Donna Darnell, MBA, BSN, RN, NCC-EFM
Daufuskie Island,SC
Summary
Experienced with nursing leadership, staff development, and patient care optimization. Utilizes strategic planning and quality improvement to enhance healthcare services. Strong understanding of team collaboration and resource management to drive impactful results. Proven ability to drive patient care excellence and improve operational efficiency,
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
DIRECTOR OF NURSING- WOMEN'S SERVICES
Memorial Health University Medical Center
05.2021 - Current
- Guides and directs 250+ staff members in ensuring licensing, certifications, and employee safety requirements are maintained.
- Direct oversight of Obstetric OR suites, Labor and Delivery, High Risk Perinatal, and Mother Baby departments with annual deliveries of 3500.
- Quality team lead with 8% reduction in NTSV over 1 year, 6% reduction in Unexpected Newborn complications over 1 year, and maintained PPH rates below 1.7%.
- Directs Women's quality coordinator in data collection and evaluation of Perinatal metrics with implementation of improved practices as indicated.
- Leads a team of employees funded by Georgia State Perinatal Grant to provide educational outreach and implementation of state requirements to the staff and hospitals in 24 counties in SE Georgia.
- Leads PI projects to improve national patient safety goals and achievement of health equity initiatives with emphasis on reduction of readmissions due to HTN, Pre-eclampsia, or cardiac issues.
- Facilitates continuing education through simulation exercises and training programs to drive staff competency and professional development.
- Approves recruitment, hiring and orientation of new nursing staff.
- Ensures regulatory compliance by staying current on industry standards and updating policies accordingly.
- Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients with complex needs.
DIRECTOR OF NURSING
Saint Thomas Health
10.2013 - 04.2021
- Direct responsibilities included Obstetrics, Oncology, General Medical, and Behavioral Health departments at two large metropolitan facilities
- Operated the OB service line as a hospital within a hospital, ensuring compliance for NICU, Maternal Newborn Center, OB High Risk, OB Emergency Department, Labor & Delivery, OB Surgery Center, Lactation, and Childbirth Education
- Responsible for 400+ staff members, 6800 - 7000 annual deliveries, 7800 ED/triage visits, Level 4 maternal designation and Level 3 NICU
- Designed and opened OB Emergency Department with estimated 650–700 visits per month
- Formed sub-groups to lead quality improvement projects, working directly with physician partners to move the facility to status of High Reliability Organization
- Facilitated and acted as project manager on an eight million dollar renovation project of the Obstetric service line, Feb 2016-March 2018
- Developed and opened The Birthing Center, Middle Tennessee's first impatient offering of this type of service
- Developed policies and protocols to comply with State and Federal guidelines for scope of practice for nursing and patient care delivery
- Planned, organized and directed all activities related to the clinical practice of nursing, while working directly with physician partners to ensure compliance with evidence based practice guidelines
- Led key initiatives and implementation of employee safety programs for 600 bed facility during COVID; including initiation of new safety protocols, implementation of new policies, and staff support during national crisis
CLINICAL NURSE MANAGER -WOMEN'S SERVICES
Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital
01.2009 - 10.2013
- Designed and opened the OB Surgery Center, providing care to 2300 - 2500 surgical cases per year
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with all State and regulatory guidelines for Operating Room processes and operations
- Collaborated with leadership teams in order to implement and evaluate programs and services, including Case Management, Behavioral Health services, and Patient Experience
- Managed large cohort (250+ staff members), incorporating 22 LDR beds, 19 OB High Risk beds, Surgery Center, an OB Triage department and a 63 bed in patient unit
- Implemented innovative approaches towards improving operational efficiency within the organization
- Mentored new nursing staff, fostering professional growth and development through comprehensive training programs.
Labor and Delivery RN
St Thomas Midtown Hospital
07.1987 - 01.2009
- Provided total bedside care for the OB patient, functioned as OR circulator in abdominal surgeries, provided fetal monitoring interpretation and immediate care of the newborn.
- Educated expectant parents on prenatal care, childbirth options, breastfeeding techniques, and newborn care for informed decision making.
- Contributed to efficient unit operations by maintaining accurate medical records, updating care plans, and documenting interventions.
- Served as unit charge nurse, providing oversight to all patient care and nursing interventions.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based practices in labor and delivery nursing care.
Education
MBA - Healthcare Administration
Bethel University
McKenzie, TN08-2015
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN05-1987
Skills
- Clinical Training Expertise
- Effective Leadership
- Process Improvement
- Consistent Professional Commitment
- Patient Engagement
- Skilled in EPIC and Cerner Integration
Certification
NCC Certification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring: February 2025
Timeline
DIRECTOR OF NURSING- WOMEN'S SERVICES
Memorial Health University Medical Center
05.2021 - Current
DIRECTOR OF NURSING
Saint Thomas Health
10.2013 - 04.2021
CLINICAL NURSE MANAGER -WOMEN'S SERVICES
Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital
01.2009 - 10.2013
Labor and Delivery RN
St Thomas Midtown Hospital
07.1987 - 01.2009
MBA - Healthcare Administration
Bethel University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Tennessee
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