Knowledgeable Nurse Manager and transformational leader with excellent conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities demonstrated across career history. Skilled at keeping units running at peak efficiency, quality and performance. Excellent communication and coordination skills. Seasoned nursing professional offering proven clinical knowledge, natural interpersonal strengths and technical abilities. Demonstrated ability to lead a skilled staff through pandemic response, high levels of stress while fostering teamwork and resiliency. Knowledgeable about interventional care and leadership with a proven track record. Quality-focused and efficiency-driven leader, recognized nationally for best practices that are being shared and implemented across the VA healthcare system as well as University Medical Center. Provided dramatic improvements in the AES scores for all areas under my leadership while also expanding services, and care provided.
Hi, I’m
Crystal Sandoval
Las Vegas,NV
Summary
Overview
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Department Of Veterans Affairs
Nurse Manager, OR/PACU/SPU & Navigators
03.2022 - Current
Job overview
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff. Demonstrated highly effective leadership style with dramatic improvements across the AES survey from previous management. Increased engagement, supervisor trust, and best places to work scores across all units managed.
- Successfully merged and redeveloped work flows for the SPU and PACU staff while expanding the care provided for all interventional pre & post-procedural care in one area, reducing variance and increasing compliance standards. The DOD & other nursing leaders within the VA have sought my assistance with implementing this model in other facilities.
- Foster a highly active UBC, and nursing staff involvement in facility wide committees such as recruitment & retention, NQCI, Fall Prevention and more.
- Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise to decrease surgical delays & cancellations while providing exceptional care to veterans.
- Implemented workgroup to recapture Orthopedic patients from community care.
- Fostered improvement in staff development, personnel training, and standards of patient care. Successfully passed Joint Commission with accolades from inspectors for practices.
- Established and continuously optimized unit schedules and individual work assignments. Zero incidents of insufficient staffing due to creative coverage models.
- Developed strategy to target nursing and patient satisfaction issues, improve response and patient care quality and suggest actionable improvements to promote hospital-wide quality and safety initiatives.
- Implemented a Surgical Stand Down, discussing HRO principles, QSV and CITN's for the last operative year. This practice was shared at the VISN 21 Surgical Summit and is now being shared across the VA Network Nation wide.
- Coordinated and implemented in-service educational programs focusing on safety and adherence to protocols. Implemented staff led monthly in-services and journal club.
- Promoted professional development opportunities to encourage nurses to pursue continuous training. Presently have a "get certified" daily fact in staff huddles promoting professional growth.
- Coordinated and implemented surgical site infection task force to address SSI's. Subsequently decreased the SSI rate from 4% in 2021 to 0.7% in September 2023 (lower than the National Average).
- Successfully implemented and trained 3 new nurses into perioperative environment with the AORN Grow Your Own program.
Department Of Veterans Affairs
Acting Nurse Manager- Detail
10.2021 - 03.2022
Job overview
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
- Led the team through the pandemic response by balancing the staffing resources to augment ICU and manage coverage for urgent/emergent operations. Recognized by the VISN for performing the highest volume of surgical procedures during the pandemic when compared to other facilities within our VISN.
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise.
- Established and continuously optimized unit schedules and individual work assignments.
- Oversaw infection control procedures to protect patients from infections and keep nursing departments compliant with state regulations.
- Reviewed department performance and adjusted coverage to compensate for changing conditions.
- Worked on the floor in both OR and PACU to cover staffing short falls during covid response.
Department Of Veterans Affairs
Assistant Nurse Manager OR/PACU
03.2021 - 10.2021
Job overview
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
- Performed real-time chart audits for patients ensuring accuracy and completeness of information while capitalizing on opportunities for process improvement.
- Developed departmental goals and objectives to improve satisfactory rating with patients.
- Created work schedules for multiple shifts to confirm complete floor coverage.
- Streamlined steps in rapid response situations by prioritizing and delegating tasks.
- Verified facility remained up-to-date and compliant with laws and regulations.
Department Of Veterans Affairs
Assistant Nurse Manager OR/PACU- Detail
05.2020 - 03.2021
Job overview
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
- Led staff through the pandemic response while nurse manager was on a detail.
- Performed real-time chart audits for patients ensuring accuracy and completeness of information while capitalizing on opportunities for process improvement.
- Created work schedules for multiple shifts to confirm complete floor coverage.
- Covering staffing needs by working on the floor to cover staffing shortages in both PACU & OR.
University Medical Center Hospital, UMC
Registered Nurse, PACU/ASU
04.2017 - 11.2020
Job overview
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Assisted with roll-out of EPIC EHR as super user/champion.
- Participated in Pathways to excellence committee, resulting in successful designation.
- Provided training on ASPAN standards to staff for compliance.
- Researched and implemented a project regarding bedside anesthesia nerve blocks in preop, resulting in a practice improvement still in place today.
Department Of Veterans Affairs
PACU Charge Nurse
07.2015 - 05.2020
Job overview
- Took vitals and assessed patients in recovery room following surgical procedures in accordance with ASPAN and facility policies.
- Evaluated patients' pain levels, implementing correct dosage of medication to alleviate discomfort.
- Supported healthy working environment, adhering to patient safety protocol, complying with hospital policies and maintaining situational awareness.
- Evaluated cardio-respiratory systems for deviations, providing appropriate treatment as necessary.
- Assessed and identified individual patient educational needs, removing barriers to learning and supporting comprehensive progress.
- Provided staff in-services to maintain competency in low use skills such as vent management.
- UBC Chair leading several successful changes within department & facility- Stryker wheelchairs for facility, on-call proposal for PACU, float duties and responsibilities.
- Pathways to Excellence committee member, contributed to success stories to meet standards for certification.
- Informatics champion for PICIS roll-out, training and assisting staff with implementation.
Sedation Dental & Maxillofacial Surgical Clinic
OR/PACU Registered Nurse
04.2012 - 07.2015
Job overview
- Took vitals and assessed patients before, during and after surgical procedures.
- Assisted provider with intubation/extubation and airway management.
- Document and circulated maxillofacial and dental surgical procedures.
- Evaluated patients' pain levels, implementing correct dosage of medication to alleviate discomfort.
- Supported healthy working environment, adhering to patient safety protocol, complying with hospital policies and maintaining situational awareness.
- Evaluated cardio-respiratory systems for deviations, providing appropriate treatment as necessary.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
Clark County School District, CCSD
Special Procedures Nurse
01.2009 - 07.2015
Job overview
- Educated patients on procedure details, provided instructions, and answered questions to minimize anxiety and improve cooperation. Taught students how to manage chronic conditions such as sickle cell anemia, tracheostomies, epilepsy, diabetes, etc.
- Managed Ventilators, clean cath, insulin administration, gastrostomy feedings, trach care and more while in a school setting.
- Handled private and confidential information in compliance with policies and procedures.
- Reviewed physicians' orders to determine medical needs while in a school environment.
- Provide first aide and basic life support until first responders arrive on site.
- Develop health related emergency response plans.
Saguaro Home Health
Home Health RN Case Manager
02.2010 - 04.2012
Job overview
- Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
- Introduced changes to patient care plans based on regular evaluations and patient changes.
- Took samples to complete diagnostic and routine assessment tests.
- Educated patients and families on disease processes, medications and treatments.
- Provided physical assessments, medication, and chronic disease management to home health patients.
- Monitored vital signs, developed and implemented care plans, and documented patient progress.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
Education
Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City, UT
Master of Science from Nursing Leadership & Management
10.2020
University Overview
- Honoree of Sigma Theta Tau Global Nursing Excellence.
- NNEI Scholarship Recipient
Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City, UT
Bachelor of Science from Nursing
04.2012
University Overview
Excelsior CollegeAlbany, NY
Associate of Applied Science from Nursing
01.2009
University Overview
Summit Career CollegeColton, CA
Certificate from Licensed Practical Nurse
07.2005
University Overview
Northwest Career CollegePomona, CA
Certificate from Medical Assistant
01.2003
University Overview
- Awarded Salutatorian
- Honor Roll
- Dean's List
Skills
- Skilled & transformational leader with a proven track record
- Successfully implemented serval process improvements
- Quality assurance and TJC/OIG compliance
- Skilled in EHR, Word, PPT, Excel & more
- Familiar with Epic, PICIS systems
- Case management experience
- Conflict management & resolution expert
- Healthcare personnel supervision
- Policy development & sustainment
- Clinical quality program standards
- Strong critical thinking, work-flow planning and prioritization skills
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
- Researched and improved SSI rates from 4% in 2021 to 0.7% 2023 which is lower than the national average.
- Merged PACU/SPU staffing and expanded preop and recovery services to all interventional procedures.
- Developed the Surgical Stand Down to address surgical critical incidence occurrences in 2022. This best practice was presented to VISN and National leadership in August 2023 and is being implemented across the VA.
- Surgical scheduling drill down to address policy non-conformance and improvements.
- Expansion of surgical services resulting in Las Vegas VA being recognized for being 6th in the Nation as a leader in robotic surgeries.
- Expanded Navigation services to include cardiology, IR, Cath Lab, Pulmonary, Interventional pain & Gastroenterology procedures.
- Supervised team of 100 FTE total. Maintain timely submission of performance appraisals, meeting metrics and process improvements.
- Collaborated with surgery clinic, Cath lab, inpatient acute care teams and more in the development of process improvements such as: SSI projects, scheduling improvements, recapture of community care patients in orthopedics, expansion of PACU/SPU and Navigation services, and more.
- Contributor and supporter of Pathways to Excellence designation.
- Presenter at the 2023 Surgical Summit.
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Nurse Manager, OR/PACU/SPU & Navigators
Department Of Veterans Affairs
03.2022 - Current
Acting Nurse Manager- Detail
Department Of Veterans Affairs
10.2021 - 03.2022
Assistant Nurse Manager OR/PACU
Department Of Veterans Affairs
03.2021 - 10.2021
Assistant Nurse Manager OR/PACU- Detail
Department Of Veterans Affairs
05.2020 - 03.2021
Registered Nurse, PACU/ASU
University Medical Center Hospital, UMC
04.2017 - 11.2020
PACU Charge Nurse
Department Of Veterans Affairs
07.2015 - 05.2020
OR/PACU Registered Nurse
Sedation Dental & Maxillofacial Surgical Clinic
04.2012 - 07.2015
Home Health RN Case Manager
Saguaro Home Health
02.2010 - 04.2012
Special Procedures Nurse
Clark County School District, CCSD
01.2009 - 07.2015
Western Governors University
Master of Science from Nursing Leadership & Management
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science from Nursing
Excelsior College
Associate of Applied Science from Nursing
Summit Career College
Certificate from Licensed Practical Nurse
Northwest Career College
Certificate from Medical Assistant
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