Donna G. Lopez
Ocean City,NJ
Summary
Accomplished nurse leader with more than 20 years of progressive experience in acute care, critical care, hospital operations, patient safety, quality improvement, and executive leadership. Currently serves as Hospital Operations Leader for AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, providing executive oversight during evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Recognized for collaborative leadership, mentoring emerging nurse leaders, improving patient throughput, and advancing evidence-based practice, operational excellence, and a culture of safety.
Overview
1
1
Certification
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Hospital Operations Leader
AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center
12.2023 - Current
- Oversee hospital operations during off-hours across multiple campuses, ensuring safe patient care and operational continuity. Leads multidisciplinary teams in patient throughput, staffing, emergency response, regulatory compliance, and operational decision-making in partnership with physician and nursing leadership. Mentors nurses transitioning into Hospital Operations Leader roles, strengthening leadership succession and fostering organizational excellence
- Led cross-functional teams in implementing process improvements, increasing overall performance.
- Monitors key performance indicators to ensure compliance with organizational goals and standards.
Clinical Logistics Manager – Patient Flow & Nursing Resources
Nursing Resource Department
07.2022 - 12.2023
- Directed patient flow, capacity management, and transfer coordination across the hospital while overseeing the Nursing Resource Department. Led interdisciplinary throughput huddles, managed staffing and payroll, and evaluated employee performance to optimize department operations.
Administrative Nursing Supervisor
12.2018 - 07.2022
- Provided operational leadership during evenings, weekends, and holidays by coordinating nursing and ancillary services across the hospital. Collaborated with physicians, nursing leadership, and the Emergency Department to promote patient safety, resolve operational issues, and ensure compliance with organizational standards.
Team Leader Registered Nurse – Cardiovascular Surgical ICU
05.2004 - 12.2018
- Provided advanced critical care for complex cardiovascular surgical patients while serving as Team Leader for the CTICU and ICU. Coordinated patient care during high-acuity situations, responded to Rapid Response and Code Blue events, and supported staff through clinical leadership and mentoring.
Registered Nurse – Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
09.2002 - 05.2004
- Delivered comprehensive critical care to post-operative cardiac and medical ICU patients requiring advanced hemodynamic monitoring, mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive medication management. Developed a strong clinical foundation that prepared for future nursing leadership roles.
Education
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Nurse Executive Leadership
Wilmington University
08.2026
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - undefined
Widener University
05.2002
Skills
- Hospital Operations Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Patient Safety & Quality Improvement
- Patient Throughput & Capacity Management
- Staffing Optimization
- Regulatory Compliance
- Change Management
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Conflict Resolution & Crisis Management
- Leadership Development & Mentorship
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Affiliations
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
- American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL)
- American Nurses Association–New Jersey (ANA-NJ)
- Philippine Nurses Association
Certification
- Registered Nurse, State of New Jersey
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
Research Experience
Graduate-level experience conducting literature reviews, critical appraisal, evidence synthesis, PICOT development, implementation planning, and evaluation of evidence-based practice initiatives.
Scholarly Presentations
- Evidence-Based Practice Change Project
- AACN Essentials Presentation
- Nurse Executive Leadership Portfolio
- Population Health Presentation
- Executive Leadership Seminar Presentations
Committee Leadership
- Staffing & Recruitment Council
- Nurse Retention Council
- Night Shift Committee
- ERG – Hope and Recovery
Publications
None at this time.
Leadership & Professional Development
- Mentor for nurses transitioning into the Hospital Operations Leader role
- Supports leadership development, operational decision-making, and crisis management
- Facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration and executive communication
Timeline
Hospital Operations Leader
AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center
12.2023 - Current
Clinical Logistics Manager – Patient Flow & Nursing Resources
Nursing Resource Department
07.2022 - 12.2023
Administrative Nursing Supervisor
12.2018 - 07.2022
Team Leader Registered Nurse – Cardiovascular Surgical ICU
05.2004 - 12.2018
Registered Nurse – Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
09.2002 - 05.2004
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - undefined
Widener University
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Nurse Executive Leadership
Wilmington University