Espie Salazar
Whittier,CA
Summary
Registered Nurse for over 8 years in an acute-care setting. Licensed Vocational Nurse for over10 years in various specialties. Infection Preventionist for over10 years. Reliable, ethical healthcare provider with demonstrated ability to provide quality care to multiple patients. Proven talent to develop and implement evidence-based practices. Excellent communication and rapport with peers, hospital staff, patients and patient’s families. Fluent in Spanish. Computer literate with Microsoft Excel, Office, Word, Power Point, Access, Publisher, Meditech System, Arcis, Centriq, Sunquest, IBEX,3M and Cerner. Successful Implementation of Hand Hygiene Lean Project and Surgical Site Infection (SSI) reduction project.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Director of Infection Prevention, Employe
College Medical Center
01.2021 - Current
- Optimized operational workflows to enhance service delivery and client satisfaction.
- Encouraged team engagement to boost productivity and retention.
- Developed comprehensive strategic plans by assessing market trends and organizational capabilities.
- Coordinated cross-departmental initiatives to align operations with strategic goals.
- Built strong relationships with key stakeholders to foster collaboration and trust.
- Analyzed industry data for informed decision-making and strategic alignment.
- Streamlined operations for improved efficiency by evaluating existing processes and introducing innovative solutions.
- Motivated employees through effective communication, recognition programs, and tailored incentive structures that aligned with corporate objectives.
- Served as a mentor to emerging leaders, sharing knowledge and expertise while fostering an environment of continuous learning and growth.
- Managed the integration of new acquisitions, ensuring a smooth transition and alignment with the overall strategic vision.
- Monitored staff performance by actively engaging in and observing day-to-day activities.
- Championed organizational culture change initiatives that fostered collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across all levels of the organization.
- Attended weekly meetings to discuss and optimize strategies.
- Implemented robust performance management systems to identify areas for improvement and support employee development.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop new products and services, meeting customer demands while driving revenue growth.
- Represented company at various national and global events.
- Spearheaded expansion into new territories, conducting thorough market research to identify opportunities and devise entry strategies.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal resource allocation for maximum return on investment.
- Improved customer satisfaction ratings by developing initiatives focused on enhancing service quality and responsiveness.
- Delivered comprehensive training programs to build highly skilled teams capable of delivering on company goals and objectives.
- Reviewed financial reports to identify potential issues, cost saving opportunities and significant departures from budget.
- Optimized budget allocation, significantly reducing operational costs without compromising on service quality.
- Streamlined communication channels between regional offices and headquarters, improving overall organizational coherence.
- Led restructuring of regional management team to better align with corporate goals and market demands.
- Increased employee retention rates with implementation of structured career development and reward system.
- Directed comprehensive training programs to elevate team performance and enhance operational efficiency.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
Manager of Infection Prevention
Saint Francis Medical Center
07.2016 - 08.2020
- Assume the role of leader in planning, surveillance, directing and managing the Infection Control program to ensure quality service on a24-hour basis
- Establish and maintain an up-to-date Infection Prevention and Control Plan, Infection Prevention policies and guidelines for all hospital departments
- Serve as a liaison between physicians and health-care personnel
- Implement programs and provide educational opportunities to inform staff of proper Infection Control techniques per established guidelines
- Designed a Unit Specific Infection Control Program for the reduction of hospital-acquired infections
- Ensured compliance with TJC, CMS’s Title22, CDC guidelines and OSHA’s standards for Infection Control
- Ensured compliance with reporting infectious diseases to Department of Public Health
- Revise and create new policies to meet compliance with various new standards, regulations and evidence-based practices
- Active member in the hospitals disaster/emergency management committee
- Maintained continuous house-wide educational programs for healthcare workers
- Analyze and collection of NHSN required surveillance data
- Outbreak management and prevention
- Meet with patients to discuss their care plans and treatment when under CDPH TB-Control surveillance
- Collaborate with Employee Health to administer and report employee influenza vaccination rates to NHSN
- Assess patients when determining an infectious condition
- Educate patients and their families on infection prevention strategies as appropriate
- Assist case management in discharging patients with communicable diseases and facilitate bed placement
- Meet performance expectations for customer service, teamwork, resource utilization and self-development as outlined in my performance review
- Covered the Quality Management Director during Accreditation Surveys
- Performed other duties as assigned or directed to ensure smooth operation of the department
Infection Control Officer/Education Coordinator
College Hospital Costa Mesa
12.2009 - 12.2017
- I assume the role of leader in planning, surveillance, directing and managing the Infection Control program to ensure quality service on a24-hour basis
- Serve as a liaison between physicians and health care personnel and the various hospital committees, including chairperson for the MSI-Immobile Patients Committee for prevention and treatment of Bed Sores
- Voting member in the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, co-chair in the emergency preparedness committee and member of the hospitals patient satisfaction committee
- Successfully implemented programs and provided educational opportunities to inform staff of proper Infection Control techniques per established guidelines
- Designed Unit Specific Infection Control Programs for Med-Surg and Psychiatric Units
- Ensured compliance with TJC, CMS, CDC guidelines and OSHA standards for Infection Control
- Ensured compliance with reporting of diseases to Department of Public Health and NHSN
- Work with QI/PI to ensure core measures related to infection control are met
- Revised and created new policies to meet compliance with various new standards and regulations
- Active member in disaster/emergency management
- Overall tabulation and collection of education, surveillance data, outbreak management and prevention
- Supervise and train Environmental Services and Dietary Staff for regulatory compliance with TJC, DPH and CMS to ensure survey readiness
- Administer, collect and report employee influenza vaccination rates to NHSN
- Assisted the CNO in the management of the Medical-Surgical Unit
- Performed other duties as assigned
Licensed Vocational Nurse, Unit Secretary NICU
06.2006 - 01.2017
- Transcribed doctor’s orders, entered the orders into the computer, and transcribed them on the kardex, and edited the medication record
- Filed labs, x-rays in the patients’ chart, prepared discharge papers for the patients
- Direct Patient Care, monitor/record vital signs, blood glucose monitoring, obtain cultures and specimens per physician orders
- Accurately administer, document medications and formulate care plans
- Maintained good infection control techniques
- Provided age-appropriate care
- Answer telephone calls; assist RN’s in transcribing Doctor’s orders
- Communicate with physicians and other medical professionals
- Excellent bedside manners and communication skills
- Performed other duties as assigned
Licensed Vocational Home Health Care Nurse
Miracle Home Health
08.2006 - 07.2013
- Direct Patient Care, monitor/record vital signs, blood glucose monitoring, and wound care treatment
- Accurately administer, document medications and formulate care plans
- Provided age-appropriate care
- Assesses patient and family health problems and resources
- Takes a leadership role in the development, implementation, and outcomes evaluation of a plan for nursing care provided by the nursing team
- Administer IV Fluids, GT Feedings, and Tracheotomy Care; performed wound care treatment, pain management
- Assist patients in their personal hygiene
- Performed other duties as assigned
Infection Preventionist- Consultant
S&B Surgery Center
07.2009 - 11.2009
- Overall assessment and development of a customized Infection Control Program to meet Medicare’s new reimbursement requirements
- Conducted retrospective medical record audits and reviews were carried out for the purpose of identifying SSI’s and determining infection rates
- Maintained compliance with Federal and State Regulations including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and State and local health agencies as appropriate for Ambulatory Surgical Centers
- Conduct environment of care rounds to ensure compliance with OSHA, DHS and any other governing agency, as applicable
- Conduct Infection control surveillance and data analysis
- Designed Ambulatory Surgical Centers Specific Infection Control Programs for the reduction and prevention of surgical-site infections
- Collected, tabulated and reported potential deficiencies and data to Senior Management
- Performed other duties as assigned
Infection Control Manager
Olympia Medical Center
04.2008 - 08.2009
- I assumed the role of leader in planning, directing and managing the Infection Control program to ensure quality service on a24-hour basis
- Coordinated the multiple facets of the Infection Control program
- Served as a liaison between physicians and health care personnel and the various hospital committees including Dialysis Companies
- Implemented programs and provided educational opportunities to inform staff of proper Infection Control techniques
- Assisted Case management in discharging patients with communicable diseases and helped in bed placement for isolation patients
- Helps assure compliance with JCAHO and OSHA standards for Infection Control and assure compliance with reporting of diseases to Department of Public Health
- Ensured that core measures related to infection control are met
- Revised and created new policies to ensure compliance with various regulations and standards
- Active member in disaster/emergency management
- Maintained continuous educational programs for healthcare workers
- Covered Employee Health and provided pre-employment physicals, workers-comp cases, and immunization, fit-testing, as well as employee exposures
Licensed Vocational Nurse
01.2006 - 04.2008
- Direct Patient Care, monitor/record vital signs, blood glucose monitoring, obtain cultures and specimens per physician orders
- Accurately administer, document medications and formulate care plans
- Maintained good infection control techniques
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families
- Provided age-appropriate care
- Worked with Medical, surgical, VIP surgical, geriatric, and Immunosuppressed patients
- Answer telephone calls; assist RN’s in transcribing Doctor’s orders
- Entering chart orders in the computer and updated the kardex
- Communicate with physicians and other medical professionals
- Assisting patients in their personal hygiene, and nurses and MD’s in procedures
- Assisted in the Infection Control Department to monitor Isolation Patients
- Excellent bedside manners and communication skills
Licensed Vocational Nurse Infection Control Assistant
Valley Presbyterian Hospital
06.2006 - 03.2008
- Monitor nosocomial infections, prepare statistics, monitor patient’s progress, and teach infection control practices
- Monitor the NICU, PICU and ICU for high-risk patients on vents and central lines
- Report reportable diseases to Department of Health
- Performed other duties as assigned
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Alhambra Hospital
03.2007 - 06.2007
- Direct Patient Care, monitor/record vital signs, blood glucose monitoring, obtain cultures and specimens per physician orders
- Accurately administer, document medications and formulate care plans
- Maintained good infection control techniques
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families
- Provided age-appropriate care
- Worked with Medical-surgical and telemetry overflow patients
- Entering chart orders in the computer and kardex
- Communicate with physicians and other medical professionals
- Assisting patients in their personal hygiene, and nurses and MD’s in procedures
- Excellent bedside manners and communication skills
- Performed other duties as assigned
C.N.A, Unit Secretary
01.2002 - 01.2006
- Direct Patient Care, monitor/record vital signs, blood glucose monitoring, obtain urine cultures and specimens as assigned
- Provide emotional support to patients and their families
- Answer telephone calls and direct them as appropriate
- Transcribing doctor’s orders onto the computer, kardex and filed labs x-rays in patients charts
- Assisting patients in their activities of daily living
Certified Nurse Assistant (L.V.N. Intern)
Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital
03.2005 - 11.2005
- Assist nurses with pediatric patients (NICU, PICU, Nursery overflow) in bathing, feeding, changing diapers
- Monitored and recorded patient vital signs, intake and output
- Assisted new mothers with breastfeeding and care for their newborn
- Performed other duties as assigned
Certified Nurse Assistant & Unit Secretary
Lincoln Hospital
04.2001 - 06.2002
- Direct Patient Care, monitor/record vital signs
- Assisted patients in their activities of daily living
- Answer telephone calls and direct them as appropriate
- Transcribing doctor’s orders onto the kardex
- Assisted CNO in secretarial duties
Education
RN-BSN - Nursing Program
University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, Texas02.2025
Master Of Science In Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN06.2023
Nursing Pre-requisites
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana, California12.2018
LVN- RN - Nursing Program
Mount St. Mary’s University
Los Angeles, California12.2016
Nursing Pre-requisites
Cerritos College
Cerritos, California06.2015
IV Therapy, Blood Withdrawal
Preferred College of Nursing
Van Nuys, California01.2007
Pharmacology, L.V.N. Preparation Course
RN Learning Center
Los Angeles, California09.2005
Dialysis Technician
Bryman College
Torrance, California05.2001
High School Diploma - undefined
Bell Senior High
Bell, California06.2000
C.N.A/H.H.A. Training
LAUSD ROP
Los Angeles, CA06.1999
Skills
- Client relationships
- Staff training and development
- Staff management
- Meetings and presentations
- Performance reporting
- Operations management
- Budget administration
- Team evaluation
- Team leadership
- Training management
- Process improvements
- Decision-making
- Performance improvement
- Strategic planning
- Performance evaluation and monitoring
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Policy development and enforcement
Certification
- State of California Registered Nurse
- State of California Licensed Vocational Nurse
- ACLB/BCLS Certified
- Trained in Bioterrorism Emergency/Disaster
- Wound Care Certificate
- CIC Certified
- HACP Certified
Accomplishments
- Documented and resolved Issue which led to Results.
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Affiliations
- Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology - Board Member-at-large -2011-2013
- The Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality
- Institute for Healthcare Improvement
GOALS
- Become an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified.
- Obtain employment as a Nurse Practitioner at an urgent care.
- Long-term goal is to become a Director of Infection Prevention and Control.
Timeline
Regional Director of Infection Prevention, Employe
College Medical Center
01.2021 - Current
Manager of Infection Prevention
Saint Francis Medical Center
07.2016 - 08.2020
Infection Control Officer/Education Coordinator
College Hospital Costa Mesa
12.2009 - 12.2017
Infection Preventionist- Consultant
S&B Surgery Center
07.2009 - 11.2009
Infection Control Manager
Olympia Medical Center
04.2008 - 08.2009
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Alhambra Hospital
03.2007 - 06.2007
Licensed Vocational Home Health Care Nurse
Miracle Home Health
08.2006 - 07.2013
Licensed Vocational Nurse, Unit Secretary NICU
06.2006 - 01.2017
Licensed Vocational Nurse Infection Control Assistant
Valley Presbyterian Hospital
06.2006 - 03.2008
Licensed Vocational Nurse
01.2006 - 04.2008
Certified Nurse Assistant (L.V.N. Intern)
Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital
03.2005 - 11.2005
C.N.A, Unit Secretary
01.2002 - 01.2006
Certified Nurse Assistant & Unit Secretary
Lincoln Hospital
04.2001 - 06.2002
RN-BSN - Nursing Program
University of Texas at Arlington
Nursing Pre-requisites
Santa Ana College
LVN- RN - Nursing Program
Mount St. Mary’s University
Nursing Pre-requisites
Cerritos College
IV Therapy, Blood Withdrawal
Preferred College of Nursing
Pharmacology, L.V.N. Preparation Course
RN Learning Center
Dialysis Technician
Bryman College
High School Diploma - undefined
Bell Senior High
C.N.A/H.H.A. Training
LAUSD ROP
Master Of Science In Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner
Walden University
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