Dawn Vonderheide
Pasadena,CA
Summary
Executive leader with deep experience driving organizational success and fostering collaboration. Skilled in strategic planning, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement. Known for adaptability, resilience, and delivering results in evolving environments. Strong interpersonal skills, effective communicator, and results-driven approach.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Faculty Instructor
American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing
Sewell, NJ
01.2023 - Current
- Developed and delivered engaging curriculum for diverse student populations.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments and provided constructive feedback.
- Conducted research to inform teaching practices.
- Fostered a positive learning environment that promotes student engagement and success.
Executive Director and Founder
Nurse Honor Guard, Southern California
Pasadena, CA
09.2021 - Current
- Achieved recognition for nurses through Nightingale ceremonies at the time of passing, enhancing the dignity of their service. Organized and delivered living tributes to elderly and student nurses, fostering community appreciation.
- Mobilized over 225 volunteers in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Ventura to provide consistent support, averaging 10 services monthly.
- Empowered nurses across California to establish local Nurse Honor Guard chapters, expanding the organization's reach and impact.
- Developed and implemented chapter start up policies to enhance operational efficiency. Led strategic initiatives to align organizational goals with community needs.
Director of Ambulatory Clinical Practice, Orange County
Kaiser Permanente - Southern California Permanente Medical Group
Anaheim, CA
2016 - 01.2025
- Achieved excellence in clinical practice leadership for ambulatory care nursing and non-nursing staff, impacting over 4000 employees across 23 medical office buildings.
- Advanced nursing practice through the successful implementation of national models and patient safety initiatives.
- Established comprehensive policies and procedures to support effective healthcare practices.
- Recognized outstanding contributions through the Daisy Award for nursing staff and the Sunflower Award for non-licensed staff.
- Assessed award submissions for national and regional nursing practice recognition.
- Engaged in the Kaiser Permanente regional nursing research committee, shaping research initiatives.
- Mentored BSN, MSN, and DNP students, contributing to their professional growth.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance patient care quality and operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented policies to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.
- Streamlined organizational processes, resulting in improved workflow management.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive innovation in service delivery models across the organization.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
Operations Administrator - Service Line Leader, Primary Care, Orange County
Kaiser Permanente - Southern California Permanente Medical Group
Anaheim, CA
01.2010 - 01.2016
- Achieved comprehensive primary care delivery across internal and family medicine, urgent care, pediatrics, dermatology, allergy nurse clinics, and float pool staffing.
- Enhanced family resident program in Orange County, positively impacting over 500,000 patients at 17 locations.
- Led a diverse team of over 300 physicians and mid-level providers, supported by 850 staff and 40 managers. Drove effective resource management for a budget surpassing 215 million.
- Achieved improved rankings in clinical goal fulfillment, emphasizing health screenings, preventative health, and chronic disease management for hypertension and diabetes.
- Realized enhanced service and access scores, effectively addressing patient needs in comparison to other Kaiser Permanente areas. Fostered leadership development for department and assistant department administrators.
- Advanced business and leadership growth for Kaiser Permanente physicians in charge.
- Achieved early resolution of labor issues through effective staff collaboration.
- Established labor management partnerships in medical offices, resulting in the formation of high-performing teams that prioritize safety, affordability, and teamwork.
- Enhanced team performance through targeted training in performance improvement tools and situational awareness.
- Managed daily operations and ensured compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
- Streamlined administrative processes to enhance efficiency in workflow management.
- Coordinated interdepartmental communication to facilitate project completion and resource allocation.
- Collaborated with management to identify process gaps and recommend strategic solutions for operational challenges.
- Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance and support to enhance professional growth and skill development.
- Implemented performance metrics to monitor team success, using data-driven insights to drive continuous improvement efforts.
- Developed performance metrics to monitor progress towards goals, allowing for data-driven decision making within the team.
Staff Nurse, Emergency Department
Downey Community Hospital, Downey, CA
Downey, CA
01.1981 - 01.2015
- Provide direct patient care to all ages for emergency conditions. Worked full-time from 1982 to 1983; all other years were on a per diem basis. Taught ACLS on a regular basis at the facility.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed, ensuring adherence to protocols and safety standards.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Delivered immediate care to patients in critical condition, prioritizing life-saving interventions.
Operations Administrator - Primary Care and OB/GYN
Kaiser Permanente - Southern California Permanente Medical Group
Los Angeles, CA
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Achieved enhanced primary care delivery across internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, urgent care, and population care management.
- Streamlined operations for seven medical office buildings located in Los Angeles, Glendale, East Los Angeles, and Pasadena.
- Drove improvements in clinical goals, access, budget management, and back-office support.
- Developed strong leadership relationships with department administrators, assistant department administrators, physicians in charge, and chiefs of service.
- Championed communication and problem-solving initiatives within clinical goals service team to enhance performance metrics.
- Cultivated relationships to drive team success and achieve strategic objectives.
Performance Improvement Director, Baldwin Park
Kaiser Permanente - Southern California Permanente Medical Group
01.1998 - 01.2007
- Taught Statistical Process Control and Improvement techniques for the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Region.
- Supported leadership in deploying strategic goals through Quality Initiatives. Led the development of the hospital’s Performance Improvement Program at the newly opened hospital in October 1998.
- Received the Excellence in Leadership Award in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2006.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement strategic initiatives enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.
- Developed and executed comprehensive organizational strategies aligned with corporate goals and market trends.
- Evaluated program effectiveness using data analytics tools, facilitating informed decision-making for future projects.
- Established key performance indicators to measure success across departments and promote accountability among staff.
Organizational Performance Administrator, Bellflower
Kaiser Permanente
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Assisted leaders to develop and implement the integration of strategic goals with the Quality Initiatives. Provides leadership in Accreditation and Licensure, including TJC, NCQA, DOC, DHS, Medi-Cal, CMA, and other surveying bodies the facility serves.
- Supported the Quality Council, Medical Center Administrative Team, Quality Improvement Committee, and Standards Committee in achieving their objectives.
- Served as a judge for Kaiser Permanente nominations for the Vohs (Quality) award. Received the Leadership Award for 1997.
- Received the Tri-Central Service Area Leadership Excellence Award in 1998.
- Managed scheduling and coordination of administrative tasks to optimize workflow efficiency.
- Led cross-functional teams in the execution of operational initiatives to improve overall clinical quality.
Director of Quality Improvement, Bellflower
Kaiser Permanente
01.1990 - 01.1997
- Directed the Quality Improvement and Risk Management Program for the medical center. Provided management of the Medical Staff Office. We had successful CAL Surveys in October 1991 and November 1994, both without any Type I recommendations. The facility received Accreditation and Commendation in 1991 and 1994. Served as a member of the Quality Improvement Council at Bellflower and as a Quality Improvement Team facilitator. Participated in several Regional Task Forces to represent the Quality Improvement and Medical Staff Office functions. Presented to other medical centers and to regional conferences on Statistical Process Control.
Director of Quality Assurance
Queen of Angels-Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
01.1983 - 01.1990
- Delivered successful quality assurance programs for nursing staff and hospital-wide functions.
- Drove strategic initiatives from nursing department, including the effective rollout of new computer systems for nursing personnel.
- Facilitated project planning, organization, implementation, and monitoring, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency.
- Led quality assurance initiatives to enhance patient safety and care standards.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive quality management programs across clinical departments.
- Achieved recognition through the Franciscan Award in 1989 for outstanding performance that embodied medical center values.
Assistant Director of Nursing
Queen of Angels-Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
01.1984 - 01.1987
- Enhanced patient care through effective management of 30 critical care and 34 dou beds. Contributed to financial stability by delivering comprehensive budget preparation and accountability. Fostered personnel development by implementing strategic policies and procedures for over 140 FTEs.
- Monitored and evaluated nursing staff performance, focusing on compliance with established standards and best practices.
- Conducted comprehensive training sessions to strengthen staff capabilities and optimize patient care delivery.
Critical Care Clinical Instructor
Queen of Angels-Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
01.1983 - 01.1984
- Oversaw critical care education curriculum, ensuring alignment with best practices and regulatory standards.
- Developed and implemented clinical education programs for nursing.
- Provided immediate and constructive feedback to nurses individually and as group.
Nursing Instructor
Cerritos Community College, Norwalk, CA
Norwalk, CA
01.1980 - 01.1983
- Facilitated learning experiences in medical and surgical nursing to enhance student competencies in associate degree nursing program.
- Facilitated engaging lectures and hands-on training sessions to enhance student learning outcomes.
Staff Nurse, Intensive Care Unit and Medical/Surgical Nursing
Kaiser Permanente, Bellflower, CA
Bellflower, CA
01.1977 - 01.1982
- Identified and addressed health concerns of adult and child patients, ensuring a nurturing and supportive environment.
- Delivered essential critical care interventions to enhance patient outcomes in high-pressure settings.
- Analyzed vital signs, lab results, and physical examinations to identify early indicators of complications, enhancing patient care and safety.
Education
A.A. - Nursing
Cerritos Community College
Norwalk, CaliforniaB.S.N. - Nursing
California State University
Los Angeles, CaliforniaM.S.N. - Nursing
California State University
Los Angeles, CaliforniaD.N.P. - undefined
Capella University
Minneapolis, MinnesotaHealth Care Leadership Fellow - 4th Cohort
California Health Care Foundation
Skills
- Community engagement
- Program management
- Strategic planning
- Project management
- Operations management
- Budgeting and financial management
- Program leadersh
- Education
- Relationship and team building
- MIssion and vision
- Results orientation
Accomplishments
- Executive Director of the non profit, Nurse Honor Guard Southern California. Organizes Nurse Honor Guard tribute services for deceased nurses at their memorials. The chapter has provided over 90 services during 2021-2026. Spread concept and supported inception of ten local chapters to serve California.
- Named the Nurse Honor Guard California State Coordinator by the National Nurses Honor Guard Coalition.
- Kaiser Permanente National Nursing Excellence for Excellence in Nursing Leadership 2021. This was the first time in the history of the award that an Ambulatory Leader was recognized and honored.
- American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing AAACN Core Curriculum for Ambulatory Care Nursing 5th edition, Co- Editor and chapter author 2026.
- American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing AAACN Standards and Scope 10th edition, Co-Editor 2023.
- American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing AAACN Conference planning committee member 2022 to 2024.
- Serves as an instructor for the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification Review Course from 2023 to present
- Core Curriculum for Ambulatory Care Nursing, 4th Edition 2019 as a reviewer.
- Serves as an abstract reviewer for the annual conference presentations, 2019, 2020, 2021.
- Numerous leadership awards.
- Guard National Coalition Directors.
Affiliations
American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing
American Nurses Association
Certification
- Registered Nurse, California – Expires May 2027
- California Teaching Credential for Community College, Nursing, and Lifetime
- Public Health Nurse, California – Expires May 2027
- Board Certified, for Ambulatory Care Nursing – Expires July 2031
- Board Certified, Nurse Executive – Expires July 2028
Timeline
Faculty Instructor
American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing
01.2023 - Current
Executive Director and Founder
Nurse Honor Guard, Southern California
09.2021 - Current
Operations Administrator - Service Line Leader, Primary Care, Orange County
Kaiser Permanente - Southern California Permanente Medical Group
01.2010 - 01.2016
Operations Administrator - Primary Care and OB/GYN
Kaiser Permanente - Southern California Permanente Medical Group
01.2007 - 01.2010
Performance Improvement Director, Baldwin Park
Kaiser Permanente - Southern California Permanente Medical Group
01.1998 - 01.2007
Organizational Performance Administrator, Bellflower
Kaiser Permanente
01.1997 - 01.1998
Director of Quality Improvement, Bellflower
Kaiser Permanente
01.1990 - 01.1997
Assistant Director of Nursing
Queen of Angels-Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
01.1984 - 01.1987
Director of Quality Assurance
Queen of Angels-Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
01.1983 - 01.1990
Critical Care Clinical Instructor
Queen of Angels-Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
01.1983 - 01.1984
Staff Nurse, Emergency Department
Downey Community Hospital, Downey, CA
01.1981 - 01.2015
Nursing Instructor
Cerritos Community College, Norwalk, CA
01.1980 - 01.1983
Staff Nurse, Intensive Care Unit and Medical/Surgical Nursing
Kaiser Permanente, Bellflower, CA
01.1977 - 01.1982
B.S.N. - Nursing
California State University
M.S.N. - Nursing
California State University
D.N.P. - undefined
Capella University
Health Care Leadership Fellow - 4th Cohort
California Health Care Foundation
Director of Ambulatory Clinical Practice, Orange County
Kaiser Permanente - Southern California Permanente Medical Group
2016 - 01.2025
A.A. - Nursing
Cerritos Community College
Publications
- Moss, E., Murry, 2., & Vonderheide, D. (2023). Scope and standards of practice for professional ambulatory care nursing (10th ed.). American Academy Ambulatory Care Nursing.
- “Licensed Vocational Nurse Residency Program in Primary Care” Dannemeyer, D., Jalandoni, C., & Vonderheide, D. (2017). Licensed Vocational Nurse Residency Program in Primary Care. Journal for Nurses in Professional Development, 33(6), 296-300. doi:10.1097/nnd.0000000000000401
- “The Kaiser Permanente FMEA Model – Simplified for Healthcare Personnel”, published in Journal of HealthCare Quality, Volume 27 no. 1 Jan/Feb 2005. Initiated and developed the KP FMEA model.
- Lead Author “Selecting Quality Processes for HealthCare” published by HcPro. A collection of concepts describing and explaining hot to use best practice elements of quality programs, such as Six Sigma, Balance Scorecard, Lean Thinking, ISO 9000, Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award and Rapid Cycle Testing) Released in November 2004.
- Speaker for the Nurse Honor Guard National Coalition for Nurse Honor Guard Recruitment Tactics May 2024
- Speaker for the Breast Cancer Peer Support Program sponsored in Orange County for Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Northern California, and Hawaii July 2023.
- Speaker for the Service and Education symposium addressing Professional nursing development in February 2018.
- Speaker at the 10th Ambulatory Nursing Symposium in April 2017 addressing Voice of Nursing Building the Foundation in Ambulatory Orange County Kaiser Permanente.
- Speaker for the Cancer Coordinator Experience at Orange County to the Kaiser Permanente Cancer Meeting, 2016.
- Nurse Residency Program in Ambulatory Care speaker for the California Healthcare Foundation Healthcare Leadership Fellowship program in March 2016.
- Performance Improvement speaker and mentor for the California Healthcare Foundation Healthcare Leadership Fellowship program for the 2007 class.
- Speaker for Proactive Risk Assessment for Nursing Leadership at Kaiser Permanente in 2006.
- Speaker for HcPro addressing “Six Sigma and Other Quality Programs in Healthcare” audio Conference in 2004.