Karen Overton
Discovery Bay,CA
Summary
Compassionate and results-driven Nursing Leader with over 29 years of comprehensive healthcare experience, including 10+ years of progressive leadership in clinical and administrative roles. Proven expertise in team development, quality improvement, patient-centered care, and strategic planning. Recognized for building high-performing teams, fostering collaborative work environments, and driving operational excellence. Committed to advancing evidence-based practices, improving patient outcomes, and leading with integrity and empathy in fast-paced healthcare settings.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Interim Chief Nurse Executive
Kaiser Walnut Creek Medical Center
Walnut Creek, CA
05.2025 - Current
- Directed nursing operations to enhance patient care delivery and safety standards
- Monitored compliance with regulatory requirements and hospital accreditation standards
- Championed initiatives for improving patient satisfaction and overall experience
Maternal Child Health Service Line Director
Kaiser Walnut Creek Medical Center
Walnut Creek, CA
07.2024 - 05.2025
- Clinical and operational oversight of the following departments: Labor & Delivery, Mother Baby Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and Pediatrics
- Developed and mentored new MCH Leadership team
- Implemented comprehensive strategies to improve operational processes and organizational efficiency
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to improve clinical outcomes
Interim Maternal Child Health Director
Hireup Leadership: Kaiser Walnut Creek Medical Ctr
Walnut Creek, CA
05.2023 - 07.2024
- Clinical and operational oversight of the following departments: Labor & Delivery, Mother Baby Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and Pediatrics
Nursing Director Maternal Child Health
Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center
Northridge, CA
07.2018 - 05.2023
- Clinical and operational oversight of the following departments: Labor & Delivery, Postpartum, Lactation, Welcome Baby, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and Pediatrics
- Educator for Labor & Delivery and Postpartum
- Charge Auditor
Clinical Manager Women’s Services
Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center
Northridge, CA
07.2016 - 06.2018
- Clinical and operational oversight of Labor & Delivery and Postpartum
- Educator for Labor & Delivery and Postpartum
- Charge Auditor
Perinatal Safety Specialist
Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center
Northridge, CA
04.2015 - 06.2016
- Ensured compliance with Dignity Health Perinatal Safety Initiatives through rigorous chart audits
- Educated Labor & Delivery and Postpartum staff on safety protocols and best practices
- Collaborated with Quality Department to enhance overall patient safety measures within the departments
Labor and Delivery Staff RN & Relief Charge Nurse
Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center
Northridge, CA
11.2007 - 04.2015
Medical Surgical Staff RN
Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center
Northridge, CA
01.2005 - 11.2007
Medical Surgical Staff LVN
Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center
Northridge, CA
09.2002 - 01.2005
Trauma Data Entry Coordinator
Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center
Northridge, CA
11.1998 - 08.2002
Base Station Data Entry Coordinator
Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center
Northridge, CA
11.1996 - 11.1998
Education
MBA - Health Care Management
Capella
05.2024
BSN -
Western Governors University
07.2016
ADN -
College of The Canyons
01-2005
Skills
- Healthcare leadership
- Regulatory compliance
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Operational efficiency
- Patient safety
Accomplishments
- Memberships: AONL, ANA, AWHONN
- May 2025 Kaiser Walnut Creek Nurse Leader Daisy Award
- April 2025 Completed KP/UCSF Academy for Interdisciplinary Leadership
- 2018 Received Best Leader/Manager/Supervisor Dignity Northridge Hospital Nurse Week Award
- 2018 Completed Dignity Health Emerging Leader Program
- 2005 Received RN New Grad Rookie of the Year Dignity Northridge Hospital Nurse Week Award
Certification
- NEA-BC
- ACLS
- BLS
- NRP
- AWHONN AFM
Timeline
Interim Chief Nurse Executive
Kaiser Walnut Creek Medical Center
05.2025 - Current
Maternal Child Health Service Line Director
Kaiser Walnut Creek Medical Center
07.2024 - 05.2025
Interim Maternal Child Health Director
Hireup Leadership: Kaiser Walnut Creek Medical Ctr
05.2023 - 07.2024
Nursing Director Maternal Child Health
Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center
07.2018 - 05.2023
Clinical Manager Women’s Services
Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center
07.2016 - 06.2018
Perinatal Safety Specialist
Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center
04.2015 - 06.2016
Labor and Delivery Staff RN & Relief Charge Nurse
Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center
11.2007 - 04.2015
Medical Surgical Staff RN
Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center
01.2005 - 11.2007
Medical Surgical Staff LVN
Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center
09.2002 - 01.2005
Trauma Data Entry Coordinator
Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center
11.1998 - 08.2002
Base Station Data Entry Coordinator
Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center
11.1996 - 11.1998
MBA - Health Care Management
Capella
BSN -
Western Governors University
ADN -
College of The Canyons