Cynthia Drummond
Morgantown,WV
Summary
Dynamic clinical operations leader with over 25 years of progressive experience in orthopedics, neurosurgery, interventional radiology, and critical care. Proven track record in developing and leading high-performing service lines, driving accreditation readiness, standardizing clinical protocols, and enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration within complex healthcare systems. Expertise in building educational programs, guiding teams through transitions, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care across the continuum. Currently pursuing an MSN to further enhance leadership capabilities and clinical impact.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Orthopaedic Nurse Navigator
WVU Medicine
Morgantown, WV
06.2010 - Current
- Lead clinical operations, patient navigation, and program development for the Center for Joint Replacement, supporting high-volume hip and knee replacement services across inpatient, outpatient, and perioperative settings.
- Directed the creation and ongoing evolution of the Joint Replacement education program, ensuring consistent, evidence-based patient preparation and post-operative support.
- Spearheaded Joint Commission Advanced Certification readiness for Total Hip and Knee Replacement since 2014, maintaining continuous compliance through rigorous data review, protocol standardization, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Developed and implemented standardized clinical protocols, order sets, and workflows to improve quality, reduce variation, and enhance patient outcomes.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all joint replacement patients, coordinating pre-operative optimization, surgical planning, and post-operative follow-up to ensure seamless transitions of care.
- Manage and mentor orthopaedic staff within the Bone and Joint Hospital and clinic, fostering a culture of accountability, professional growth, and high-quality care delivery.
- Collaborate with multiple physician groups, anesthesia, therapy, case management, and ancillary departments to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care.
- Oversee referral management for the Total Joint Clinic, ensuring timely access, accurate triage, and efficient patient flow.
- Lead development of patient and staff education materials, supporting ongoing competency, orientation, and clinical excellence.
Neurosurgical Nurse Clinician
United Hospital Center
Clarksburg, WV
06.2000 - 06.2010
- Supported neurosurgical practice operations through comprehensive clinical assessments, diagnostic test interpretation, and coordination of pre- and post-operative care.
- Performed office dictation, including histories, physicals, and post-operative visit documentation.
- Assisted in the OR and participated in inpatient rounding, discharge planning, and interdisciplinary care coordination.
- Initiated referrals and ensured timely access to additional services and resources.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve the overall quality of care within the department.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes and streamline care processes.
Interventional Radiology Nurse
WVU Hospital
Morgantown, WV
06.1996 - 06.2000
- Delivered specialized nursing care for complex vascular and non-vascular procedures, including catheter placements and embolizations.
- Anticipated complications and intervened promptly using advanced critical thinking and procedural knowledge.
- Collaborated closely with radiologists, technologists, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality procedural care.
- Administered patient care during interventional procedures, ensuring safety and comfort.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop personalized treatment plans for patients.
- Monitored vital signs and assessed patient conditions pre-, intra-, and post-procedure.
- Educated patients and families on procedure expectations, recovery protocols, and aftercare instructions.
Registered Nurse, Surgical ICU
WVU Hospital
Morgantown, WV
05.1991 - 06.1996
- Provided high-acuity care to critically ill patients in a Level I trauma center.
- Recognized and responded to rapid changes in patient condition, ensuring timely interventions and escalation.
- Served as charge nurse, coordinating staffing, patient assignments, and unit operations.
- Demonstrated strong communication and teamwork to support optimal patient outcomes.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to ensure optimal care outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized patient care plans.
- Assessed patient conditions and identified critical changes, responding swiftly to medical emergencies.
- Mentored junior nurses, fostering skill development and adherence to best practices in patient care.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
WVU School of Nursing
Morgantown, WV05.1991
Master of Science -
WVU School of Nursing
Morgantown, WV05-2027
Skills
- Clinical Documentation & EMR Proficiency
- Orthopaedic, Neuro, and Critical Care Assessment
- Ethical Practice & Patient Advocacy
- Care Coordination Across the Continuum
- Staff Leadership & Mentorship
Accomplishments
- Poster Presenter, American Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (AAON) National Conference, 2026
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
- Led Joint Commission Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Knee Replacement for 10+ years
Certification
- Registered Nurse, State of West Virginia (License #44602)
- Eligible for Stroke Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN) based on neurosurgical and IR background
CORE LEADERSHIP STRENGTHS
- Service Line Operations & Strategy
- Joint Commission Accreditation & Regulatory Readiness
- Program Development & Expansion
- Interdisciplinary Team Leadership
- Clinical Protocol Development
- Performance Improvement & Quality Metrics
- Staff Education, Competency, & Onboarding
- Patient-Centered Care Coordination
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Change Management & Standardization
Timeline
Orthopaedic Nurse Navigator
WVU Medicine
06.2010 - Current
Neurosurgical Nurse Clinician
United Hospital Center
06.2000 - 06.2010
Interventional Radiology Nurse
WVU Hospital
06.1996 - 06.2000
Registered Nurse, Surgical ICU
WVU Hospital
05.1991 - 06.1996
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
WVU School of Nursing
Master of Science -
WVU School of Nursing