Heather Fell
Fletcher,NC
Summary
Dynamic leader committed to fostering a collaborative and empowering work culture that enhances employee engagement and positivity. Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse patients and staff in fast-paced environments, ensuring effective communication and support. Skilled in independent decision-making and problem-solving, consistently driving initiatives that contribute to organizational success. Focused on leveraging training, meticulous attention to detail, and a strong work ethic to enhance operational efficiency and uphold high standards of service quality.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Orthopedics
UNC Health Pardee
Hendersonville, NC
03.2025 - 04.2026
- Led nursing team to improve and sustain superior performance of same day discharge and 23hr observation orthopedic and med-surg patients.
- Facilitated communication among multidisciplinary teams, enhancing recovery processes for orthopedic and med-surg patients.
- Developed policies to enhance patient safety and improve operational efficiency.
- Identified staffing needs and managed recruitment processes to build a skilled nursing team.
- Supervised daily operations of nursing staff, ensuring efficient scheduling, task assignment, and performance evaluation.
- Participated in healthcare committees focused on advancing quality initiatives.
- Prepared and adhered to annual operating budget for nursing department.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards from agencies such as DNV and HOPCO.
Registered Nurse, Orthopedic Unit
UNC Health Pardee
Hendersonville, NC
11.2023 - 03.2025
- Reduced hospital readmission rates for orthopedic patients by providing thorough discharge education and follow-up care plans.
- Coordinated care for patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures, ensuring comprehensive recovery support.
- Developed and implemented fall prevention strategies, significantly reducing injury risk among orthopedic patients during hospitalization.
- Prevented complications by closely monitoring postoperative patients for signs of infection, blood clots, or other issues that may arise after surgery.
- Assessed patient reactions after medication and IV therapy administration, ensuring timely intervention for optimal recovery.
- Mentored new nurses on best practices, elevating the quality of care provided in the unit over time.
- Educated family members on how to support their loved ones during recovery, strengthening patient support networks and promoting better outcomes.
- Maintained a safe environment by adhering to infection control protocols and promptly addressing any potential hazards within the unit.
IDD Qualified Professional
RHA Health Services LLC
02.2023 - 11.2023
- Advocated for residents and led interdisciplinary service team to address needs and promote personal independence.
- Managed and supported group home staff to ensure timely response to resident needs and maintain a safe environment.
- Coordinated and monitored services and supports to achieve individual goals and enhance quality of life.
- Coordinated personal care plans and assisted with investigations and periodic reviews.
Registered Nurse, Orthopedic Unit
UNC Health Pardee
07.2022 - 09.2022
- Developed and evaluated patient care plans, coordinating treatment with medical team to optimize recovery outcomes.
- Facilitated pain management and recovery through tailored medication plans and non-pharmacological interventions.
- Monitored surgical sites for signs of infection and maintained optimal wound hygiene.
- Educated patients on device usage, wound care, and complication prevention to enhance self-management skills.
- Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
- Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
Registered Nurse Traveler
Totalmed Staffing, UNC Health Pardee
08.2021 - 07.2022
- Developed and evaluated patient care plans, coordinating treatment with medical team to optimize recovery outcomes.
- Facilitated pain management and recovery through tailored medication plans and non-pharmacological interventions.
- Monitored surgical sites for signs of infection and maintained optimal wound hygiene.
- Educated patients on device usage, wound care, and complication prevention to enhance self-management skills.
- Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
- Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
Registered Nurse Clinical Coordinator
HCA Healthcare System
07.2020 - 08.2021
- Led infection control initiatives and managed critical incidents, implementing procedural improvements to enhance patient safety.
- Partnered with organizational and unit leaders to devise initiatives, continuously improving delivery of care, patient outcomes and overall services.
- Developed, implemented, and evaluated patient care plans in collaboration with medical team to ensure effective treatment.
- Advised, coached and assisted experienced nurses on overall patient care, medical issues, and appropriate nursing interventions for surgical unit.
- Coordinated in-services to strengthen nursing leadership skills and support career advancement.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
Registered Nurse, Spine/Ortho Unit
HCA Healthcare System
05.2018 - 06.2020
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
- Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions and provided home care strategies.
- Monitored surgical sites for infection signs, ensuring optimal wound hygiene and preventing complications.
- Developed and evaluated patient care plans in collaboration with medical team, enhancing individualized treatment outcomes.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- Collaborated with doctors to plan post-treatment home care and prevent return hospitalizations.
- Helped patients manage pain and recovery processes with medications and non-pharmacological interventions.
- Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate safe, clean a safe, clean patient environment.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices and hospital policies, fostering adherence to standards of care.
Licensed Substitute Teacher
Buncombe County Schools
01.2017 - 04.2018
- Taught various subjects to ensure smooth learning continuity during head teacher's absence.
- Executed assigned lesson plans to facilitate understanding of key concepts.
- Enforced rules of conduct to foster self-discipline and responsibility among students.
K-6 Classroom Teacher
Estes Elementary School
08.2013 - 12.2017
- Delivered individualized instruction across subjects, tailoring approaches to achieve specific educational goals for each student.
- Deployed assessment data to drive instruction and student mastery of standards.
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to plan and implement curriculum.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies and social skills.
- Identified student needs and collaborated with faculty to address social, cognitive, and behavioral challenges, enhancing student support.
- Leveraged technology to enhance instructional methods and improve student achievement outcomes.
- Built strong relationships with parents and students, driving investment in academics.
- Devised lesson plans in alignment with state curriculum standards and created balanced instructional programs, demonstrations and work time to meet educational and instructional goals.
Instructional Assistant
Fairview Elementary School
01.2013 - 06.2013
- Collaborated with special needs students to address individual challenges and promote academic progress.
- Tutored and assessed children individually and in small groups to enhance comprehension and mastery of key concepts.
- Supported teacher in managing student behavior and classroom environment to foster a positive learning atmosphere.
- Provided classroom support throughout planned instruction and individual lessons.
Office Manager, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Dale E. Fell MD PA
01.1998 - 09.2007
- Oriented and trained employees to establish competencies aligned with educational background, work history, and learning style.
- Coordinated surgical and appointment scheduling, managed operating room accreditations, and assisted with surgery setup.
- Maintained organized office operations to enhance efficiency, professionalism, and compliance with business policies.
- Coded and entered daily invoices for insurance and billing, along with prior approval for surgical procedures.
- Managed office inventory and placed new supply orders, daily communications with medical reps and vendors.
- Developed education modules for patients tailored to meet individual needs and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Interpreted and communicated work procedures and company policies to staff.
- Held regular one-on-one meetings with employees to review performance and priorities and provide feedback.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of North Carolina-Wilmington
Wilmington, NC12.2020
Associate Degree - Nursing
South College
Asheville, NC03.2018
Teaching Certificate - K-6
University of North Carolina-Asheville
Asheville, NC11.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of North Carolina-Asheville
Asheville, NC01.2000
Skills
- Patient care monitoring
- Care planning
- Intakes and Discharges
- Financial Oversight
- Program management
- Staff Supervision
- Team leadership
- Effective Communication
- Administrative skills
- Patient and Family Advocacy
- Orthopedic program development
Accomplishments
Daisy Awards
Certification
BLS
ACLS
Timeline
Director of Orthopedics
UNC Health Pardee
03.2025 - 04.2026
Registered Nurse, Orthopedic Unit
UNC Health Pardee
11.2023 - 03.2025
IDD Qualified Professional
RHA Health Services LLC
02.2023 - 11.2023
Registered Nurse, Orthopedic Unit
UNC Health Pardee
07.2022 - 09.2022
Registered Nurse Traveler
Totalmed Staffing, UNC Health Pardee
08.2021 - 07.2022
Registered Nurse Clinical Coordinator
HCA Healthcare System
07.2020 - 08.2021
Registered Nurse, Spine/Ortho Unit
HCA Healthcare System
05.2018 - 06.2020
Licensed Substitute Teacher
Buncombe County Schools
01.2017 - 04.2018
K-6 Classroom Teacher
Estes Elementary School
08.2013 - 12.2017
Instructional Assistant
Fairview Elementary School
01.2013 - 06.2013
Office Manager, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Dale E. Fell MD PA
01.1998 - 09.2007
Associate Degree - Nursing
South College
Teaching Certificate - K-6
University of North Carolina-Asheville
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of North Carolina-Asheville
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of North Carolina-Wilmington