Debra Konda

• Assesses, plans, and evaluates the processes and daily operations, collaborating with the ADPCS and Deputy ADPCS to design and implement interdisciplinary programs within the service and health care system that support the overall operations of patient care.

• Provides leadership and direct supervision to the Nurse Leaders under Inpatient Operations, this includes the Perioperative Outpatient and Inpatient Surgical department.

• Provides administrative oversight for 30 direct reports in the areas of administration, float pool, Nurse Managers, Assistant Nurse Managers as well as covering other areas as assigned/delegated.

• Responds to internal and external communications, maintaining knowledge of and communicating standards of nursing practice and patient care, and developing systems to enhance overall operations and communications within the service.

• Reviews reports routinely, performance measures, and other data for trends and early intervention; formulates follow-up plans with the service and other services as necessary.

• Utilizes SIM tools in improvement efforts and has visual management presence in work area for tier checking and leaders standard work.

• Responsible for assessing and recommending the allocation of human and material resources, in determining staffing levels using NHPPD or other models, managing overtime, and plays a significant role in the recruitment and retention of nursing staff. Develops management leader standard work and standard operating procedures.

• Visible member of the Nursing leadership team.

• Prepares recurring professional reports. Works towards achievement of high quality, safety, and cost- effective evidence-based outcomes on a continual journey of a high reliability organization. Collaborates with both administrative and clinical services to monitor quality and safety within the service and Health Care system.

• Applies clinical performance improvement methods, collects outcome data related to policy, procedure, and regulatory compliance and in collaboration with other leaders, initiates performance improvement monitoring projects.

• Utilizes data and comparative analytical processes in recommending design and implementation of innovative programs to improve service excellence, customer satisfaction, and compliance to patient care and regulatory standards.

• Perform responsibilities as described in the facility Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) program as they apply to relevant environmental statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders.

• Developed and implemented new nursing protocols to improve patient outcomes while minimizing medical errors.
• Mentors emerging nurse leaders, fostering professional growth and career advancement opportunities within the organization.
• Utilizes evidence based research to contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge and practice, leading to better patient outcomes.
• Participates in the recruitment efforts to attract top talent in nursing professionals, maintaining high standards for excellence in patient care delivery.
• Serves on committees focused on improving healthcare delivery at both the organizational level as well as within the broader industry context.
• Streamline nursing operations for increased efficiency and better resource allocation.
• Enhance staff development through comprehensive training programs and mentorship initiatives.
• Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements through regular audits, policy updates, and ongoing education for staff members.
• Develops strategic plans for nursing services, aligning with organizational goals and objectives.
• Ensures cost-effective use of resources without compromising patient care quality or employee satisfaction.
• Serves as a liaison between nursing staff, physicians, administration, and other stakeholders for effective communication and collaboration.

The services provided by the Perioperative Department primarily consists of outpatient surgery with Eye cases being the highest volume procedures done in the department.

• Oversight of the Same Day Procedure Unit (SDPU), Pre/Post operative areas, Operating Room (OR), Special Procedures, and Interventional Radiology
• Manages clinical and nonclinical staff in the care of surgical inpatients/outpatients from admission to discharge
• The perioperative specialties include eye surgery(PHACOs, Blepharoplasty, Ptosis repair) total joint replacement, Robotics, general/vascular surgery, plastics, ENT, and OMFS.
• Implemented the combining of the peri-anesthesia/post-anesthesia areas, Special Procedures, and Interventional Radiology with approval from the Assistant Director of Patient Care Services (ADPCS) and the Deputy Assistant Director of Patient Care Services (DADPCS) to create a better transition of the care of the veteran from the pre-operative area to discharge
• Experienced with labor relations/negotiations
• Directly involved with hospital-wide physicians to manage, coordinate, schedule, and staff specialized procedural areas which include: Interventional Radiology, PICC lines
• Oversight of special procedures in the department which include: Pain (provide assistance with pain injections, assessment, recovery), Medical procedures (EBUS, thora/paracentesis), pulmonary procedures
• Conducts performance reviews, and ensures staff meets and exceeds goals and initiatives
• Works directly with Quality Management to maintain compliance
• Serves as a member of Peer Review Board and participates in Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Relief DADPCS (Deputy Nurse Executive)
• Member of the Nursing Professional Standards Board
• Utilizes data and comparative analytical processes in recommending design and implementation of innovative programs to improve service excellence, customer satisfaction, and compliance to patient care and regulatory standards
• Perform responsibilities as described in the facility Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) program as they apply to relevant environmental statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders
• Oversees continuous Joint Commissions readiness for the department through routine checks of each unit, chart audits, implant logs, and weekly meetings with Executive Leadership Team and Quality Management
• Prepared, implemented and evaluated nursing care for patients through each step of surgical procedure
• Educate patients and loved ones regarding operating procedures, expectations, side effects and recovery process
• Provided compassionate, individualized care for each patient while in operating room
• Developed orientation and perioperative resources that could be used by nursing staff
• Defined testing protocols, quality assurance initiatives and clinic policies and procedures
• Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and hospital service lines to promote high quality patient care
• Designed and introduced leadership development, coaching and team management, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibility
• Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees
• Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care
• Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground
• Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work
• Monitored and analyzed business performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments
• Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance
• Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices
• Works with Assistant Nurse Manager of the OR and Service Leads to submit documentation to Veterans Hospital Administration equipment contracts through CPRC, SEPG, and EER
• Works closely with Logistics and Contracting Officer Representative to submit contracts in a timely manner.

• Performed real-time chart audits for patients ensuring accuracy and completeness of information while capitalizing on opportunities for process improvement
• Developed departmental goals and objectives to improve satisfactory rating with patients
• Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff
• Streamlined steps in rapid response situations by prioritizing and delegating tasks
• Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees
• Monitored and inspected staff processes to eliminate hazards posed for both residents and staff while ensuring continuous compliance with regulations
• Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care
• Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability
• Communicated with members of medical staff and department heads during weekly update meetings
• Integrated evidence-based nursing into practice environment for nurses
• Verified facility remained up-to-date and compliant with laws and regulations
• Created work schedules for multiple shifts to confirm complete floor coverage
• Coordinated and implemented in-service educational programs focusing on safety and adherence to protocols
• Promoted professional development opportunities to encourage nurses to pursue continuous training
• Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise
• Fostered improvement in staff development, personnel training, and standards of patient care
• Reviewed department performance and adjusted coverage to compensate for changing conditions
• Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols
• Evaluated skills of nursing personnel and verified staff certifications for validity
• Developed strategy to target nursing and patient satisfaction issues, improve response and patient care quality and suggest actionable improvements to promote hospital-wide quality and safety initiatives
• Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns
• Oversaw infection control procedures to protect patients from infections and keep nursing departments compliant with state regulations
• Worked at least 60 hours per month as floor nurse to maintain clinical proficiency
• PICC Line Nurse

• The Staffing Methodology Coordinator serves Veterans by creating, supporting, empowering, and maintaining an environment of excellence in nursing practice
• The focus of performance encompasses a combination of clinical, educational, and administrative responsibilities
• The SMC is responsible for ensuring safety at all levels of staffing by collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to improve patient flow, bed management, and comply with accepted standards of clinical practice
• Responsibilities include: Analyzing staffing data based on multiple variables including patient needs, environmental, and organizational support
• Educating leadership and unit expert panels on requirements to meet full implementation compliance
• Training facility stakeholders and remains current with nurse staffing methodology processes, tools and resources
• Reporting facility level staffing methodology data to the Office of Nursing Services (ONS)
• Supporting the Nursing Service in long-range strategic planning
• Identifying and participating in system redesign activities to improve process and minimize risk
• Assuming appropriate degree of responsibility regarding the forecasting of staffing requirements and recommends a staffing strategy to organizational leaders
• Preparing and delivering statistical reports, documents, memorandums, and presentations to all levels of an organization
• Collaborated with managers to determine department’s short and long-term hiring needs
• Advocated for nurse managers, helping to identify and resolve needs of the unit.
• Completed bi-weekly payroll for [Number] employees.

• Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care
• Monitored patient reactions after administering moderate sedation medications and IV therapies
• Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures
• Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery
• Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients
• Documented treatments delivered, medications and IV administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care
• Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems
• Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms
• Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments
• Monitored nursing care, patient assessment processes, and treatment implementations
• Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols
• Conducted daily shift briefs to inform staff of changes in patient care assignments.

• Management of a high volume outpatient recovery in an Ambulatory Surgical Center that specialized in Eye cases (PHACOs, Blepharoplasty), joints, arthroscopy, neuro, general surgery, and pain intervention
• High Volume Eye Cases (60 - 70 per day)
• Responsibilities included budgeting, audits, performance evaluations, scheduling, staff education, interviews, and recruitment of new staff
• Maintained a JCAHO ready department
• Analyzing staffing data based on multiple variables including patient needs, environmental and organizational support
• Identifying and participating in system redesign activities to improve process and minimize risk
• Assuming appropriate degree of responsibility regarding the forecasting of staffing requirements and recommends a staffing strategy to organizational leaders
• Preparing and delivering statistical reports, documents, memorandums, and presentations to all levels of an organization
• Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents
• Coached employees through day-to-day work and complex problems
• Coordinated with human resources department to handle payroll and personnel databases
• Educated patients and loved ones regarding operating procedures, expectations, side effects and recovery process
• Prepared, implemented and evaluated nursing care for patients through each step of surgical procedure
• Evaluated patient’s level of pain, implementing effective medications and pain management techniques.

• Maintained a JCAHO ready department, PACU Nurse Level 1 trauma center
• Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols
• Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments
• Implemented quality patient care techniques to align with safety, health, and organizational regulations
• Supervised and managed daily scheduling, tasking, and administration
• Administered medications and treatments to patients as ordered by physician, maintaining accountability for accurate narcotic count at end of each shift
• Monitored nursing care, patient assessment processes, and treatment implementations
• Conducted daily shift briefs to inform staff of changes in patient care assignments
• Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically ill patients.

Level II Facility that performed high volume outpatient surgery and moderate volume of inpatient surgery cases. The outpatient cases were primarily general surgery/ortho cases, with small volume of corneal transplants.

• Demonstrated knowledge of technical procedures and proper equipment use
• 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
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary team to evaluate patient data and determine patient care plans
• Responded to patient emergencies to provide prompt and correct intervention
• Administered medications and treatments to manage patient’s condition
• Participated in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient care outcomes
• Maintained patient confidentiality by protecting unauthorized access to personal information
• Utilized evidence-based practice to assess and provide care for patients
• Served as a clinical resource to staff, patients and families
• Identified clinical risks and took appropriate preventative actions.

• Worked with principal investigator and sponsors to facilitate daily trial activities and comply with research protocols
• Screened patient records, databases, and physician referrals to identify prospective candidates for research studies
• Collected data and followed research protocols, operations manuals, and case report form requirements
• Participated in initiation visits and investigator meetings, implementing trials in accordance with study timelines and budgets
• Followed informed consent processes and maintained records
• Maintained compliance with protocols covering patient care and clinical trial operations
• Collected, evaluated, and modeled collected data
• Gathered, processed, and shipped lab specimens
• Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
• Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility
• Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems
• Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others
• Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution
• Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.

• Adult/pediatric Burn/trauma Nurse
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary team to evaluate patient data and determine patient care plans
• Demonstrated knowledge of technical procedures and proper equipment use
• Educated patients and families to increase understanding of condition and best ways to manage
• Participated in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient care outcomes
• Provided wound care to promote healing and prevent infection
• Responded to patient emergencies to provide prompt and correct intervention
• Administered medications and treatments to manage patient’s condition
• Utilized evidence-based practice to assess and provide care for patients
• Identified clinical risks and took appropriate preventative actions
• Served as a clinical resource to staff, patients and families
• Provided clinical oversight and support to health care teams
• Assessed effectiveness of clinical nursing interventions and programs
• Participated in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient care
• Developed and maintained collaborative relationships with healthcare providers.