Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Open To Work

Charlie Richards

Lincoln,NE

Work Preference

Job Search Status

Open to work
Desired start date: Immediately

Desired Job Title

Infection PreventionistDirector of NursingClinical Risk Manager and Quality Assurance CoordinatorHealth Care Facility SurveyorCNA & Medication Aide Instructor

Work Type

Full Time

Location Preference

On-SiteRemoteHybrid
Location: Lincoln, NE, USLincoln, NE
Open to relocation: Yes

Salary Range

45/hr - 1000/hr

Important To Me

Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPaid time offPaid sick leave401k matchTeam Building / Company Retreats

Summary

Experienced healthcare professional with deep expertise in clinical operations, regulatory compliance, and program administration within medical and long-term care settings. Skilled in interpreting and applying federal and state healthcare regulations, developing and implementing policies and procedures, and ensuring adherence to medical program standards. Adept at conducting research, analyzing complex clinical and regulatory information, and translating findings into clear, actionable guidance for staff and providers. Known for strong written communication — including reports, policy statements, and hearing presentations — and for fostering cross-department collaboration to ensure consistent, compliant, and high-quality service delivery. Brings a balanced perspective of frontline clinical experience and administrative insight to improve systems that support patient care and program integrity.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Infection Preventionist

Bryan Health
02.2024 - Current
  • Developed and implemented a new surveillance methodology for hand hygiene compliance, including data tracking tools and trend analysis to support regulatory reporting and program improvement.
  • Research clinical and epidemiological information to determine whether infection criteria were met, ensuring accurate classification and regulatory alignment.
  • Educated clinical and non clinical staff on infection prevention best practices, translating CDC,CMS and state guidelines into clear, actionable training.
  • Presented infection control principles and regulatory expectations during New Employee Orientation, reinforcing organizational adherence to hygiene and safety standards.
  • Prepared data summaries, presentations and reports to communicate surveillance findings to leadership and support policy decision-making.

Director of Nursing

Sanford Health
05.2023 - 01.2024
  • Led nursing staff in delivering high-quality patient care and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Developed and implemented evidence-based protocols to enhance clinical outcomes and improve patient satisfaction.
  • Oversaw budgeting, staffing, and resource allocation for nursing departments, optimizing operational efficiency during staffing shortages and fluctuating patient needs.
  • Mentored and trained nursing leaders, fostering professional development and succession planning initiatives.
  • Completed Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments and developed individualized care plans to ensure accurate reimbursement and adherence to CMS requirements.
  • Supported staff during high-demand periods by coordinating admissions, discharges, patient education, and interdisciplinary communication with healthcare providers.
  • Lead infection prevention initiatives, including surveillance, staff education, and policy updates aligned with CMS guidelines.
  • Presented clinical and regulatory information to staff, leadership and interdisciplinary teams to ensure uniform understanding of standards and expectations.

Clinical Risk Manager and Quality Assurance Coordinator

Nebraska, Veterans Affair
01.2021 - 04.2023
  • Reviewed and interpreted Veterans Affairs and state regulations to ensure compliance across four state veterans homes.
  • Analyzed medical records, incident reports, APS reports, and RCA findings to determine whether clinical and regulatory criteria were met.
  • Developed, implemented, and evaluated policies and procedures to align with Veterans affairs, state law and agency requirements.
  • Wrote formal reports, summaries, and regulatory documentation used for decision-making and program oversight.
  • Coordinated uniform application of program regulations across multiple facilities through training, audits, and mock surveys.
  • Collaborated directly with QAPI teams at all four state veterans homes to analyze performance and drive targeted care-plan improvements.
  • Supported legionella and norovirus outbreaks response by supplying surveillance data, guidance, and regulatory resources.
  • Lead a project to improve EHR documentation by understanding systems programming and working with IT to make changes and improve Key Performance Indicators.
  • Directed a DMAIC initiative to standardize the international Dysphagia Diet, partnering with Quality Excellence and leveraging Lean Six Sigma training to strengthen clinical consistency.

Health Care Facility Surveyor

State of Nebraska
01.2019 - 01.2021
  • Conducted investigations into abuse, neglect, and regulatory non-compliance, analyzing evidence to determine whether criteria were met.
  • Wrote detailed survey reports, deficiency statements, and regulatory findings using CMS Principles of Documentation.
  • Interpreted policy and regulatory requirements for facility leadership and staff to ensure consistent application of the standards.
  • Presented findings and regulatory positions during exit conferences and formal review process.
  • Reviewed and applied federal regulations and state statutes during surveys of licensed and CMS-certified facilities.

CNA & Medication Aide Instructor

Nebraska Health Care Association
01.2018 - 01.2019
  • Instructed CNA and Medication Aide students in state-approved curricula, ensuring all training met federal and state regulatory requirements.
  • Instructed foundational nursing skills, medication administration principles, infection prevention practices, and documentation standards to equip students for safe, compliant clinical practice.
  • Reviewed student competencies utilizing skills validation assessments and clinical performance observations to guarantee readiness for state certification testing.
  • Formulated lesson plans, skills checklists, and educational materials adhering to state testing standards and facility policies.
  • Outlined detailed instructions regarding scope of practice, resident rights, and regulatory requirements to support compliant care delivery.

CNA & Medication Aide Instructor

Southeast Community College
06.2016 - 01.2019
  • Collaborated with SCC leadership and clinical partners to ensure training content aligned with facility policies, quality initiatives.
  • Delivered classroom and skills-lab instructions for CNA and Medication Aide students, ensuring all teaching aligned with Nebraska DHHS training standards.
  • Evaluated student performance through structured skills check-offs, written exams and clinical observations,. providing individualized feedback to support successful completion of the course and passing of state examination.
  • Designed and updated lesson plans, demonstrations, and competency assessments to support student mastery of foundational nursing skills and safe medication administration.

Registered Nurse -Burn Unit

Catholic Health Initiatives, St. Elizabeth's Hospital
08.2015 - 01.2016
  • Provided specialized care to patients with acute and complex burn injuries, including wound assessment, dressing changes, pain management, and fluid resuscitation.
  • Monitored patients for signs of infection, sepsis, and complications, escalating concerns and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure timely interventions.
  • Educated patients and families on wound care, infection prevention, scar management, and long-term recovery expectations.
  • Assisted with debridement procedures, graft care, and postoperative monitoring, ensuring adherence to evidence-based burn treatment protocols.
  • Supported high-acuity workflows by prioritizing patient needs, responding to rapid changes in conditions, and maintaining a calm, organized environment during critical situations.

General Assistance Registered Nurse

Lincoln Lancaster County, Department
07.2014 - 08.2015
  • Coordinated with community agencies, healthcare providers, and social service partners to support client needs and streamline service delivery.
  • Supported departmental workflow by managing high-volume caseloads, prioritizing urgent needs, and maintaining consistent communication with clients and team members.
  • Assisted public immunization and Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) clinics by managing intake, ensuring accurate documentation, and supporting safe, efficient vaccine delivery.

Medical Supervisor/ Center Medical Specialist, Designated Trainer

Plasma
10.2010 - 07.2014
  • Performed donor eligibility assessments, including medical history, vital signs, and physical evaluations, ensuring compliance with FDA, cGMP and organizational standards.
  • Educated donors on the plasmapheresis process, post-donation care, and health considerations to promote safety and retention.
  • Assisted with staff training on donor screening, safety protocols, and documentation standards to support consistent, compliant operations.
  • Managed donor adverse reactions and medical emergencies, provided immediate care and contacting EMS for advanced support when required.
  • Completed highly detailed documentation aligned with plasma-industry standards and complex SOP workflows, ensuring data integrity and regulatory compliance.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Capella University
Minneapolis, MN
12-2023

No Degree -

SMQT Certification
Omaha, NE
08-2019

Associate of Science - Nursing

Southeast Community College Area
Lincoln, NE
03-2014

Licensed Practical Nurse -

Central Community College
Columbus, NE
05-2010

Skills

  • Standards of Care training and real-time staff coaching
  • Surveillance strategies and environmental hygiene oversight
  • Record review and regulatory compliance
  • Root cause identification and solutions mapping
  • Public education and staff training
  • Active listening and clear professional communication
  • Microsoft Outlook and administrative coordination
  • Clinical documentation review utilizing electronic health records

Timeline

Infection Preventionist

Bryan Health
02.2024 - Current

Director of Nursing

Sanford Health
05.2023 - 01.2024

Clinical Risk Manager and Quality Assurance Coordinator

Nebraska, Veterans Affair
01.2021 - 04.2023

Health Care Facility Surveyor

State of Nebraska
01.2019 - 01.2021

CNA & Medication Aide Instructor

Nebraska Health Care Association
01.2018 - 01.2019

CNA & Medication Aide Instructor

Southeast Community College
06.2016 - 01.2019

Registered Nurse -Burn Unit

Catholic Health Initiatives, St. Elizabeth's Hospital
08.2015 - 01.2016

General Assistance Registered Nurse

Lincoln Lancaster County, Department
07.2014 - 08.2015

Medical Supervisor/ Center Medical Specialist, Designated Trainer

Plasma
10.2010 - 07.2014

Associate of Science - Nursing

Southeast Community College Area

Licensed Practical Nurse -

Central Community College

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Capella University

No Degree -

SMQT Certification

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Charlie Richards