Heather L. Wierzba
Sandusky,OH
Summary
Highly motivated, detail oriented healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience improving quality, cost, and operational efficiencies in the acute and ambulatory setting. Skilled in developing and executing strategies to improve organizational performance, patient care, and staff development through transformational and servant leadership. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Quality
Community Health Services
03.2022 - Current
- Implemented best practice policies for patient education and patient and staff safety.
- Enforced compliance with government regulations and company policies.
- Worked with The Joint Commission to discover areas of need and promptly implemented improvements.
- Monitored staff organization and suggested improvements to daily functionality.
- Scheduled and chaired quality and infection control review committees to review effectiveness of performance mitigating risk, improving throughput and achieving patient satisfaction.
- Scheduled and chaired quality review meetings to review effectiveness of performance mitigating risk, improving throughput and achieving customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary team to apply root cause analysis guidance and establish effective corrective action plans.
- Developed and maintained records of policies, procedures and best practices to support continuity of care with Patient-Centered Medical Home for Federally Qualified Health Centers.
- Audits clinical documentation and coded data to validate documentation supports services rendered for reimbursement and reporting purposes.
- Implemented additional value-based contracts to support ongoing quality efforts.
Hospice Area Executive of Clinical Operations
08.2021 - 03.2022
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
- Established performance goals for department and outlined processes for achievement.
- Increased company growth through collaboration with sales and marketing departments.
Vice President of Nursing Services
Fisher-Titus Medical Center
09.2016 - 08.2021
- Divisional leadership included: Obstetrics, Medical/Surgical, Emergency Department, ICU, Pharmacy, and Clinical Education.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams. Awarded the 2019 People Pillar Award.
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Clarified roles, responsibilities and expectations of staff.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
- Led recruitment and development of strategic alliances to maximize utilization of existing talent and capabilities.
- Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
- Directed technological improvements, reducing waste and increasing operational efficiencies.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize productivity.
- Developed and implemented the first Nurse Residency Program.
- Member of the Patient Family Advisory Council
Surgery Director
Surgery Center Of Sandusky
04.2004 - 08.2016
- Specialized in Ophthalmology, Ocular Plastics, and Aesthetic services.
- Arranged pre-operative and post-operative appointments for surgical patients.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Obtained pre-authorizations and pre-certifications ahead of scheduled surgeries.
- Expertly managed planning, scheduling, and coordination of outpatient procedures.
- Prepped operating rooms and ordered necessary equipment and supplies.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
ICU Staff Nurse
Firelands Regional Medical
05.2003 - 04.2004
- Responded to emergency situations to provide rapid and accurate care.
- Delivered age-appropriate medical care for adult and geriatric ICU patients.
- Maintained respectful treatment environment that honored patients' and families' cultural and religious traditions and preferences.
- Led daily nursing rounds to assess patient progress and address any concerns.
- Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and made adjustments to promote stabilization.
Cardiac/Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Washington Hospital
11.2002 - 05.2003
- Responded to emergency situations to provide rapid and accurate care.
- Assessed and documented changes in patient's condition and prepared patient for transfer to higher level of care.
- Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out, and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery.
- Delivered age-appropriate medical care for adult and geriatric ICU patients.
- Maintained respectful treatment environment that honored patients' and families' cultural and religious traditions and preferences.
- Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and made adjustments to promote stabilization.
Neurology/Renal Staff/Charge Nurse
Winchester Medical Center
08.2000 - 11.2002
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Documented information in patients' electronic medical record, relaying information to clinicians and care providers to facilitate continuity of care.
- Conducted daily shift briefs to inform staff of changes in patient care assignments.
- Worked with patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure (CHF), cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), diabetes or sepsis to asses needs and determine best options for care.
- Performed peritoneal dialysis and trained patients and caretakers how to perform at home.
Liver
John Hopkins Medical Center
07.1999 - 08.2000
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Administered specialty medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients pre- and post-operatively.
- Coordinated patient discharge planning to provide post-discharge patient care, promoting healing and recovery.
- Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing: Executive Leadership
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Online08.2019
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV05.1999
Skills
- Contract Compliance-Valued-Based Care Programs
- Performance Improvement Programs
- Team Development
- Production Operations
- Compliance/Risk Management
- Effective Communication
- Quality Improvement Initiatives
- Strategy Management
- Disaster Preparedness (FEMA)
- Accreditation Processes (The Joint Commission)
Affiliations
APIC-Association for Professionals in Infection Control
OACHC- Ohio Association of Community Health Centers
Timeline
Director of Quality
Community Health Services
03.2022 - Current
Hospice Area Executive of Clinical Operations
08.2021 - 03.2022
Vice President of Nursing Services
Fisher-Titus Medical Center
09.2016 - 08.2021
Surgery Director
Surgery Center Of Sandusky
04.2004 - 08.2016
ICU Staff Nurse
Firelands Regional Medical
05.2003 - 04.2004
Cardiac/Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Washington Hospital
11.2002 - 05.2003
Neurology/Renal Staff/Charge Nurse
Winchester Medical Center
08.2000 - 11.2002
Liver
John Hopkins Medical Center
07.1999 - 08.2000
Master of Science - Nursing: Executive Leadership
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
West Virginia University
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