Faith Kozikowski
Old Lyme,CT
Summary
Experienced and adaptable nursing professional dedicated to delivering quality patient care, effective team leadership, and operational efficiency. Skilled in clinical practice, staff development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Recognized for problem-solving, strong communication, and a commitment to continuous improvement in dynamic healthcare settings. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Outpatient Nurse Coordinator
Yale New Haven Health System
11.2020 - Current
- Served as the primary point of contact for ProHealth physician practices across Connecticut, ensuring timely and efficient referral processing, accurate patient scheduling, and coordination with the appropriate Smilow Cancer Hospital network locations.
- Conducted triage on incoming referrals to ensure proper placement with the correct disease team, provider, and site of care, optimizing coordination and enhancing patient access.
- Provided clear communication to patients regarding referrals and next steps, addressing any questions or concerns they had about their diagnosis and treatment. Helped alleviate patient anxiety by offering a reliable point of contact for any inquiries prior to their appointment with the Smilow team.
- Maintained ongoing communication with ProHealth physician practices regarding the plan of care, treatment, testing, and lab results for patients referred for oncology, hematology, and surgery. Sent regular updates after each patient visit or point of contact to ensure seamless care coordination.
- Collected and analyzed data on patient visits and treatment types—including surgery, infusion, radiation oncology, clinical trials, hematology infusions, and procedures—and provided quarterly reports to Smilow Cancer Hospital administration and ProHealth leadership to support informed decision-making and strategic planning.
- Assisted fellow nursing leaders with special projects, data collection, and patient referral reviews. Provided coverage at local sites for patient care and performed telephone triage for current patients within Smilow Cancer Hospital Network as needed to ensure continuity of care.
Clinical Program Manager, Smilow Cancer Center
Yale New Haven Health System
01.2018 - 11.2020
- Oversaw and supervised clinical operations and practices in network outpatient medical oncology and hematology, ensuring alignment with YNHH's strategic objectives and mission. Focused on achieving excellence in patient service, teaching, research, and community service.
- Responsible for bridging communication and operations between Smilow Cancer Hospital and regional satellite sites, ensuring alignment and consistency across the network.
- Established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Cancer Center Clinical Operations to ensure consistent, efficient, and high-quality care delivery across the center.
- Implemented the Smilow Cancer Hospital Nurse Coordinator role and the Infusion Charge Nurse role to enhance patient care coordination and improve operational efficiency within the hospital's oncology services.
- Successfully recruited and filled all open positions within 14 months, ensuring the team was fully staffed and operational.
- Achieved successful Joint Commission and COC Accreditation surveys for Smilow Waterford, ensuring compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
- Played a key role in the design, build, staff hiring, and education/training oversight for the Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center at Westerly Hospital in 2019, ensuring a successful launch and operational readiness.
Assistant Patient Services Manager Outpatient Ambulatory Services
Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven
11.2012 - 01.2018
- Provided daily oversight of patient care, quality, safety, and operational flow across multi-specialty outpatient oncology clinics including: Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, Endocrine, Thoracic, Melanoma, Ophthalmic, Palliative Care/Pain team, Neurology, and Sarcoma, managing care for 300+ patients daily, totaling over 50,000 visits annually.
- Ensured an exceptional patient care experience and maintained high staff standards, consistently achieving patient satisfaction scores above 91%.
- Facilitated seamless communication among healthcare team members, including bi-weekly disease team and operations meetings, to ensure coordinated care and efficient operations.
- Held fiscal responsibility for managing the budget, staff payroll, and overseeing a team of 35 RNs.
- Facilitated the development of clinical staff in shared governance principles and promoted the advancement of an evidence-based professional practice model.
- Developed, measured, and improved key quality indicators focused on enhancing the patient experience, specifically in areas like pre/post-procedure education, symptom management, and pain control.
- Fostered a team-oriented environment, collaborating effectively with both contractual University employees and hospital staff to ensure smooth operations.
- Known for being reliable, calm, and detail-oriented, with a strong ability to manage diverse people-related issues (staff, patients, providers, peers) and office tasks efficiently. Demonstrates a strong aptitude for organization and administration while consistently aiming for the highest levels of professional and personal excellence.
- Reviewed, revised, and enforced departmental policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and ensure compliance with regulatory agencies like Medicare and the Joint Commission.
Central Nurse Educator Professional Development Department
Stamford Hospital
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Serves as the primary educator for multiple orientation and training programs, including New Hire Nursing Orientation, Nursing Update Day, Support Staff Update Day, and orientations for Traveler Nurses and nursing school instructors.
- Assessed educational needs of trainees and researched clinical instruction trends to develop educational curriculum and competency tools for clinical procedures.
- Planned and delivered education programs across the Stamford Hospital system, ensuring consistent and comprehensive training for staff.
- Directed the GEMS (Graduates, Engaged, Mastering, and Succeeding) Program, guiding newly graduated nurses through their transition into hospital nursing. Managed relationships from the interview stage, provided ongoing mentorship during orientation, and conducted weekly meetings and educational sessions throughout the first 12 weeks to support their success.
Nurse Manager Intermediate Care/Step Down Unit
Stamford Hospital
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Responsible for the overall management and leadership of a 12-bed IMCU and a 4-8 bed medical/surgical overflow area, overseeing 40 FTEs, including Nurses, Clinical Assistants, Unit Assistants, and Unit Coordinators.
- Developed a Unit-Based Council following the Magnet model to enhance team collaboration, leadership, and continuous improvement.
- Monitored Press Ganey, HCAHPS, and NDNQI scores, identifying areas for improvement and implementing quality measures to consistently meet or exceed benchmarked data.
- Monitored VAP and CAUTI rates on a weekly basis and developed an audit tool to support staff in preventing these infections.
- Developed and implemented a program aimed at reducing the number of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers on the unit.
- Provided education on best practices for A-line/CVP management, skin and wound care, VAP/CAUTI prevention, post-operative care, and promoting early mobility and ambulation.
- Achieved over 200 days without a VAP or CAUTI incident.
- Educated Nurses to the Open Heart Program, Cardiac Catheterization/Angioplasty program and DIEP Flap surgical repair.
- Formulated and implemented new policies and practice changes related to tracheostomy care and venous blood gas collection.
Clinical Manager of Surgical Nursing
The Hospital of Central Connecticut
05.2003 - 01.2008
- Managed staffing, floor assignments, and operations for a 37-bed surgical telemetry unit, and 34 bed orthopedic unit covering a range of specialties, including orthopedics, general surgery, oncology, bariatric surgery, and medicine overflow.
- Promoted high morale and staff retention through dynamic communication, prompt problem resolution, proactive supervisory practices and facilitation of positive work environment.
- Identified areas for clinical improvement and implemented strategies to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.
- Led a diverse team of 110 employees, managing staffing, scheduling, payroll, performance appraisals, and training.
- Led budget reviews, participated in committee memberships, and focused on improving patient satisfaction (Press Ganey) and quality improvement initiatives.
- Planned, implemented and delivered effective onboarding and training to new and existing employees and cross-trained staff members in other job roles to maximize coverage.
- Played a key role in the preparation and establishment of a Total Joint Center of Excellence.
- Led the team in achieving Bariatric Center of Excellence status by guiding the process in accordance with ASBS guidelines.
- Served as the evening hospital supervisor on an as-needed basis.
Staff Nurse
The Hospital of Central Connecticut
01.2000 - 01.2003
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
- Directed patient care by initiating and following through with plan of care, continuing care, and discharge instructions.
- Served as charge nurse, overseeing fellow nurses, Nurse Technicians and a Unit Secretary.
- Precepted student nurses and oriented new hires, providing guidance and mentorship when teaching on hospital policies, emergency procedures, and nursing best practices.
- Achieved Nurse Level III status on clinical ladder program.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Administration
University of Hartford
West Hartford, CT05.2007
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI12.2000
Skills
- Patient Navigation
- Patient education and advocacy
- Interdisciplinary healthcare collaboration
- Proficient navigation of EMR
- Guiding and mentoring team members
- Proficient in delegating tasks
- Employee oversight
- Staff onboarding and offboarding
- Budget planning
- Performance improvement
- Supervision of nursing operations
- Ensuring compliance with privacy regulations
Accomplishments
Nurse Manager Leadership Program, Yale University-2020
Affiliations
- Yale New Haven Hospital
Certification
State CT RN License- RN65383, Current through 11/30/2025
State RI RN License- RN64298, Current through 03/01/2027
Basic Life Support Certification, Current through 05/04/2027
Certified Nurse Manager Leader, Current through 03/31/2027
Timeline
Outpatient Nurse Coordinator
Yale New Haven Health System
11.2020 - Current
Clinical Program Manager, Smilow Cancer Center
Yale New Haven Health System
01.2018 - 11.2020
Assistant Patient Services Manager Outpatient Ambulatory Services
Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven
11.2012 - 01.2018
Central Nurse Educator Professional Development Department
Stamford Hospital
01.2010 - 01.2012
Nurse Manager Intermediate Care/Step Down Unit
Stamford Hospital
01.2008 - 01.2010
Clinical Manager of Surgical Nursing
The Hospital of Central Connecticut
05.2003 - 01.2008
Staff Nurse
The Hospital of Central Connecticut
01.2000 - 01.2003
Master of Science - Nursing Administration
University of Hartford
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Rhode Island
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