David Christel
Succasunna,NJ
Summary
Surgical services leader overseeing daily patient experience rounds to improve satisfaction outcomes. Directs quality and culture initiatives through strategic planning and coordinated cross-team clinical efforts.
Overview
1
1
Certification
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Nurse Manager Surgical Services
AHS Newton Medical Center
07.2020 - Current
- Led efforts to achieve 2025 MAGNET certification, enhancing institutional recognition and quality standards.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction scores through targeted initiatives based on Press Ganey feedback.
- Fostered collaboration among surgeons across disciplines to improve surgical outcomes and team synergy.
- Participated in Surgical Executive committee meetings, Department of Surgery, JCHOA readiness. System wide Periop leadership that includes three departments.
- Oversaw Perioperative Council meetings and initiatives and member of Pathways council.
- Annual budget forecasting based on previous surgical volume with projections / supply and capital expense.
- Positive patient interactions via daily leadership rounding
- Works with Endoscopy / OR departments to ensure compliance with NJ / JCHOA standards.
ASC Administrator / Director of Nursing
Orthopaedic and Spine Institute of NJ
02.2018 - 07.2020
- Oversaw hiring of clinical, non-clinical, and business office staff to ensure optimal staffing and compliance.
- Achieved deemed status AAAHC accredited.
- Collaborated with infection preventionist and pharmacy consultant to uphold state and federal compliance standards.
- Planning / preparation for facility opening to comply with NJ State and Federal requirements.
- Conduct / lead Governing Board and Clinical meetings.
- Led team in transitioning billing and collections functions in-house, ensuring effective management and oversight.
- Designed and incorporated facility medical record and incorporated with EHR.
- Worked with an IT contractor to ensure facility data / communications are protected and HIPAA compliant.
- Circulated in the operating room as a registered nurse during surgical procedures.
ASC-Administrator
Surgical Center at Cedar Knolls
Cedar Knolls, NJ
12.2015 - 02.2018
- Provide oversight and proactively manage the physician partnership.
- Managed 24 clinical and non-clinical employees, along with 38 physicians and PAs.
- Oversaw strategic planning and financial performance.
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory agencies encompassing State, Federal and National Accreditation agencies (JCAHO) that exceeded performance standards for the last 12 years maintaining CMS certification with minimal deficiencies.
- Consult with owners and the Executive Physician Leadership Team and provide oversight on all facets of operations for new surgery center acquisitions including planning, design, licensure, staffing, medical equipment, procurement of supplies and CMS compliance.
- Procured supplies and medical equipment, achieving cost efficiency and an average return of 18-20% each quarter through the Stryker rebate program.
- Oversight of all managed care contracts to include pricing, negotiating and billing processes.
- Instituted operating efficiencies to maximize services and benefit the center and patient community.
- Analyzed and recommended cost-effective changes to operations and procedures as the board's agent, enhancing profitability while ensuring patient safety and quality standards.
- Prepare operations and Capital budgets and ensure compliance with group purchasing organizations.
- Developed, educated, implemented, and enforced surgical center policies and procedures for clinical and non-clinical employees and physicians.
- Construction Management in development and full implementation of a free-standing BIO SKILLS lab for the state of NJ.
- Oversee and support the due diligence process of the BIO SKILLS lab, for all physician partners and visiting practitioners.
Director of Nursing
Surgical Center of Millburn
Millburn, NJ
05.2004 - 07.2006
- Manage the clinical departments of nursing, central supply, medical records, and housekeeping, and supervise the contracted services of laboratory, radiology, pharmaceuticals, laundry and biomedical engineering.
- Ensure surgical programs and clinical services are in compliance with the respective components of the regulatory and accrediting body standards.
- Work in conjunction with the Facility Administrator and Medical Executive Committee in the evaluation and development of existing and new surgical services.
- Managed project planning, design, state licensure, quality assurance, and compliance programs for multiple surgical centers.
- Supervised a team of 15 full-time employees and 5 part-time employees in clinical and non-clinical roles.
- Coordinate and accommodate surgical schedule to efficiently meet the needs of the surgeons while maintaining a positive patient experience throughout all centers.
- Mentored and cross-trained staff to align with operational needs across departments and facilities.
- Develop, evaluate and promote the implementation of a continuous quality improvement program.
- Identify and institute corrective action on all quality and patient care issues.
- Develop statistical indicators to use in evaluating the overall operations and quality of the patient care provided.
- Project Manager and direct consultant for all construction and renovations of the facility ensuring adherence to State and Federal regulations and codes, ensuring the facility passes all inspections on first visit.
- Implemented systems and programs to enhance anesthesia/surgical services and improve infection control.
- Coordinated care for 35-40 surgical patients daily.
- Directed the Pre-Op/PACU RN patient care for multiple patients in an acute care setting.
Director of Nursing
Surgical Center at Cedar Knolls
Cedar Knolls, NJ
05.2006 - 12.2015
- Manage the clinical departments of nursing, central supply, medical records, and housekeeping, and supervise the contracted services of laboratory, radiology, pharmaceuticals, laundry and biomedical engineering.
- Ensure surgical programs and clinical services are in compliance with the respective components of the regulatory and accrediting body’s standards.
- Works in conjunction with the Facility Administrator and Medical Executive Committee in the evaluation and development of existing and new surgical services.
- Directed the Pre-Op/PACU RN's patient care for multiple patients in an acute care setting.
- Supervised a team of 15 full-time employees and 5 part-time staff in clinical and non-clinical roles.
- Coordinated the surgical schedule to meet surgeons' needs while ensuring positive patient experience across all centers.
- Developed staff through mentoring and cross-training to meet the needs of different departments and facilities.
- Managed the department budget effectively.
- Identified and instituted corrective actions for quality and patient care issues.
- Develop, evaluate and promote the implementation of a continuous quality improvement program.
- Facilitated the implementation of systems and programs to improve and enhance anesthesia/surgical services and infection control.
- Project Management to include planning, initial design, state licensure, quality assurance and compliance programs for multiple surgical centers.
- Project Manager and direct consultant for all construction and renovations of the facility ensuring adherence to State and Federal regulations and codes, ensuring the facility passes all inspections on first visit.
- Oversight of physician partnerships and physician management.
Director of Nursing
Metropolitan Surgical Institute
South Amboy, NJ
09.2008 - 09.2009
- Managed clinical departments of nursing, central supply, medical records, and housekeeping to ensure seamless operational integration.
- Ensure surgical programs and clinical services are in compliance with the respective components of the regulatory and accrediting body’s standards.
- Works in conjunction with the Facility Administrator and Medical Executive Committee in the evaluation and development of existing and new surgical services.
- Managed the coordination of care for 35-40 surgical patients daily.
- Coordinate and accommodate the surgical schedule to efficiently meet the needs of the surgeons while maintaining a positive patient experience throughout all centers.
- Directed the Pre-Op/PACU RN's patient care for multiple patients in an acute care setting.
- Enhanced staff skills through targeted mentoring and cross-training initiatives to align with departmental and facility objectives.
- Develop, evaluate and promote the implementation of a continuous quality improvement program.
- Identify and institute corrective action for all quality and patient care issues.
- Develop statistical indicators to use in evaluating the overall operations and quality of the patient care provided.
- Facilitated the implementation of systems and programs to improve and enhance anesthesia/surgical services and infection control.
- Project Management to include planning, initial design, state licensure, quality assurance and compliance programs for multiple surgical centers.
- Project Manager and direct consultant for all construction and renovations of the facility ensuring adherence to State and Federal regulations and codes, ensuring the facility passes all inspections on first visit.
- Oversight of physician partnerships and physician management.
Endoscopy, Nurse Manager
Northfield Surgical Center
Livingston, NJ
05.2002 - 05.2004
- Assisted physicians with Endoscopy procedures.
- Ensured quality, age-appropriate nursing care was delivered to all patients in accordance with the philosophy, policies, procedures and program plans of the center.
- Collaborated with the front-line leadership team to ensure the seamless delivery of high-quality health care services across the surgical spectrum.
- Contributed to the development of patient care standards, orientation, and continuing education to enhance care delivery.
- Contributed to nursing quality assurance initiatives.
- Streamlined administration procedures for scheduling and supply maintenance to support efficient unit operations.
- Educated patients on pre-operative and post-operative care procedures.
Emergency Room Nurse Level I Trauma Center
Atlantic Health System
Morristown, NJ
08.2001 - 10.2003
- Provided specialized primary nursing care for acutely ill and injured trauma cases in accordance with all applicable policies and procedures.
- Led clinical assessments and coordinated emergency care planning and delivery for patients, ensuring adherence to best practices.
- Skillfully administer total patient care in accordance with Emergency Nursing Standards of Practice.
- Assigned patients to appropriate health care team members based on clinical needs and expertise.
- Facilitated communication with patient family members regarding care plans established by treating physician, thereby enhancing family understanding and support.
- Collaborated with the team on department studies and critical pathways initiatives, contributing to the enhancement of patient care processes.
Emergency Room Patient Care Technician
Atlantic Health System
Morristown, NJ
10.1995 - 08.2001
- Performed diagnostic testing to include vital signs, EKGs and intravenous or capillary blood tests from newborn through geriatric aged patients documenting accordingly and notifying the RN of results.
- Prepared patients for assessments, physical examinations, and procedures to facilitate timely care.
- Verified operational status of essential equipment to ensure readiness for patient care.
- Assisted in transporting patients to departments or units to streamline care processes.
- Prepared patient room environment to ensure comfort and readiness for new admissions.
- Conducted inventory checks in the designated area to maintain stock levels.
United States Army Medical NCO
United States Army
01.1986 - 01.1995
- United States Army NCO - Academy of Health Sciences 1986-1995
- Completed leadership training programs in US Army, strengthening team management capabilities.
- Served as adjutant for Veterans of Foreign Wars, managing administrative tasks and facilitating member communications.
- Participated actively in Veterans of Foreign Wars, contributing to community service initiatives.
Education
BSN -
Chamberlain University
Skills
- Orthopedics/Podiatry /Endoscopy/Strategic and Operational Planning / State Regulatory Requirements/ CMS Federal Accreditation /Safety/Risk Management /Facility Management / Physician Engagement / Clinical Staff Management / Infection Control /Patient Safety/Human Resources/ Procurement / Supply Chain Management / Patient engagement
- Surgical services
- Budget management
- Compliance standards
- Budget forecasting
Certification
Registered Nurse- NJ, ACLS/PALS Certified, BLS Certified
Volunteer
Youth Sports Coach, Basketball and Lacrosse
Timeline
Assistant Nurse Manager Surgical Services
AHS Newton Medical Center
07.2020 - Current
ASC Administrator / Director of Nursing
Orthopaedic and Spine Institute of NJ
02.2018 - 07.2020
ASC-Administrator
Surgical Center at Cedar Knolls
12.2015 - 02.2018
Director of Nursing
Metropolitan Surgical Institute
09.2008 - 09.2009
Director of Nursing
Surgical Center at Cedar Knolls
05.2006 - 12.2015
Director of Nursing
Surgical Center of Millburn
05.2004 - 07.2006
Endoscopy, Nurse Manager
Northfield Surgical Center
05.2002 - 05.2004
Emergency Room Nurse Level I Trauma Center
Atlantic Health System
08.2001 - 10.2003
Emergency Room Patient Care Technician
Atlantic Health System
10.1995 - 08.2001
United States Army Medical NCO
United States Army
01.1986 - 01.1995
BSN -
Chamberlain University