Dawn M. Whitten
South Portland,ME
Summary
Accomplished Nurse Leader and Director with 24+ years of progressive nursing experience and a strong focus in oncology, health informatics, and quality improvement. Expertise in clinical leadership, EHR optimization, policy development, and cross-functional project management. Recognized for driving patient-centered care, facilitating organizational certifications, and leading high-impact initiatives.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Clinical Informatics and IT
New England Cancer Specialists
07.2021 - 12.2021
- Led enterprise-wide health IT initiatives, optimizing clinical workflows and EHR functionality.
- Integrated clinical decision tools and evidence-based protocols to support quality care.
- Acted as liaison between clinical teams and IT to improve system usability and adoption.
- Directed implementation of decision support tools and workflow automation strategies.
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's clinical productivity and outcomes.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
Director of Quality and Patient Safety
New England Cancer Specialists
05.2019 - 06.2021
- Conducted data analysis to identify outcome trends and performance gaps.
- Delivered monthly dashboards tracking performance against national quality standards.
- Facilitated QOPI, OMH, ACHC, and MIPS audits and site visits.
- Collaborated with leadership to improve compliance, workflow, and care delivery.
- Determined quality department standards, practices, and procedures.
- Monitored staff organization and suggested improvements to daily functionality.
- Recorded, analyzed, and distributed statistical information.
- Collaborated with Leaderships and action owners to apply root cause analysis guidance and establish effective corrective action plans.
- Scheduled and chaired quality review meetings to review effectiveness of performance mitigating risk, improving throughput and achieving customer satisfaction.
Clinic Director
New England Cancer Specialists
09.2015 - 05.2019
- Managed clinical operations, nursing teams, and care delivery across practice locations.
- Worked with Human Resources to develop organizational processes designed to encourage employees to move up in their careers and increase organizational morale.
- Implemented process improvements based on patient feedback and performance data.
- Developed and maintained compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, and internal policies.
- Conducted frequent clinic walk-throughs to maintain safe work environment.
- Leveraged patient feedback and performed continuous process improvements to streamline day-to-day business operations and patient satisfaction.
- Monitored duties assigned to personnel to promote high levels of patient care and job efficiency.
- Enforced adherence with HIPAA regulations and other relevant laws and regulations to maintain compliance.
- Created and implemented policies to improve operational efficiency and patient care quality.
- Hired, trained and supervised employees to maintain team of high performers.
- Monitored number of patients and wait times to create efficient flow of patients from check-in to check-out.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
- Designed and introduced leadership development, coaching and team management model, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibility.
Clinical Lead Nurse
New England Cancer Specialists
05.2013 - 09.2015
- Oversaw coordination between nursing staff and leadership.
- Led EHR training initiatives and implementation of the medicare 'Come Home Project.'
- Promoted patient advocacy and multidisciplinary collaboration.
- Stayed current with health system initiatives and incorporated evidence-based practice and research into care routine.
- Monitored patients, evaluated results, and recommended further courses of treatment to quickly improve patient outcomes.
- Utilized evidence-based practice to assess and provide care for patients.
- Educated patients and families to increase understanding of condition and best ways to manage.
- Provided clinical oversight and support to health care teams.
- Developed and maintained collaborative relationships with healthcare providers.
- Created educational materials for staff and patients.
Oncology Nurse Navigator / Registered Nurse
New England Cancer Specialists
01.2001 - 09.2013
- Specialized in breast cancer navigation and patient-centered oncology care.
- Educated patients and families on treatment plans, medications, and care expectations.
- Administered chemotherapy and coordinated comprehensive care services.
Registered Nurse, Oncology/Hematology
Maine Medical Center
07.1999 - 02.2001
- Delivered holistic nursing care in an inpatient oncology unit.
- Provided IV therapy, chemotherapy administration, and patient/family education.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
Education
Master of Health Administration -
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Standish, ME12-2021
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
05.1999
Skills
- EHR System Proficiency- OncoEMR, Epic, Cerner, Mosaic, Aria, Medicity
- Microsoft Software -Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Forms, Power Automate, Power BI
- Project Management & Organizational Leadership
- Lean Sigma Six Green Belt Certificate
- Workflow Optimization, Quality Reporting, Informatics Tools
- Advisory Board & Speakers Bureau experience
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team to implementation new clinic with the acquisition of hospital based Oncology-Hematology Practice.
- Achieved multiple organizational integrations of organization EHR with hospital EHR with accuracy and efficiency.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop project planning, interface mapping, inventory, and budgeting spreadsheets.
Certification
- Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN), 2002
- Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN), 2009
- Oncology Nurse Navigator Certified Generalist (ONN-CG), 2016–2021
- Chemotherapy/Immunotherapy Certified, 2000
- Licensed RN – State of Maine, 1999
- CPR/BLS Certified, 1994
Publications
In Time of Need, Nursing 2000, 04/01/00, 30, 4
Community Service
- Maine Cancer Plan Committee, 2021–2025
- South Portland Hockey Boosters, VP, 2009–2014
- South Portland Softball Boosters, President, 2019–2024
- Maine Cancer Foundation, Tri for a Cure, 2008
- American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, 2007
- Volunteer, Flu Shot Clinics
Awards
- Janet Irish Award
- Dean’s List – Spring 1996, Spring 1999
- Secretary, Student Nurses Association (1998–1999)
- Secretary, Southern Maine ONS (2002–2004)
Timeline
Director of Clinical Informatics and IT
New England Cancer Specialists
07.2021 - 12.2021
Director of Quality and Patient Safety
New England Cancer Specialists
05.2019 - 06.2021
Clinic Director
New England Cancer Specialists
09.2015 - 05.2019
Clinical Lead Nurse
New England Cancer Specialists
05.2013 - 09.2015
Oncology Nurse Navigator / Registered Nurse
New England Cancer Specialists
01.2001 - 09.2013
Registered Nurse, Oncology/Hematology
Maine Medical Center
07.1999 - 02.2001
Master of Health Administration -
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
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