KAREN BEZUIDENHOUT
Bakersfield,USA
Summary
Accomplished Chief Nursing Officer with a proven track record at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bakersfield, demonstrating exceptional leadership and clinical management skills. Expert in fostering interdisciplinary relationships, enhancing patient safety, and driving quality improvement. Mentored staff to achieve superior outcomes, leveraging strong communication and organizational talents. Strong focus on team collaboration, ensuring reliable performance and adaptability to changing needs. Adept at fostering culture of teamwork and achieving exceptional results.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Chief Nursing Officer RN BSN MSN CRRN
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bakersfield
07.2021 - Current
- Holds full responsibility for a 86 bed acute rehabilitation hospital
- Holds full responsibility for the quality of nursing care provided
- Develop and implement plans for providing nursing care, treatment and services, including the determination of the types/numbers of nursing personnel necessary to provide nursing care
- Develop a patient-focused, team-oriented culture, working in conjunction with all other medical, clinical and therapeutic disciplines to ensure optimal service and superior outcomes
- Represent Nursing on the governing body and other hospital committees
- Support cultural diversity by ensuring the delivery of quality, equitable, culturally competent, patient-centered care
- Promote and maintain an inclusive, diverse work environment and culture
- Ensure that cultural diversity and sensitivity training are part of new-employee orientation on an ongoing basis to meet the needs of the patient population served in the hospital
- Followed all HIPAA rules and regulations regarding patient confidentiality.
- Developed and implemented new nursing protocols to improve patient outcomes while minimizing medical errors.
- Interviewed, hired, instructed and mentored employees and promoted high level of care quality to patients.
- Recruited new professional staff members and implemented comprehensive training programs.
- Championed patient safety initiatives, resulting in reduced medical errors and improved clinical outcomes.
- Developed strategic plans for nursing services, aligning with organizational goals and objectives.
- Served on committees focused on improving healthcare delivery at both the organizational level as well as within the broader industry context.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging open communication and teamwork among staff members.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements through regular audits, policy updates, and ongoing education for staff members.
- Served as a liaison between nursing staff, physicians, administration, and other stakeholders for effective communication and collaboration.
- Promoted a positive work environment by recognizing achievements and addressing concerns promptly.
- Optimized workflow processes by integrating advanced technology systems into daily operations.
- Mentored emerging nurse leaders, fostering professional growth and career advancement opportunities within the organization.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
- Managed budgets, ensuring cost-effective use of resources without compromising patient care quality or employee satisfaction.
Associate Chief Nursing Officer RN BSN MSN CRRN
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bakersfield
10.2020 - 07.2021
- Participated in the Developing Future CNOs program to develop and prepare for the CNO role
- Responsible for an 86 bed acute rehabilitation hospital under the direction of the CNO
- Full responsibility of nursing in the absence of the chief nursing officer
- Ensured regulatory compliance with industry standards such as Joint Commission accreditation requirements among all levels of nursing staff.
- Improved patient care quality by implementing evidence-based practices and protocols in nursing procedures.
- Implemented performance improvement strategies that enhanced patient care outcomes, streamlined operations, and increased overall nursing team satisfaction.
- Represented the interests of the nursing department at executive leadership meetings, advocating for policies that support high-quality patient care delivery standards.
- Contributed to policy development initiatives aimed at improving hospital systems for better clinical outcomes and overall patient experiences.
- Promoted a safe working environment by enforcing strict adherence to infection control guidelines and workplace safety protocols.
- Participated in hospital-wide quality improvement initiatives, contributing to overall organizational excellence in healthcare service delivery.
- Increased patient satisfaction scores by fostering a culture of open communication and empathy in nursing care delivery.
Nurse Manager RN BSN, MSN, CRRN
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bakersfield
04.2015 - 10.2020
- Responsible for an 86 bed acute rehabilitation hospital
- 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 staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses earned time off.
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
- Fostered open communication among nurses through regular team meetings, promoting collaboration and shared decisionmaking.
- Developed and implemented quality improvement initiatives to provide best possible patient care and identify and address areas of concern.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by maintaining accurate records and staying up-to-date on industry standards.
- Served as a key point of contact between nursing staff, physicians, administration, and other healthcare professionals.
- 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.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the department, conducting regular risk assessments and addressing potential hazards promptly.
- Fostered improvement in staff development, personnel training, and standards of patient care.
- Oversaw infection control procedures to protect patients from infections and keep nursing departments compliant with state regulations.
- Coordinated staffing resources during times of high patient acuity or census fluctuations to maintain optimal nurse-to-patient ratios.
- Full responsibility of nursing in the absence of the chief nursing officer
- Hold nursing staff accountable for responsibilities in their job descriptions and supervised their performance
- Maintains knowledge of trends in rehabilitation and healthcare and helps staff identify the impact of these trends on the delivery of rehabilitation care
- Supports the rehabilitation nursing staff in performing the clinical roles of patient educator, caregiver, counsellor, consultant, and patient advocate
- Maintaining and imparting knowledge of unit and hospital policies, procedures and protocols
- Supporting and facilitating the development and teaching of new staff
- Maintaining comprehensive oversight of unit, knowing overall unit capability
- Directs appropriate staffing by evaluating staffing needs
- Providing assistance to staff when acuity rises
- Participating in problem solving
- Holds overall accountability for the management of clinical rehabilitation nursing practice and of allied health practice where included in scope of role
- Provides input into and maintains appropriate staffing levels and skill mix among staff members
- Is accountable for the management of direct report personnel functions; seeks to select and retain an appropriate skill mix of qualified, competent, patient-oriented rehabilitation personnel with diverse backgrounds
- Provides for assignments that are commensurate with the level of education and demonstrated competencies of personnel, using available resources effectively and appropriately to provide efficient, safe, and effective care of rehabilitation patients
- Defines and oversees the orientation, education, credentialing, and continuing development of licensed and unlicensed staff involved in providing patient care and other services, in collaboration with a clinical nurse specialist and/or an educator, as available
- Acts as a role model, mentor, and coach to the rehabilitation settings staff and provides developmental opportunities for staff to acquire clinical rehabilitation skills and expertise; encourages staff to seek advanced preparation and rehabilitation specialty certification
- Defines, implements, and evaluates the care delivery system used in the rehabilitation environment
- Participates and facilitates participation of staff in nursing and organizational policy formulation and decision making
- Identifying areas for improvement, giving staff timely feedback and coaching
- Conflict management
- Performance evaluations, address performance problems with staff at the time of occurrence
- Monitored unit budget to ensure financial objectives were met
- Instructed patients and family members on proper discharge care
- Prepared for CDPH, Joint Commission and CMS surveys and reviews
- Works closely with staffing coordinator to meet the staffing needs of the hospital
- Assist hospital educator with teaching classes
- Preceptor for new nurse managers in the western region
- Assumes accountability for remaining current regarding the standards of care established by professions and organizations (e
- G., American Nurses Association, the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, and professional allied health organizations, as appropriate) regulatory bodies (e.g., Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations [JCAHO], CARF the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission); and government (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid); is able to determine implications for the rehabilitation setting and responds using flexibility and creativity to promote compliance
- An active member of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses and serves as an advocate for rehabilitation and rehabilitation nursing
Faculty RN - Informatics for RN-BSN program
University of Phoenix
12.2017 - 01.2018
- Preparing & training received to prepare for faculty classroom teaching
Registered Nurse RN BSN
San Joaquin Community Hospital
10.2013 - 03.2015
- Patient care on a medical surgical floor/ remote telemetry floor
- Assesses, plans, implements and evaluates patient care according to standards
- Accepts responsibility for direction of coworkers in the implementation of plans of care
- Float to other units according to skills of staff and acuity of patients
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Registered RN BSN- Charge Nurse
Rideout Health
09.2013 - 03.2015
- Direct the activities of the medical surgical / step-down floor for 12 patients
- Responsible and held accountable for the clinical decisions on the units for the shift
- Hold nursing staff accountable for responsibilities in their job descriptions and supervised their performance
- Make and adjust patient assignments as needed
- Review of current orders to assure that all treatments, medications and diagnostics tests ordered by physicians are carried out
- Note physicians orders accurately
- Audits
- Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
- Assessed patient conditions promptly upon admission to determine appropriate interventions and prioritize care needs.
- Provided emotional support to patients during challenging times, fostering a sense of trust and rapport that contributed to better overall wellbeing.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
Clinical Coordinator RN BSN
Rideout Health
05.2010 - 09.2013
- Direct the activities of the medical surgical / step-down floor for 12 patients
- Responsible and held accountable for the clinical decisions on the units for the shift
- Hold nursing staff accountable for responsibilities in their job descriptions and supervised their performance
- Make and adjust patient assignments as needed
- Review of current orders to assure that all treatments, medications and diagnostics tests ordered by physicians are carried out
- Note physicians orders accurately
- Scheduling, auditing, staff performance evaluations, motivation, data collection
- Assume responsibility to ensure review of nursing care plans to determine the effectiveness in meeting established care and treatment goals
- Assume responsibility for review of lab results, medication profiles, current therapy and patient progress and intervened appropriately
- Performance evaluations, address performance problems with staff at the time of occurrence
- Liaised between patients and physicians to ensure patient comprehension of treatment plans
- Monitored unit budget to ensure financial objectives were met
- Instructed patients and family members on proper discharge care
- Prepared for CDPH, JCAHO and CMS surveys and reviews
- Coordinated with doctors and registered nurses to develop care plans for patients
- Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based clinical practices and protocols.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by maintaining accurate documentation, adhering to policies, and participating in audits.
- Supported departmental goals by actively participating in committee meetings, contributing to policy revisions, and staying informed on current industry trends.
- Assisted in the recruitment, interviewing, selection process of qualified nursing personnel to maintain high-quality clinical staffing levels.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient care and address complex medical issues.
- Developed strong relationships with patients and families through compassionate communication and education on treatment options.
- Served as a mentor for new nursing staff members, providing guidance on clinical skills, critical thinking abilities, and best practices.
Administrative House Supervisor RN (Per Diem)
Fremont Rideout Health Group
12.2005 - 04.2010
- Coordinated and monitor staffing for all shifts and maintain appropriate staffing levels and skill mix
- Follows up on all clinical issues, supervise staff, assess their needs
- Acts as the patients advocate
- Collaborates with all departments of the hospital to ensure effective patient care
- Ensure that the staff provide the excellent patient care
- Monitor and maintain compliance with accrediting and regulatory standards with the Joint Commission, CDPH, OSHA etc
- And organization policies and procedures
- Manage the weekend and off hours patient care and nursing services in the hospital
- The administrative resource person within the hospital
- Coordination of patient flow and oversight of the rapid response team
- Problem solving, confront and resolve issues
- Plan, organize and direct the activities of the hospital
Nursing Supervisor RN
Fremont Rideout Health Group
08.2005 - 04.2010
- Direct supervision of 15-17 RN's as well as 4 LVN's and certified nursing assistants on the night shift of a medical/surgical floor with 38 beds
- Scheduling, auditing, staff performance evaluations, motivation, data collection
- Maintaining and imparting knowledge of unit and hospital policies, procedures and protocols
- Supporting and facilitating the development and teaching of new staff
- Facilitating staff assignments based on experience and competency considering continuity of care
- Planning patient flow for the day, directing admits, transfers and discharges
- Maintaining comprehensive oversight of unit, knowing overall unit capability
- Function as the overall decision maker for the unit during the course of the shift
- Directs appropriate staffing by evaluating staffing needs
- Providing assistance to staff when acuity rises
- Participating in problem solving
- Identifying areas for improvement, giving staff timely feedback and coaching
- Conflict management
- Helping to maintain a safe environment for patients and staff
Charge Nurse RN
Fremont Rideout Health Group
01.2004 - 07.2005
- Directed the activities of the medical/surgical unit for 38 patients
- Responsible and held accountable for the clinical decisions on the units for my shift
- Held nursing staff accountable for responsibilities in their job descriptions and supervised their performance
- Made patient assignments as needed
- Review of current orders to assure that all treatments, medications and diagnostics tests ordered by physicians are carried out, noted physicians orders accurately
- Evaluated patient care needs, prioritized treatment, and maintained patient flow
- Provided treatment within scope of practice as defined by state law
- Implemented new floor assignments based on evaluation of staffing requirements
- Liaised between patients and physicians to ensure patient comprehension of treatment plans
- Instructed patients and family members on proper discharge care
- Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate outstanding healthcare teams
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation
- Assumed responsibility to ensure review of nursing care plans to determine the effectiveness in meeting established care and treatment goals
- Assumed responsibility for review of lab results, medication profiles, current therapy and patient progress and intervened appropriately
- Contributed to performance evaluations as requested by unit supervisor
- Address performance problems with staff at the time of occurrence
Charge Nurse RN
Eugene Marais Hospital
01.2003 - 11.2004
- Directed the activities of the medical/surgical floor for 38 patients
- Responsible and held accountable for the clinical decisions on the units for my shift
- Held nursing staff accountable for responsibilities in their job descriptions and supervised their performance
- Made patient assignments as needed
- Review of current orders to assure that all treatments, medications and diagnostics tests ordered by physicians are carried out
- Noted physicians orders accurately
- Assumed responsibility to ensure review of nursing care plans to determine the effectiveness in meeting established care and treatment goals
- Assumed responsibility for review of lab results, medication profiles, current therapy and patient progress and intervened appropriately
- Contributed to performance evaluations as requested by unit supervisor
- Address performance problems with staff at the time of occurrence
- Liaised between patients and physicians to ensure patient comprehension of treatment plans
- Instructed patients and family members on proper discharge care
- Managed care for postoperative patients through discharge
- Oversaw implementation of patient management plans
- Mentored Staff
Unit Manager RN
Medforum Hospital
12.1998 - 12.2002
- Accountable for all patient care practices by RN's, LVN's and nursing assistants for a 22 bed surgical floor
- Ensured quality standards were maintained
- Performed annual and as needed performance reviews
- Budget control and proper implementation
- Mentored staff
- Planned for the unit, staff and patient care needs
- Developed new policies and protocols for unit and hospital
- Direct patient care
- Maintained all confidential personnel files, license and CPR compliance records
- Coordinated with doctors and registered nurses to develop care plans for patients
- Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, treatments, medications, discharge instructions, and follow-up care
- Collaborated with physicians and case management to ensure appropriate utilization of hospital resources and a timely and safe discharge plan for all patients on a daily basis
- Recommended and delivered disciplinary actions
- Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for inpatient care
- Developed patient care plans, including assessments, evaluations, and nursing diagnoses
- Coordinated Quality Improvement Activities (QIA's), to identify performance areas for improvement
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation
- Monitored unit budget to ensure financial objectives were met
- Implemented new floor assignments based on evaluation of staffing requirements
- Processed monthly reports for department performance
- Liaised between patients and physicians to ensure patient comprehension of treatment plans
Phlebotomist - RN
Dr Dietrich, Street and Partners
01.1990 - 07.1997
- Phlebotomist certified
- Different collection techniques trained
- Assisted with diagnostic procedures
- Processed monthly reports for department performance
- Data entering of lab results
- Communicated lab results
- Delegated staff nurse duties
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared them for lab testing
Registered Nurse
Hydromed Hospital
12.1989 - 12.1990
- Surgical/ gynecological floor- 40 bed unit
- Patients assessments completed in an on-going systematic thorough, safe and skillful manner with a focus on the patients physical, psychosocial, cultural and spiritual status
- Constantly prioritized patient care while adhering to institutional policies and procedures
- Act as an advocate for the patient and family providing excellent care
- Worked with multidisciplinary teams to achieve desired outcomes for patients
- Utilized strong assessment skills to determine necessary patient care
- Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, treatments, medications, discharge instructions, and follow-up care
- Responsible for primary care, case management, and medication management
- Managed care for post-operative patients through discharge
- Liaised between patients and physicians to ensure patient comprehension of treatment plans
Education
MSN - Nurse Administrator
South University
Savannah, GA01.2015
MSN - executive track (leadership)
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Downers Grove, Illinois01.2012
Nursing RN to BSN -
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Downers Grove, Illinois12.2011
Nursing-RN to BSN -
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona01.2006
General Nursing-Diploma -
Western Cape College of Nursing
Bellville, Western Province12.1986
Skills
- Strong clinical skills
- Leadership skills
- Management skills
- Excellent interpersonal relationships
- Excellent interdisciplinary relationships
- Excellent prioritizing skills
- Excellent managing deadline skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Excellent customer service
- Excellent communication skills
- Computer savvy
- Excellent electronic medical record experience
- Educating staff
- Mentoring staff
- Staffing recruitment
- Managing staff improvement
Patient service recovery skills
- Program development
- Policy development
- Nursing staff management
- Patient Safety
- Acute Care
- Clinical management
- Clinical expertise
- Quality Improvement
- Strategic Planning
- Continuous Improvement
- Staff mentoring and coaching
- Effective Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Active Listening
- Team Collaboration
Direct Nursing care
Recruiting, Hiring and staffing
Employee Engagement
Certification
- Leadership Coaching through HealthSouth
- Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)
- Registered Nurse - State of California
- BLS - Basic Life Support
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support (expired)
- CPR certified through American Heart Association
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) expired
- Basic Management Course
- Preceptor Course
- Customer Care courses
- Communications courses
- Chemotherapy certified (lapsed)
- Huntleigh safe moving and handling course
Affiliations
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, 10/01/12
- Association of California Nurses Leaders - Kern Chapter, 10/01/16
- Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, 2016
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
afrikaans
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Chief Nursing Officer RN BSN MSN CRRN
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bakersfield
07.2021 - Current
Associate Chief Nursing Officer RN BSN MSN CRRN
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bakersfield
10.2020 - 07.2021
Faculty RN - Informatics for RN-BSN program
University of Phoenix
12.2017 - 01.2018
Nurse Manager RN BSN, MSN, CRRN
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bakersfield
04.2015 - 10.2020
Registered Nurse RN BSN
San Joaquin Community Hospital
10.2013 - 03.2015
Registered RN BSN- Charge Nurse
Rideout Health
09.2013 - 03.2015
Clinical Coordinator RN BSN
Rideout Health
05.2010 - 09.2013
Administrative House Supervisor RN (Per Diem)
Fremont Rideout Health Group
12.2005 - 04.2010
Nursing Supervisor RN
Fremont Rideout Health Group
08.2005 - 04.2010
Charge Nurse RN
Fremont Rideout Health Group
01.2004 - 07.2005
Charge Nurse RN
Eugene Marais Hospital
01.2003 - 11.2004
Unit Manager RN
Medforum Hospital
12.1998 - 12.2002
Phlebotomist - RN
Dr Dietrich, Street and Partners
01.1990 - 07.1997
Registered Nurse
Hydromed Hospital
12.1989 - 12.1990
MSN - executive track (leadership)
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Nursing RN to BSN -
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Nursing-RN to BSN -
Grand Canyon University
General Nursing-Diploma -
Western Cape College of Nursing
- Leadership Coaching through HealthSouth
- Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)
- Registered Nurse - State of California
- BLS - Basic Life Support
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support (expired)
- CPR certified through American Heart Association
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) expired
- Basic Management Course
- Preceptor Course
- Customer Care courses
- Communications courses
- Chemotherapy certified (lapsed)
- Huntleigh safe moving and handling course
MSN - Nurse Administrator
South University
Professionalbackground
- High performing nurse leader with strong clinical and people skills and rehabilitation experience
- Patient care department administration and supervision
- Direct patient care (medical/surgical, gynecology/dialysis)
- Personal recruitment/Administration (licensed and non-licensed)
- Rehabilitation, Geriatrics & dialysis patient population
- Managed staff improvement and training, clinical practice, administration and control, consultation and support, development of training and education programs
- Plan, direct and evaluate nursing care services under supervision
- Making sure all procedures and services are in compliance with policies and regulations
- Maintains and promotes the mission and vision of the hospital
- Responsible for providing quality health care services to patients and consistently improving patient satisfaction.
- Excellent problem solving skills and logical as well as scientific thinking to construe technical data and solve broad range of problems
- Able to understand, adjust and respond calmly under tense situations
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Educating/training/mentoring and teaching skills
- Developing policies and procedures
- Preparing and implementation of budget
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