Denise M. Sepulveda
Elmwood Park,NJ
Summary
Dynamic healthcare professional with a robust background in nursing education, dedicated to enhancing clinical skills and theoretical knowledge among new nurses. Proven ability to foster a collaborative learning environment, ensuring the achievement of educational outcomes through effective mentorship and support. Recognized for adaptability and reliability in fast-paced settings, complemented by expertise in curriculum development aligned with current healthcare standards. Committed to promoting quality patient care while empowering the next generation of nursing professionals through comprehensive education and guidance.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nurse Educator BS - NICU
Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack, NJ
02.2025 - 03.2026
- To assist Education Specialist (Terri Spirito) with the management of orientees.
- To provide educational support and be a resource for the night staff.
- Conduct regular progress meetings with orientees.
- Assist Education Specialist with orientee paperwork - i.e., orientation maps/checklists, Lippincotts.
- Coordination, implementation, and evaluation of education programs.
- Conducts in-service sessions based on staff learning needs.
- Conducts skills validations.
- Evaluates the clinical performance of new staff.
- Communicates orientation progress and clinical performance with NICU leadership.
- Collaborates with unit leaders to enhance educational support in the NICU.
- Assists with re-education and remediation of night staff.
Clinical Level III Nurse - NICU
Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack, NJ
07.2012 - 02.2025
- Assume Charge Nurse duties regularly
- Preceptor
- Chair – HUMC Night Council – Jan 2022-present
- Chair – Professional Practice Council – July 2014 to July 2016
- Level III patient care – including, but not limited to, care of infants requiring HFOV, HFJV, body cooling, exchange transfusion
- Staff education/mentoring - NICU Competencies, Body Cooling
- Transport nurse
- AHA – BCLS instructor in English/Spanish
- Certified Spanish interpreter
- CLABSI Champion - Infection Control
- PICC Dressing Change Certified
- Journal Club Facilitator
- Member of: UBC, Mentoring Committee, Network Night Council
- Podium Presenter - HMHN Research and Innovation Council Annual Nursing Research Conference - May 2023
Night Charge Nurse - NICU
Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack, NJ
02.2014 - 01.2015
- Staff assignments
- Unit Charge Nurse nightly
- Electronic scheduling
- Staff education/mentoring/precepting
- Transport nurse
- AHA - BCLS instructor
- Certified Spanish interpreter
- Level III patient care
- Chair – Professional Practice Council (July 2014 - July 2016)
Staff Nurse – NICU
Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack, NJ
09.2007 - 07.2012
- 40+ bed Level III NICU. Provided comprehensive care of neonates utilizing current evidence-based practice guidelines, including, but not limited to: HFOV, Body-Cooling, transport, and exchange transfusions.
- Assumes the charge nurse role regularly
- AHA - BCLS instructor
- Unit-based certified Spanish interpreter
- Electronic Medical record (EPIC) resource person
- Development and revision of unit policies and protocols
- Active participant in unit-based Professional Practice Council, Infection Control Committee, and Care Coordinator
- Presented at national conference (VON) in Dallas, TX, in May 2011
- Staff education
Head Nurse – Ambulatory Pediatric Practice
Pediatric Associates
Rye Brook, NY
10.1997 - 09.2007
- Supervised staff of five nurses and coordinated all administrative aspects of a five-doctor pediatric practice, including direct patient care (immunizations, venipuncture, telephone triage, and patient teaching)
- Handled all aspects of inventory control, including contracts with buyers and distributors
- Coordinated meetings with drug representatives and staff schedules
Staff Nurse – NICU
New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center
New York, NY
06.1991 - 06.1997
- Level III NICU (50+ beds) – Provided comprehensive care of ill neonates utilizing current evidence-based practice guidelines, including exchange transfusions, peritoneal dialysis, and HFOV
- Assumed charge nurse role regularly
- AHA - BCLS instructor
Education
MAED (Master of Arts in Education) -
University of Arizona Global Campus
05-2026
BSN - undefined
City College of New York School Of Nursing
New York, New York01-1991
LPN/HS Diploma - undefined
Grace H. Dodge Vocational High School
Bronx, New York01-1986
Skills
- Clinical expertise
- Clinical instruction
- Direct patient care
- Clinical education
- Simulation training
- Nursing instruction
- Mentoring proficiency
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
Affiliations
- NANN - National Association of Neonatal Nurses – member since April 2011
- AACN – American Association of Critical-Care Nurses – member since April 2011
- ANN - Academy of Neonatal Nursing - member since January 2018
- NYSNA - New Jersey State Nurses Association - member since January 2024
Certification
- NJ Registered Professional Nurse - # 29NR10123500
- NY Registered Professional Nurse - # 430204-I
- CCRN - # 12356721
- AHA – BCLS Instructor - # 11081047930
- NRP Instructor
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Interests
- Exploring famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in a new destination
Timeline
Nurse Educator BS - NICU
Hackensack University Medical Center
02.2025 - 03.2026
Night Charge Nurse - NICU
Hackensack University Medical Center
02.2014 - 01.2015
Clinical Level III Nurse - NICU
Hackensack University Medical Center
07.2012 - 02.2025
Staff Nurse – NICU
Hackensack University Medical Center
09.2007 - 07.2012
Head Nurse – Ambulatory Pediatric Practice
Pediatric Associates
10.1997 - 09.2007
Staff Nurse – NICU
New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center
06.1991 - 06.1997
BSN - undefined
City College of New York School Of Nursing
LPN/HS Diploma - undefined
Grace H. Dodge Vocational High School
MAED (Master of Arts in Education) -
University of Arizona Global Campus
Publications
- Elmowitz, D.E., Spirito, T., Alves, L., Savastano, C., Sepulveda, D.M., Hopkins, M., & Wertz, B. (2023). Tips for thriving -not just surviving- on the night shift. American Nurse Journal, volume 18(9), 58-61.
- Weaver, S.H., Hopkins, M., Hutchinson, A.J., Mapoy, M., Miele-Berg, L., & Sepulveda, D.M. (2023). Night shift nurses celebrate the end of daylight savings time. New Jersey Nurse 53(4),11.