Cynthia Garza, DNP, RN, CNOR
Midlothian
Summary
As a seasoned Director of Surgical Services, I bring a proven track record of clinical proficiency and managerial acumen. I spearheaded the launch of Surgical and Endoscopy services at a newly built hospital in 2020—a facility poised for ongoing expansion and service to its community. My achievements are marked by a 67% surge in surgical procedures, an impressive 94% staff retention rate, and employee satisfaction exceeding 85%. Additionally, I’ve consistently secured top-tier rankings in patient satisfaction scores. My approach is rooted in quality and efficiency, underpinned by robust communication and leadership capabilities.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Clinical & Surgical Operations
Medical City Alliance Surgical Hospital
07.2024 - Current
- Developing, implementing, and refining operating room services
- Identification and implementation of quality improvement initiatives
- Leads and drives project management initiates within and between departments
- Clear and transparent communication with staff, surgeons, anesthesia providers and multidisciplinary teams
- Weekly reporting to Executive Leadership Team focusing on department metrics, operations and quality projects
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, fostering collaboration and mutual support among team members.
- Enhanced patient care quality by developing and implementing streamlined clinical processes.
- Improved staff retention by creating a supportive work environment and providing ongoing training opportunities.
- Increased patient satisfaction ratings with timely, effective communication strategies.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop integrated care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
Director of Surgical Services
Texas Health Mansfield Hospital
03.2020 - 02.2024
- Developed and maintained a high-quality surgical services team through rigorous training and performance evaluations.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing advanced surgical techniques and equipment.
- Maximized resource utilization by scheduling elective surgeries according to available operating room capacity and staffing levels.
- Implemented continuous quality improvement initiatives, identifying areas of concern, and developing action plans to address issues proactively.
- Streamlined surgical processes for increased efficiency and reduced operation times.
- Managed financial resources, establishing budgets, and monitoring expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility in the department.
- Established effective communication channels between physicians, nurses, and support staff for optimal collaboration during surgeries.
- Coordinated with anesthesia providers to ensure safe delivery of anesthesia services during surgical procedures.
- Oversaw regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to state, federal, and accreditation standards for surgical services departments.
Director of Surgery
USMD Hospital at Fort Worth
01.2019 - 02.2020
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Increased company revenue by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
- Boosted operational efficiency by optimizing supply chain processes.
Operating Room Registered Nurse
USMD Hospital at Arlington
03.2017 - 01.2019
- Maintained a sterile environment within the operating room, reducing the risk of infection.
- Utilized sterile techniques and infection-control guidelines to maintain clean and safe environment.
- Coordinated with surgeons and staff to deliver safe patient care during operations.
- Implemented time-out protocols before starting surgeries, verifying correct patient identification and procedural details.
Operating Room Registered Nurse
University Medical Center Hospital
03.2010 - 06.2016
- Prepared equipment and supplies necessary for each surgical procedure, ensuring availability when needed by surgeons.
- Adapted quickly to changing situations in the operating room, utilizing problem-solving skills under pressure.
- Assisted physicians in operating room by providing necessary supplies and equipment.
- Mentored new nurses entering the profession, guiding them through their initial experiences within the operating room setting.
- Performed pre-operative assessments to prepare patients for surgery.
- Reduced postoperative complications through vigilant monitoring of patients during surgery.
- Prepped operating rooms to comply with environmental asepsis standards.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Collected, labeled and transported specimens and delivered to lab for testing.
- Promoted a culture of teamwork within the surgical suite by fostering open communication and collaboration among colleagues.
Education
Doctorate of Nursing Practice - Nursing Leadership And Management
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Lubbock05-2024
Master of Science - Nursing Leadership
The University of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TX01-2019
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Lubbock05-2016
Associate of Science - Nursing
South Plains College
Levelland12-2009
Skills
- 94% Nurse Retention
- 99% Top Box Patient Satisfaction Scores
- 67% Increase in Surgical Growth Volume
- 0 Surgical Site or Hospital-Acquired Infection Rate (2024)
- OR Nurse Residency Program Implementation
- Division Recognition : 2024 Unit of Distinction Award
Accomplishments
Speaker/Presenter - AORN 2025, Leadership Summit Boston, MA
Certification
- Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
- Nurse Executive Advanced - Board Certification, in progress
Timeline
Director of Clinical & Surgical Operations
Medical City Alliance Surgical Hospital
07.2024 - Current
Director of Surgical Services
Texas Health Mansfield Hospital
03.2020 - 02.2024
Director of Surgery
USMD Hospital at Fort Worth
01.2019 - 02.2020
Operating Room Registered Nurse
USMD Hospital at Arlington
03.2017 - 01.2019
Operating Room Registered Nurse
University Medical Center Hospital
03.2010 - 06.2016
Doctorate of Nursing Practice - Nursing Leadership And Management
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Master of Science - Nursing Leadership
The University of Texas At Arlington
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Associate of Science - Nursing
South Plains College
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