Connie Gonzales
LUBBOCK,TX
Summary
Dynamic nursing leader with extensive experience at Covenant Health, excelling in process development and operational excellence. Proven track record in resource allocation and budget management, driving quality assurance initiatives. Adept at fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and optimizing patient care, while demonstrating strong problem-solving skills in high-pressure environments.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Executive Director of Nursing
Covenant Health
02.2025 - Current
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance organizational growth and operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented policies to improve service delivery and stakeholder engagement.
- Directed cross-functional teams to achieve alignment with organizational goals.
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders to drive collaborative opportunities.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring financial sustainability and resource allocation.
- Analyzed industry trends to inform strategic planning and decision-making processes.
- Mentored executive leadership team, fostering professional development and succession planning.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Guided staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
Director of Nursing Perioperative Services
Covenant Health
05.2020 - 02.2025
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Successfully negotiated client contract renewals to create increased revenue.
- Optimized operational processes using analytics tools to address client-specific metrics.
- Led nursing teams to enhance patient care quality and operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address complex patient needs effectively.
- Managed budgets and resources, optimizing staffing levels for improved service delivery.
- Spearheaded initiatives focused on patient safety, reducing incident reports significantly.
- Evaluated nursing programs, driving continuous improvement through data analysis and feedback.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by staying current on industry standards and updating policies accordingly.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve clinical outcomes across departments.
- Developed and enforced nursing policies to ensure compliance with state regulations.
- Mentored nursing staff, fostering professional growth and enhancing team performance.
Army Nurse, Reserves
Department Of Defense, US Army
06.2017 - 09.2022
- Administered patient care, coordinating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal health outcomes.
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans based on patient assessments and needs.
- Mentored junior nursing staff, enhancing skills in clinical procedures and patient management.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to assess and modify treatment strategies for chronic conditions.
- Conducted comprehensive health assessments, ensuring accurate documentation and reporting of patient status.
Nurse Manager, ICU
Covenant Health
06.2017 - 05.2020
- Directed nursing staff, ensuring high-quality patient care and adherence to best practices.
- Implemented workflow improvements, enhancing operational efficiency within nursing departments.
- Mentored junior nurses, fostering professional development and improving team performance.
- Developed training programs for staff, increasing competency in clinical procedures and protocols.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes through coordinated care strategies.
- Evaluated nursing practices, identifying areas for improvement and implementing evidence-based changes.
- Managed budgeting processes, aligning departmental resources with organizational goals effectively.
- Led quality assurance initiatives, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and enhancing safety measures.
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to support professional growth of nursing staff members.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses earned time off.
Active Guard Reserve Officer
Department Of Defense, US Army
05.2008 - 06.2017
- Planned and resourced personnel and logistics for operations component exercises resulting in highly trained personnel ready to act quickly in critical roles.
- Updated and published standard operating procedures (SOPs) using stakeholder, customer and employee input and feedback resulting in clearer and more useful instruction for users.
- Coordinated training schedules across sites with supervisors and managers to optimize training initiatives and work-flow management
- Established and maintained quality control standards.
- Identified training needs and planned classes accordingly.
- Analyzed and evaluated training effectiveness and program outcomes.
Nurse Manager CICU
Covenant Health System
11.2006 - 05.2008
- Directed nursing staff to ensure adherence to best practices and quality care standards.
- Implemented patient-centered care initiatives, enhancing overall patient satisfaction and outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize treatment plans and resource allocation.
- Monitored compliance with regulatory requirements, maintaining accreditation and quality assurance standards.
- Streamlined operational processes, reducing patient wait times and improving workflow efficiency.
- Led performance evaluations for nursing staff, identifying areas for improvement and recognition of excellence.
- Managed budgetary constraints while ensuring optimal staffing levels and resource utilization in departments.
Army Nurse, Reserves
Department Of Defense, US Army
04.2001 - 05.2008
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Assessed patients to determine individual needs and develop care plans in coordination with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Remained calm during high-stress, critical situations, demonstrating sustained focus and problem-solving in real-time.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Administration
Kaplan University
Davenport, IA01.2012
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
West Texas A&M University
Canyon, TX12.2000
Associate of Science - Nursing
Amarillo College
Amarillo, TX12.1998
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX08.1989
Skills
- Process Development and Streamlining
- Program Optimization
- Operational Excellence
- Quality Assurance
- Resource Allocation
- Budget Controls
- Capital Budget Management
- Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Business Operations Management
Certification
- CCRN-K
- NE-BC
Timeline
Executive Director of Nursing
Covenant Health
02.2025 - Current
Director of Nursing Perioperative Services
Covenant Health
05.2020 - 02.2025
Army Nurse, Reserves
Department Of Defense, US Army
06.2017 - 09.2022
Nurse Manager, ICU
Covenant Health
06.2017 - 05.2020
Active Guard Reserve Officer
Department Of Defense, US Army
05.2008 - 06.2017
Nurse Manager CICU
Covenant Health System
11.2006 - 05.2008
Army Nurse, Reserves
Department Of Defense, US Army
04.2001 - 05.2008
Master of Science - Nursing Administration
Kaplan University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
West Texas A&M University
Associate of Science - Nursing
Amarillo College
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Texas Tech University