Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline

Desiree plunkett

York Post Acute
newport News,VA
24
years of professional experience

Results-driven Director of Nursing known for critical thinking and effective leadership. Expertise in developing and implementing nursing protocols and training programs, leading to compliance with healthcare regulations and improved clinical competencies among nursing staff.

Work History

Director of Nursing

11 Months
York Post Acute | 09.2025 - Current
  • Developed nursing protocols to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.
  • Implemented staff training programs to improve clinical skills and competencies.
  • Monitored patient outcomes and adjusted care plans based on feedback.
  • Coordinated patient care activities to enhance quality and efficiency.
  • Facilitated interdisciplinary meetings to address patient care challenges effectively.
  • Monitored and evaluated nursing staff performance, providing feedback and guidance to support standards of care.
  • Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents, and families.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by staying current on industry standards and updating policies accordingly.
  • Worked closely with administration to develop and implement best practices to improve patient outcomes.

Director of Nursing

8 Years 6 Months
York Nursing And Rehabilitation | 03.2017 - 09.2025
  • Evaluated nursing performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.
  • Streamlined communication between nursing staff and other departments for better collaboration.
  • Assisted in budgeting and resource allocation for nursing department operations.
  • Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
  • Conducted regular risk assessments within the department to identify areas of potential vulnerability and implement corrective actions where necessary.
  • Implemented interdisciplinary rounding practices to streamline communication among healthcare providers involved in patient care.
  • Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.

Hospice Nurse

6 Months
VHS Hospice | 09.2017 - 03.2018
  • Provided compassionate end-of-life care to patients, ensuring comfort and dignity in final moments.
  • Monitored patient conditions, promptly addressing changes to improve quality of care.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans.
  • Educated families on disease progression, available resources, and emotional support options.
  • Streamlined medication administration processes, improving compliance and safety for patients.
  • Managed pain effectively by closely monitoring symptoms and adjusting medications accordingly.
  • Improved patient comfort by providing compassionate end-of-life care and symptom management.

Assistant Director of Nursing

3 Years 3 Months
York Nursing And Rehabilitation | 06.2014 - 09.2017
  • Developed and implemented training programs to enhance staff competencies and patient care practices.
  • Supervised nursing staff to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and quality standards.
  • Coordinated interdisciplinary team meetings to optimize patient care plans and streamline communication.
  • Evaluated patient outcomes and recommended adjustments to care protocols for improved efficiency.
  • Mentored new nursing staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
  • Collaborated with management on budget planning and resource allocation to support nursing operations effectively.
  • Collaborated with staff, management, and external groups to coordinate patient care.

Assistant Director of Nursing

1 Year 2 Months
VHS North Hampton | 04.2013 - 06.2014
  • Managed nursing schedules and budgets, streamlining processes for cost savings while maintaining high-quality patient care.
  • Analyzed workflow processes, identifying areas for improvement to increase operational efficiency in nursing functions.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop efficient care strategies tailored to individual patient needs.
  • Led initiatives to improve resident satisfaction scores through enhanced service delivery strategies.

Assistant Director of Nursing

2 Years 5 Months
Coliseum Park Nursing Home | 10.2010 - 03.2013
  • Contributed to the accreditation process by maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations for nursing standards.
  • Mentored new nurses in clinical practice and procedures, fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Assisted in developing policies and procedures for safe medication administration, minimizing errors within the department.
  • Demonstrated exceptional clinical skills, ethical behavior, and commitment to continuous learning as a role model for nursing staff.
  • Enhanced staff performance through regular training sessions and professional development opportunities.
  • Established and monitored infection control programs to provide safe, sanitary a safe, sanitary environment to prevent transmission of disease and infection.
  • Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing overall service delivery within the facility.

Nurse Manager

2 Years 5 Months
Riverside Convalescent Center | 05.2008 - 10.2010
  • Led nursing staff to enhance patient care quality and ensure compliance with health regulations.
  • Developed and maintained policies that align with best practices in patient safety and care delivery standards.
  • Implemented training programs to improve clinical skills and promote professional development among nursing personnel.
  • Streamlined scheduling processes to optimize staff allocation and improve operational efficiency within the unit.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to create comprehensive care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
  • Analyzed patient outcomes data to identify trends and implement improvement initiatives for enhanced service delivery.
  • Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.

Nurse Manager

5 Years 4 Months
Riverside Regional Convalescent Center | 01.2003 - 05.2008
  • Oversaw budget management, ensuring resource allocation aligned with departmental goals and financial objectives.
  • Fostered a supportive work environment, promoting teamwork, communication, and staff morale among nursing staff members.
  • Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to support professional growth of nursing staff members.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
  • Served as a key point of contact between nursing staff, physicians, administration, and other healthcare professionals.
  • Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise.

Registered Nurse

10 Months
Sentara Careplex | 05.2004 - 03.2005
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for diverse patient populations.
  • Monitored vital signs and reported changes to medical staff, facilitating timely interventions.
  • Administered medications and treatments following established protocols to ensure patient safety.
  • Educated patients and families on post-operative care, enhancing recovery outcomes through effective communication.
  • surgical unit
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.

Registered Nurse

8 Months
Riverside Regional Medical Center | 09.2002 - 05.2003
  • Led nursing team in implementing evidence-based practices, improving patient care standards across units.
  • Advocated for patients' needs within multidisciplinary teams, promoting holistic care approaches and positive health outcomes.
  • Mentored new nurses, fostering professional development and ensuring adherence to best practices in patient care.
  • Streamlined documentation processes using electronic health record systems, increasing efficiency and accuracy of patient information management.
  • Medical / surgical floor with peritoneal Dialysis

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Nursing Science

Radford University | Radford, VA

Associate of Science - Nursing

Kansas City Kansas Community College | Kansas City, KS | 06-2000

Skills

Nurse education and training
Leadership and guidance
Quality improvement
Strong work ethic
Process improvements
Regulatory compliance
Critical thinking
Long-term care
Clinical documentation
Nursing staff supervision

Timeline

Director of Nursing

York Post Acute
09.2025 - CurrentRead More

Hospice Nurse

VHS Hospice
09.2017 - 03.2018Read More

Director of Nursing

York Nursing And Rehabilitation
03.2017 - 09.2025Read More

Assistant Director of Nursing

York Nursing And Rehabilitation
06.2014 - 09.2017Read More

Assistant Director of Nursing

VHS North Hampton
04.2013 - 06.2014Read More

Assistant Director of Nursing

Coliseum Park Nursing Home
10.2010 - 03.2013Read More

Nurse Manager

Riverside Convalescent Center
05.2008 - 10.2010Read More

Registered Nurse

Sentara Careplex
05.2004 - 03.2005Read More

Nurse Manager

Riverside Regional Convalescent Center
01.2003 - 05.2008Read More

Registered Nurse

Riverside Regional Medical Center
09.2002 - 05.2003Read More

Radford University

Bachelor of Arts from Nursing Science
Read More

Kansas City Kansas Community College

Associate of Science from Nursing
Read More
Desiree plunkett