DEBRA KLEMME, RN, MSN
Winslow,AR
Summary
Experienced with healthcare operations, patient care, and regulatory compliance. Utilizes strategic planning to improve service delivery and operational efficiency. Track record of effective team leadership and resource management to achieve organizational goals.
Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Health Services Manager
Cargill, Inc.
06.2021 - Current
- Managed workplace health and safety programs, including Respiratory Protection, Hazmat, Bloodborne Pathogens, Hearing Conservation, and Workers' Compensation, ensuring OSHA compliance
- Conducted safety audits and inspections, identifying hazards, and implementing corrective actions to maintain a safe work environment
- Developed and delivered comprehensive health and safety training for employees and management, including First Responder training
- Supervised occupational health team members and supported organizational safety initiatives as a CORE Team Member
- Facilitated leadership development as a Leading People Facilitator for Cargill, Inc., enhancing team performance and collaboration
- Collaborated with leadership to design and implement workplace health programs that improved employee well-being and compliance standards
- Collaborated closely with other healthcare managers across the organization to share best practices and implement synergistic strategies for improved service delivery.
- Streamlined communication between departments by establishing regular meetings and reporting structures.
- Managed a team of medical professionals, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Reduced operational costs with thorough budget analysis and resource allocation adjustments.
Director - ICCU, NSU, PCU
HCA Northside Hospital
12.2020 - 05.2021
- Collaborated with the Assistant Chief Nursing Officer to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care
- Oversaw staffing guidelines, care delivery models, and patient care initiatives to optimize operational efficiency
- Developed and implemented programs to enhance compliance with regulatory standards and drive quality improvement
- Managed resource utilization, including interviewing, hiring, and orienting new employees, while fostering staff development
- Facilitated the Clinical Nursing Career Ladder to promote professional growth and skill advancement among nursing staff
- Led initiatives to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based care practices and continuous quality improvement efforts
- 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.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
Assistant Chief Nursing Officer
HCA Largo Medical Center
10.2019 - 12.2020
- Partnered with the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) on strategic planning, resource management, and policy development to align with the organization's mission and vision
- Oversaw operations for multiple patient care areas, ensuring delivery of safe, high-quality patient care through compliance with regulatory guidelines and evidence-based practices
- Led leadership development initiatives to enhance communication, knowledge, professionalism, and business skills, preparing for advancement to CNO roles
- Developed and implemented staffing guidelines, care delivery models, and patient care initiatives to optimize outcomes and resource utilization
- Managed employee lifecycle processes, including interviewing, hiring, orientation, and staff development, with a focus on fostering professional growth
- Facilitated the Clinical Nursing Career Ladder and spearheaded quality improvement programs to elevate patient care standards and team performance
- Advocated for nursing staff at executive-level meetings, presenting key issues affecting the workforce and proposing solutions for improvement.
- Enhanced patient care quality by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and protocols.
- Oversaw the implementation of electronic health record systems across multiple departments to streamline documentation processes while maintaining accuracy.
- Reduced hospital-acquired infection rates with strict adherence to infection control guidelines and staff training initiatives.
- Participated actively in hospital-wide safety initiatives, working to reduce patient harm events and promote a culture of accountability among nursing staff.
- Managed budgets and resources responsibly, ensuring appropriate allocation of funds for staffing, supplies, and equipment needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans, optimizing patient outcomes during hospital stays.
Director of Nursing
Oklahoma State University Medical Center
07.2015 - 10.2019
- Held 24-hour accountability for a 199-bed acute care hospital, ensuring delivery of safe, high-quality patient care and compliance with regulatory guidelines
- Directed staffing, budgeting, care delivery models, and patient care initiatives across multiple departments to optimize outcomes and resource utilization
- Supervised a management team of six Nurse Managers overseeing Orthopedic/Medical-Surgical, Cardiac, Chem/Observation, ICU, Maternal-Child, and Emergency departments, as well as House Supervisors, Vascular Access, and Inpatient Dialysis teams
- Facilitated leadership development, strategic planning, and team building to support operational excellence and organizational goals
- Spearheaded program development, quality improvement initiatives, and the Clinical Nursing Career Ladder to promote staff growth and elevate patient care standards
- Managed employee lifecycle processes, including interviewing, hiring, orientation, and ongoing staff development, to maintain a skilled and engaged workforce
Director of Nursing
Northwest Surgical Hospital
05.2012 - 07.2015
- Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
- Oversaw and approved recruitment, hiring and orientation of new nursing staff.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by staying current on industry standards and updating policies accordingly.
- Monitored and evaluated nursing staff performance, providing feedback and guidance to support standards of care.
- Built and maintained positive working relationships with physicians and staff to support seamless healthcare operations.
- Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents, and families.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients with complex needs.
- Led quality improvement projects aimed at enhancing clinical outcomes through data-driven analysis and targeted interventions.
- Developed policies and procedures for effective pharmacy management.
Nurse Manager
Lakeside Women's Hospital
03.1999 - 05.2012
- Nurse Manager
June 2010 to May 2012 - Surgery Charge Nurse May 2007 to June2010
- Pre-Op Nurse
April 2004 to May 2007 - Level II Nursery Nurse April 1999 to April 2004
- Oversaw infection control procedures to protect patients from infections and keep nursing departments compliant with state regulations.
- Served as a key point of contact between nursing staff, physicians, administration, and other healthcare professionals.
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Managed budgets and controlled costs, achieving financial targets without compromising patient care quality.
- Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses earned time off.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Developed and implemented quality improvement initiatives to provide best possible patient care and identify and address areas of concern.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the department, conducting regular risk assessments and addressing potential hazards promptly.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
Level III NICU Nurse
Oklahoma Children's Hospital
04.1998 - 04.1999
- Engaged in ongoing professional development to remain current with latest neonatal care practices and technologies.
- Implemented comforting measures such as kangaroo care, skin-to-skin contact, and breastfeeding support to promote bonding between infants and their families.
- Participated in ongoing research initiatives to contribute to the advancement of neonatal care and evidence-based practice.
- Educated parents on infant care techniques, empowering them to confidently care for their newborns at home.
- Participated in research studies focused on neonatal care, contributing to advancements in field.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between hospitalization levels by coordinating discharge planning with social workers, case managers, and other team members involved in post-NICU patient care.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Administration
Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Tulsa, Oklahoma03.2019
Bachelor of Science - School of Nursing
Our Lady of The Lakes College
Baton Rouge, Louisiana12.2016
Associate of Applied Science - School of Nursing
Grayson County College
Denison, Texas05.1998
Skills
- Emotional Intelligence
- Team Building
- Strategic Planning
- OSHA
- Worker's Compensation
- Training and education
- Quality improvement
- Problem-solving abilities
- Critical thinking
- Records management
- Budget planning
Training
- Annual Hazmat 3 Training
- Crucial Conversation Course
- FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800
- Basic Life Support
- NIOSH Pulmonary Function Testing
Timeline
Health Services Manager
Cargill, Inc.
06.2021 - Current
Director - ICCU, NSU, PCU
HCA Northside Hospital
12.2020 - 05.2021
Assistant Chief Nursing Officer
HCA Largo Medical Center
10.2019 - 12.2020
Director of Nursing
Oklahoma State University Medical Center
07.2015 - 10.2019
Director of Nursing
Northwest Surgical Hospital
05.2012 - 07.2015
Nurse Manager
Lakeside Women's Hospital
03.1999 - 05.2012
Level III NICU Nurse
Oklahoma Children's Hospital
04.1998 - 04.1999
Master of Science - Nursing Administration
Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Bachelor of Science - School of Nursing
Our Lady of The Lakes College
Associate of Applied Science - School of Nursing
Grayson County College
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