Nurse Leader with a strong focus on patient care and collaborative teamwork, leveraging extensive experience across various levels of care and administration. Expertise in evidence-based practice enhances nursing leadership within the Kaiser system. Demonstrated skills in effective communication, attention to detail, and critical thinking drive performance improvement and foster organizational teamwork.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Interim Director of Nursing
Kaiser San Marcos
03.2025 - Current
Contribute to organizational strategic planning efforts by providing insights on nursing best practices, workforce development issues, and healthcare trends affecting service delivery models. Utilize High Reliability Organization (HRO) principles in planning efforts.
Utilize performance improvement tools to influence rapid improvement measures. Recent efforts for daily weights and central line/foley audits resulting in all units having >95% weekly compliance.
Increasing patient satisfaction scores with the key principles of : Nurse Leader Rounding, celebrating positive patient comments, developing change from opportunity comments. Likely to recommend improved from 68.6 to 80.7 for last 90 days.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop optimal work environment and workflows. Frequent touch points with Care Without Delay (CWD) director, and Case Manager Director for patients with placement challenges.
Evaluate work performance of nurse leaders to provide appropriate and timely feedback. Develop emerging leaders with mentorship and connection to organization resources.
Manage budgets effectively, identifying cost-saving measures while maintaining high-quality patient care standards.
Prepare and review presentations for Quality and Risk/Safety departments, ensuring clear communication to executive leaders on drivers and action plans for outcomes.
Key Projects: Hospital Unit Coordinator (HUC) Standard Work, KPSD Falls Committee Lead, Leadership Standard Work, Restraint/Sitter, Reduction Regional Collaborative.
Nurse Manager
Kaiser Zion: Med-Surg Oncology
12.2021 - 03.2025
Managed 130+ staff members, 2 departments, and in 49 patient care beds by providing comprehensive nursing guidance and maintaining outstanding patient satisfaction and care standards.
Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to support professional growth of nursing staff members.
Managed budgets and controlled costs, achieving financial targets without compromising patient care quality.
Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing units and allow nurses earned time off.
Fostered open communication among nurses through regular Unit Based Teams (UBT), achieving and sustaining a level 5 status, promoting collaboration and shared decision-making following the shared governance model.
Participated in evidence-based practice project implementations with UBT and by engaging with Evidence Based Practice Institute as mentor to staff. Key Projects: Human Experience, Commit to Sit, Improved Medicopia Compliance, Attendance: Unprotected Absence Reduction, Missed Meal Reduction.
Ensured regulatory compliance by maintaining accurate records and staying up-to-date on industry standards. Passing Joint Commission Surveys, and participating in CDPH visits/investigations.
Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise.
Improved patient satisfaction scores by fostering a team-oriented environment among nursing staff and supporting organizational values. Medical Surgical unit converted from a low 3 star HCAHP summary star rating in 2021 to a 4 star in 2024.
Verified staff certifications for validity with licensing and credentialing department.
Promoted professional development opportunities to encourage staff to pursue professional development opportunities. Supported staff participating in Ben Hudnall Scholarship Program.
Monitored clinical outcomes closely, identifying areas for improvement and implementing improvement plans.
Coordinated and implemented in-service educational programs focusing on safety and adherence to protocols. Key Programs: Step-Up Charge Training, HUC Skills day, POSH training, CNA Standard Work- CNA focused Assignments.
Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale. Key Initiatives: Nurses Week- Legacy of Nursing, "Dear Nurses", Best Place to Work- People Pulse, Off site gatherings. Recognition: Perfect Attendance rewards.
Reported findings to quality departments after conducting routine audits and worked with team to devise corrective actions for deficiencies.
Led Perfect Room Project, department environment improvement project resulting in floor to ceiling rejuvenation with close partnership with facilities leaders.
2021 Initiated ZMC Teams sites- Charge RN, HUC. Built structure for communication using Microsoft Teams. Standard format for Staff Assignments and Charge RN Assignment tracking developed
People Pulse 2021 -2024 Saw a jump of 20points in the first People Pulse. Team Effectiveness and Culture development sustained improvements.
Assistant Nurse Manager
Kaiser Zion: Med-Surg Oncology
07.2020 - 12.2021
Performed real-time chart audits for patients ensuring accuracy and completeness of information while capitalizing on opportunities for process improvement.
Completed performance improvement project focused on Medication Side Effects (MSE) patient education. Created a MSE tool with frontline staff. Developed a staff training plan. Measured change from baseline of 2 star HCHAP Score for MSE and sustained improvement 3.5 stars or greater.
Resolved conflicts among staff members by employing effective communication techniques and seeking mutually beneficial solutions when issues arose.
Evaluated staff performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and support for professional development opportunities. Performed direct report rounding (DRR) on up to 50% of 130+ employees.
Worked toward departmental goals and objectives to improve satisfactory rating with patients. Trained and mentored nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols with Just Culture coaching and accountability.
Collaborated with other departments to streamline processes and enhance interdisciplinary teamwork, ultimately improving continuity of care for patients.
Participated in hospital-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall patient experience and satisfaction levels.
Ensured timely documentation of all nursing activities within electronic medical records system, contributing to accurate record keeping and informed decision-making processes.
Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise. Unusual Occurrence Report (UOR) review, investigation and resolution.
Assisted Nurse Manager.
Travel RN: Kaiser Fontana/San Diego/Zion
American Mobile
08.2019 - 07.2020
Recruited for 2assignments within KP SCAL. Kaiser Fontana: facilitated foundational training into KP organizational priorities and goals. Kaiser Zion: Increased documentation standard knowledge for Health Connect.
Adapted quickly to new environments, swiftly becoming familiar with facility-specific workflows and practices while maintaining a high level of performance.
Facilitated seamless transitions between shifts by delivering detailed handoffs that effectively communicated pertinent information related to each patient's condition and ongoing treatment plan.
Maintained high-quality patient care standards by adhering to Kaiser Organization protocols, policies, and procedures.
Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in adjusting to varying acuity levels within diverse units while maintaining consistent attention to detail.
Served as a resource to colleagues by sharing clinical expertise and offering guidance in challenging situations, fostering an environment of mutual professional growth.
Provided critical support during medical emergencies, implementing appropriate interventions to stabilize patients' conditions.
Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and individualized care during travel assignments.
Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient plan of care towards optimal outcomes.
Clinical Nurse: PCU/Telemetry Float Pool
Sharp Healthcare
01.2015 - 01.2020
Sharp Healthcare- Sharp Memorial, Sharp Grossmont, and Sharp Coronado Hospitals. Responded to nursing operational needs at 3 medical centers.
Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes for up to 5 patients at a time.
Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, providing emotional support while addressing concerns or questions about care plans.
Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
Participated in professional development opportunities regularly to stay current on best practices in the field of nursing.
Clinical Faculty
Point Loma Nazarene University
01.2013 - 01.2019
Fostered an inclusive learning environment that supported diverse learners'' needs while promoting cultural competence.
Facilitated engaging classroom discussions on evidence-based nursing practices, encouraging critical thinking and application of knowledge.
Mentored and guided 10 students at a time through challenging clinical rotations, offering support and constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
Participated in regular faculty meetings to discuss best practices, share resources, and develop strategies for continuous program improvement.
Evaluated student performance through assessments, providing timely feedback and individualized coaching to promote academic success.
Contributed to the development of a comprehensive nursing curriculum, ensuring alignment with accreditation standards and industry best practices.
Served as a liaison between the nursing program and clinical sites, establishing partnerships for enhanced student experiences.
Collaborated with fellow instructors to initiate interdisciplinary educational activities that enriched course content and student understanding.
Developed strong rapport with students by maintaining open communication channels and demonstrating empathy towards their unique challenges.
Enhanced student learning experiences by incorporating clinical simulations and real-world scenarios into lesson plans.
PCU Clinical Nurse
Sharp Memorial Hospital
01.2011 - 01.2015
Maintained strong working relationships with physicians and ancillary staff, fostering a collaborative approach to patient care delivery.
Responded to patient emergencies to provide prompt and correct intervention .
Educated patients and families to increase understanding of condition and best ways to manage.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient outcomes and efficient care coordination.
Mentored new nursing staff, fostering professional growth and team building within the unit.
Administered medications and treatments to manage patient's condition.
Utilized evidence-based practice to assess and provide care for patients.
Participated in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient care outcomes.
Utilized advanced assessment skills to identify early indications of deterioration in a patient''s condition, enabling prompt intervention when needed.
Demonstrated knowledge of technical procedures and proper equipment use.
Developed strong rapport with patients and families, promoting open communication channels for effective collaboration in treatment plans.
Ensured accurate documentation of all patient records, contributing to improved quality assurance measures.
Provided specialized care for up to 3 critically ill patients requiring advanced monitoring and interventions.
Clinical Lead Nurse
Sharp Memorial Hospital
01.2009 - 01.2011
Contributed to successful accreditation reviews by ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements in all aspects of unit operations.
Mentored junior nursing staff, fostering professional growth and enhancing the overall quality of patient care.
Opened 7W PCU Sharp Memorial Hospital- Shell unit was completed for patient care use, opened the unit. Collaborated with facilities, ensured unit met AR&L needs for opening.
Evaluated clinical competencies of nursing staff regularly, providing constructive feedback to enhance skill development.
Optimized resource utilization by effectively delegating tasks, prioritizing needs, and managing schedules.
Championed a patient-centered approach to care delivery, resulting in increased levels of trust between patients and healthcare providers.
Maintained up-to-date knowledge on best practices in nursing through continuing education courses and industry publications.
Developed tailored care plans, ensuring individualized attention and optimal outcomes for each patient.
Established a culture of safety within the unit through rigorous adherence to infection control protocols and ongoing staff education.
Managed staffing levels effectively, balancing patient needs with the available workforce to maintain optimal ratios and high-quality care.
Spearheaded quality improvement initiatives aimed at boosting clinical performance and reducing medical errors.
Served as a clinical resource to 120+ staff, patients and families.
Created educational materials for staff and patients.
Advanced Clinician
Sharp Memorial Hospital
01.2009 - 04.2010
Delivered high-quality patient care by conducting thorough assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing ongoing therapeutic support.
Served as a mentor to new clinicians, providing guidance on techniques, documentation standards, and ethical considerations in practice.
Provided patients with detailed information about symptoms, causes and treatment expectations.
Developed tailored treatment plans to address the unique needs of each patient and promote optimal recovery.
Implemented crisis intervention strategies when needed, ensuring immediate safety measures were in place for at-risk patients.
Participated in case reviews with multidisciplinary teams to discuss complex cases and develop collaborative solutions for individualized care plans.
ICU Intern Program: Clinical Nurse
Scripps Green Hospital
07.2008 - 01.2009
Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and providing high-quality care in a 16 bed level 2 ICU.
Served as an advocate for patients and their families, addressing concerns and facilitating open lines of communication between healthcare providers and loved ones.
Enhanced patient safety by diligently monitoring vital signs, identifying early warning signs of complications, and taking prompt action in emergent situations.
Promoted a culture of safety within the ICU by adhering to established protocols, reporting potential hazards, and participating in regular safety drills.
Contributed to efficient care coordination by collaborating with case managers, social workers, and other support staff to ensure timely patient discharges and smooth transitions between care settings.
Demonstrated commitment to professional growth through active participation in unit-based committees focused on advancing nursing practice standards and optimizing patient outcomes.
Facilitated smooth handoff processes during shift changes by maintaining accurate documentation of patient status updates, treatments provided, and pending tasks requiring immediate attention from incoming staff members.
DOU New Graduate Nurse
Scripps Green Hospital
06.2007 - 07.2008
Conferred with RN to identify patient care needs and support and prepare patient admission, transfer or discharge.
Completed, maintained and submitted accurate and relevant clinical notes regarding patient condition and treatment plan to facilitate continuity of care.
Obtained information from patient interview and observation and documented vital signs, weights and heights to facilitate patient care activities.
Contributed to achievement of established department goals and objectives by adhering to policies, procedures and quality and safety standards.
Performed basic procedures and care activities to treat patient physical ailments and emotional needs and fostered collaborative relationship to identify causes, symptoms or explanations resulting in proper diagnosis and appropriate treatments.
Education
Master of Nursing - Clinical Nurse Leader
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA
01.2008
Bachelor of Arts- Biology -
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA
01.2004
Skills
Process improvements
Quality improvement
Budget management
Policies compliance enforcement
LNGG
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Elementary
Certification
Registered Nurse License CA 704598 - 2007-2027
Activate Leadership Development, Kaiser Permenente -2024
Summit Leadership Development, Kaiser Permenente -2022
AIA Program Process Improvement Training, Kaiser Permenente - 2022
Timeline
Interim Director of Nursing
Kaiser San Marcos
03.2025 - Current
Nurse Manager
Kaiser Zion: Med-Surg Oncology
12.2021 - 03.2025
Assistant Nurse Manager
Kaiser Zion: Med-Surg Oncology
07.2020 - 12.2021
Travel RN: Kaiser Fontana/San Diego/Zion
American Mobile
08.2019 - 07.2020
Clinical Nurse: PCU/Telemetry Float Pool
Sharp Healthcare
01.2015 - 01.2020
Clinical Faculty
Point Loma Nazarene University
01.2013 - 01.2019
PCU Clinical Nurse
Sharp Memorial Hospital
01.2011 - 01.2015
Clinical Lead Nurse
Sharp Memorial Hospital
01.2009 - 01.2011
Advanced Clinician
Sharp Memorial Hospital
01.2009 - 04.2010
ICU Intern Program: Clinical Nurse
Scripps Green Hospital
07.2008 - 01.2009
DOU New Graduate Nurse
Scripps Green Hospital
06.2007 - 07.2008
Master of Nursing - Clinical Nurse Leader
University of San Diego
Bachelor of Arts- Biology -
Pepperdine University
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