DEBORAH OATES
Farragut,TN
Summary
Healthcare leader with more than 30 years in the industry as an oncology nurse practitioner and oncology nurse navigator at top healthcare institutions in the nation fostering strong relationships with patients, families and stakeholders. Extensive experience in program management and strategic planning with development and delivery of impactful initiatives to enhance patient experiences and operational efficiency. Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects from inception to successful implementation.
Overview
1
1
Certification
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Nurse Navigator / Program Development
MemorialCare Medical Center
Laguna Hills, CA
05.2022 - 08.2023
- Developed foundational components of the Cancer Program, including electronic documentation tools, referral processes, communication workflows, policies, and procedures.
- Collaborated with physicians, clinical leaders, staff, and other stakeholders to improve communication, coordination, and the overall customer/patient experience.
- Identified operational needs and implemented processes to ensure consistent service delivery.
- Supported expansion of website resources and enhanced electronic communication processes for improved accessibility.
- Built strong, trusting relationships with patients, families, physicians, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Created and presented educational materials for patients and staff, simplifying complex information for better understanding.
Hematology/Oncology Nurse Practitioner III
University of California, Irvine Medical Center
Orange, CA
03.2018 - 07.2021
- Served as a senior-level resource and subject matter expert, guiding clinical practices within a complex academic healthcare organization.
- Coordinated complex initiatives by collaborating across medical, nursing, research, and administrative teams, aligning efforts with organizational priorities.
- Supported implementation of clinical research protocols and collaborated with research teams on study development, execution, and dissemination of findings.
- Functioned as an educational resource for medical students, residents, fellows, nursing staff, allied healthcare professionals, and NP students.
- Provided clinical instruction, mentoring, and professional development to emerging healthcare professionals.
- Communicated complex information effectively through professional presentations, written publications, meetings, and community programs.
- Managed multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating exceptional organization, judgment, confidentiality, and attention to detail.
Oncology Nurse Practitioner / Nurse Navigator
Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Memorial
Long Beach, CA
06.2014 - 03.2018
- Coordinated services across departments and disciplines to enhance communication and ensure continuity of care.
- Acted as a primary point of contact for patients, families, physicians, and healthcare teams.
- Identified service needs and implemented solutions across organizational boundaries to improve patient access to necessary resources.
- Managed multiple concurrent priorities while maintaining a high level of service, professionalism, and attention to detail.
- Supported program operations and enhanced patient services through ongoing process improvements.
Oncology Nurse Navigator / Breast Program Consultant
Tenet Healthcare
Manteca, CA
03.2011 - 06.2014
- Led consultation and facilitation of the Breast Program to ensure comprehensive patient care.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary services among physicians, imaging, genetics, surgery, radiation, and medical oncology to streamline patient pathways.
- Cultivated strong relationships with patients, families, physicians, staff, and community resources to enhance support systems.
- Provided education and facilitated communication among multiple stakeholders throughout complex processes.
- Identified quality metrics, analyzed outcomes, and initiated improvement strategies to maintain program standards.
- Supported the program's achievement and maintenance of American College of Radiology Center of Excellence standards.
Oncology Nurse Navigator
St. Jude Medical Center, Virginia Crosson Cancer Center
Fullerton, CA
02.2009 - 05.2010
- Coordinated multidisciplinary teams and facilitated communication among physicians, staff, patients, and families.
- Identified and implemented strategies to improve patient experience and foster collaboration among departments.
- Assisted in developing and implementing processes designed to improve coordination and service delivery.
- Coordinated multiple stakeholders and addressed competing priorities while ensuring effective communication and follow-through.
- Contributed to strategic planning, quality improvement initiatives, outcomes evaluation, and program development to enhance patient care.
Foundation Director
MRC
The Woodlands, TX
11.2007 - 11.2008
- Directed foundation activities, collaborating with organizational and community stakeholders to align initiatives with community needs.
- Supported fundraising and relationship development efforts, enhancing communications and driving organizational initiatives.
- Coordinated multiple priorities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives to effectively meet mission requirements.
- Represented the organization professionally in interactions with community members and external contacts.
Oncology Nurse Practitioner / Departmental Project Lead
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX
10.2004 - 09.2007
- Coordinated multidisciplinary projects with organizational stakeholders to streamline operations and foster collaboration.
- Identified operational opportunities and developed targeted solutions, optimizing departmental processes.
- Managed planning and implementation of departmental project improvement initiatives, enhancing service delivery.
- Provided education and professional development as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Texas–Houston.
Program Manager, Blood & Marrow Transplantation
Scripps Healthcare
La Jolla, CA
08.1999 - 09.2000
- Coordinated multidisciplinary teams and facilitated communication among physicians, nurses, patients, families, and support services.
- Oversaw program activities, balancing operational requirements and quality standards to meet diverse patient and stakeholder needs.
- Managed program operations in a complex healthcare environment, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards and enhancing patient care delivery.
- Served as central resource for program-related issues, facilitating timely problem resolution and improving service responsiveness.
Manager / Registered Nurse, Bone Marrow Transplantation
University of Rochester Medical Center
Rochester, NY
11.1989 - 01.1995
- Oversaw daily operations in a specialized, high-acuity department to ensure optimal patient care.
- Coordinated staff, resources, and patient services across multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery.
- Provided leadership, mentoring, education, and performance support to nursing staff.
- Contributed to process development and departmental improvement initiatives to elevate care standards.
- Served as a liaison among physicians, nurses, patients, families, and hospital departments.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing — Adult Nurse Practitioner Certification
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY01-1994
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY01-1992
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Monroe Community College
Rochester, NY01-1983
Skills
- Program development
- Healthcare data systems
- Electronic documentation management
- Operations and process improvement
- Quality metrics
- Program and project management
- Strategic planning
- Policy development
- Patient education
- Care coordination
- Communication and presentation
- Education and training
- Problem solving and decision making
- Information management
- Team leadership and mentoring
- Patient advocacy
- Attention to detail
Certification
- Tennessee Registered Nurse - 297143, California Registered Nurse -License #562308, California Nurse Practitioner / Furnishing - License #19420, American Nurses Credentialing Center - Adult Nurse Practitioner
Affiliations
- Toastmasters International
- Sigma Theta Tau International
- Oncology Nursing Society
- California Association of Nurse Practitioners
- Medical Oncology Association of Southern California
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Adjunct Faculty, University of Texas–Houston | 2004–2007
- Nurse Practitioner, Palo Verde Hematology & Oncology — Glendale, AZ | 2001–2002
- Nurse Practitioner, Mayo Clinic — Scottsdale, AZ | 1997–1998
- Nurse Practitioner, Urgent Care — Glendale, AZ | 1996–1997
- Nurse Practitioner, Consultants in Internal Medicine — Glendale, AZ | 1995–1996
- Registered Nurse, Park Ridge Hospital / Unity Health — Rochester, NY | 1983–1989
COMMUNITY & LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
- HOA Board of Directors | 2025-10 – 2027-10
- Participate in governance, financial discussions, community planning, vendor/contractor matters, and decision-making on behalf of homeowners.
- Collaborate with fellow board members and community stakeholders to address operational and financial priorities.
- Toastmasters International
- Sigma Theta Tau International
Timeline
Nurse Navigator / Program Development
MemorialCare Medical Center
05.2022 - 08.2023
Hematology/Oncology Nurse Practitioner III
University of California, Irvine Medical Center
03.2018 - 07.2021
Oncology Nurse Practitioner / Nurse Navigator
Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Memorial
06.2014 - 03.2018
Oncology Nurse Navigator / Breast Program Consultant
Tenet Healthcare
03.2011 - 06.2014
Oncology Nurse Navigator
St. Jude Medical Center, Virginia Crosson Cancer Center
02.2009 - 05.2010
Foundation Director
MRC
11.2007 - 11.2008
Oncology Nurse Practitioner / Departmental Project Lead
MD Anderson Cancer Center
10.2004 - 09.2007
Program Manager, Blood & Marrow Transplantation
Scripps Healthcare
08.1999 - 09.2000
Manager / Registered Nurse, Bone Marrow Transplantation
University of Rochester Medical Center
11.1989 - 01.1995
Master of Science - Nursing — Adult Nurse Practitioner Certification
University of Rochester
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Rochester
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Monroe Community College