Julie Smithers
Heuvelton,NY
Summary
Dynamic and visionary nursing leader with a proven record of elevating clinical quality, operational performance, and workforce engagement across complex healthcare systems. Driven and compassionate healthcare professional with 25 years of experience in fast-paced hospital environments. Adept at leading large, multidisciplinary teams; advancing evidence-based practice; and building a culture of safety, accountability, and innovation.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations
North Star Health Alliance
03.2024 - Current
- Directed and managed nursing operations, case management and quality improvement, ensuring high standards of patient care and compliance with healthcare regulations and quality.
- Developed and implemented strategic plan to improve nursing services and patient outcomes
- Budget management and resource allocation
- Developed and managed the hospital systems operation center
- Led several key grants for the system
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency across healthcare services.
- Developed and implemented organizational policies to align with industry regulations and best practices.
Vice President of Nursing
Saint Lawrence Health - Massena Hospital & Gouverneur Hospital
01.2022 - 03.2024
- Managed patient care delivery, nursing, and nurse practice throughout the facility.
- Provided vision and set the direction for quality evidence-based patient-centered care.
- Consulted with and advised the Chief Operating Officer and CEO on issues relating to the operation of the hospital.
- Managed programs, such as detoxification, to promote excellence in service and safety for patient care delivery.
- Assessed the environment, communicated ideas, and implemented policies.
- Participated in the strategic and long-range planning of the hospital.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency across multiple healthcare service lines.
- Directed budget management processes, ensuring alignment with organizational financial goals and compliance standards.
Administrator of patient care services & system director of case management
Claxton Hepburn Medical Center & Carthage Area Hospital
11.2021 - 01.2022
- Directed the development of system case management between Claxton Hepburn Medical Center and Carthage Area Hospital.
- Oversight of staff consisting of RN Case Managers, Social Service Coordinator, and Clinical Documentation Specialist and Denial Management.
- Implemented process improvements within the case management programs, including utilization review, discharge planning, clinical documentation, and hospital swing bed program.
- Oversight and coordination of the Resource Management Committee.
- Balance clinical and financial concerns with the family’s needs and the patient’s quality of care.
- Lead key initiatives for patient status determinations, thus having a positive facility and patient financial impact.
- Developed interfacility transfer records to support executive decision-making and positive patient outcomes.
- Direct report to the CNO & CEO.
- Oversight of all nursing functions at Carthage Area Hospital, including Clinics and the Assisted Living Facility.
System Director of Case Management
St Lawrence Health System
08.2020 - 10.2021
- Directed the development of system case management between three hospitals.
- Oversight of staff consisting of RN Case Managers, Social Service Coordinator, and Clinical Documentation Specialist.
- Implemented process improvements within the case management programs, including utilization review, discharge planning, clinical documentation, and hospital swing bed program.
- Oversight and coordination of the Resource Management Committee.
- Balance clinical and financial concerns with the family’s needs and the patient’s quality of care.
- Managed key initiatives for patient status determinations and care coordination thus having a positive facility and patient impact.
- Developed interfacility transfer records to support executive decision-making and positive patient outcomes.
- Direct report to the CFO of the institution.
Vice President of Nursing
St Lawrence Health System – Gouverneur Hospital
11.2017 - 08.2020
- Managed patient care delivery, nursing, and nurse practice throughout the facility.
- Provided vision and set the direction for quality evidence-based patient-centered care.
- Consulted with and advised the Chief Operating Officer and CEO on issues relating to the operation of the hospital.
- Managed programs, such as detoxification, to promote excellence in service and safety for patient care delivery.
- Assessed the environment, communicated ideas, and implemented policies.
- Participated in the strategic and long-range planning of the hospital.
- Implemented quality improvement programs, resulting in increased patient satisfaction and safety metrics.
Director of Claxton Hepburn Health Center
Claxton Hepburn Medical Center
08.2016 - 11.2017
- Oversight of 8 health centers and staff of LPNs, Health Center Receptionist, Site Supervisor, Front Office Supervisor, RN Chronic Care Coordinator, Social Worker, and Quality Coordinator.
- Developed and instituted integration of behavioral health into primary care and Care Coordination into primary care.
- Developed policy and procedures for Patient Centered Medical Home.
Director of Case Management
Claxton Hepburn Medical Center
06.2012 - 08.2016
- Oversight of staff consisting of RN Case Managers, Social Service Coordinator, Clinical Documentation Specialist, and Executive Secretary responsible for patient care coordination.
- Develop and implement case management programs, including utilization review, discharge planning, clinical documentation, and hospital swing bed program.
- Oversight and coordination of the Resource Management Committee.
- Balance clinical and financial concerns with the family’s needs and the patient’s quality of care.
- Worked closely with DSRIP initiatives and projects.
- Direct report to the CFO of the institution.
RN Case Management Coordinator / RN Staff Nurse
Claxton Hepburn Medical Center
07.2006 - 06.2012
- Duties include utilization review and discharge planning of acute inpatient population as well as swing bed patients.
- Incorporated patient/family education into the hospital stay.
- Planned and managed care of rehabilitation patients.
- Directly supervised LPN and Nurse Assistants.
- Wound care management and IV infusion therapy to include discharge teaching to patients, family, and caregivers.
- Actively participated in the unit-based Quality Assurance Program.
- Performed all tasks with a patient-centered focus while seeking opportunities for improvements in process and treatment.
Education
Master’s of Science - Nursing – Leadership and Management
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT01.2019
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT01.2018
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
SUNY Canton
Canton05-2000
Associate of Science - Liberal Arts
SUNY Canton
Canton, NY01.1995
Skills
- Evidence based clinical guidelines
- Utilization management
- Medical Necessity Denial Management
- Coaching skills
- Transformational initiatives
- Evidence-based practice implementation
- Patient safety
- Quality improvement
- Cost-reduction strategies
- Strategic leadership
- Executive leadership
- Project oversight
- Staff management
- Regulatory compliance
Certification
- Registered Professional Nurse, 516163
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- PRI Certification
- Completion of The North Country Care Coordination Certificate Program
- Certificate of Completion MDS training through School of Public Health (University at Albany)
- SBIRT Certificate
Timeline
Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations
North Star Health Alliance
03.2024 - Current
Vice President of Nursing
Saint Lawrence Health - Massena Hospital & Gouverneur Hospital
01.2022 - 03.2024
Administrator of patient care services & system director of case management
Claxton Hepburn Medical Center & Carthage Area Hospital
11.2021 - 01.2022
System Director of Case Management
St Lawrence Health System
08.2020 - 10.2021
Vice President of Nursing
St Lawrence Health System – Gouverneur Hospital
11.2017 - 08.2020
Director of Claxton Hepburn Health Center
Claxton Hepburn Medical Center
08.2016 - 11.2017
Director of Case Management
Claxton Hepburn Medical Center
06.2012 - 08.2016
RN Case Management Coordinator / RN Staff Nurse
Claxton Hepburn Medical Center
07.2006 - 06.2012
Master’s of Science - Nursing – Leadership and Management
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Western Governors University
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
SUNY Canton
Associate of Science - Liberal Arts
SUNY Canton
Personal Information
- ID Type: Registered Professional Nurse License
- ID Number: 516163