciplinary team members
- Served as a preceptor and clinical resource for new staff and students
- Demonstrated strong clinical judgment and adaptability in complex surgical situations
Staff RN
Midlands Orthopaedics
Columbia, SC
1988 - 1998
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to treatments.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans.
- Educated patients on post-operative care and rehabilitation strategies.
- Assisted in surgical procedures, ensuring sterile environments and equipment readiness.
Staff RN, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
Richland Memorial Hospital
Columbia, SC
1986 - 1988
- Administered medications and treatments according to physician orders and hospital protocols.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to the healthcare team promptly.
- Assisted in developing patient care plans tailored to individual needs and conditions.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes and streamline care processes.
Staff RN, Operating Room
Baptist Medical Center
Columbia, SC
1984 - 1986
- Administered patient care in high-pressure surgical environments, ensuring safety and compliance with protocols.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to prepare operating rooms, optimizing equipment availability and sterility
- Assisted in the implementation of infection control measures, enhancing patient safety standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain University
04-2016
No Degree - Diploma Registered Nurse
St. Mary's School of Nursing
Huntington, WV05-1984
Skills
- OR operatio/ns
- Staff scheduling and workforce management
- Team leadership and coaching
- Performance evaluations
- Patient safety and Quality Improvement
- Conflict resolution
- Process Improvement
- Budget/Productivity Management
Timeline
NM General OR Prisma Health Richland
Prisma Health Richland
06.2016 - 02.2026
Assistant Nurse Manager (ANM)
Prisma Health Richland
01.2010 - 03.2016
Staff RN - Operating Room
Prisma Health Richland
06.1998 - 12.2009
Staff RN
Midlands Orthopaedics
1988 - 1998
Staff RN, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
Richland Memorial Hospital
1986 - 1988
Staff RN, Operating Room
Baptist Medical Center
1984 - 1986
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain University
No Degree - Diploma Registered Nurse
St. Mary's School of Nursing