Karen Y. White-Edwards
Houston,USA
Summary
Nursing Director with extensive experience at Houston Methodist Hospital, specializing in budget management and quality assurance. Achieved significant cost savings while enhancing perioperative services and fostering clinical competency. Skilled in project planning and execution, driving operational efficiency and ensuring compliance with healthcare standards.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nursing Director
Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston, TX
08.2015 - Current
Directed nursing operations for perioperative services, overseeing 10 operating rooms and 2 Cysto rooms.
Managed budgetary responsibilities for two specialty areas, ensuring financial efficiency.
- Facilitated OR Nurse Residency Program across 80 operating rooms in seven locations.
- Implemented PACU nurse residency program, comprising five months of comprehensive training.
- Conducted clinical rotations to enhance understanding of post-PACU care pathways.
- Participated in competency evaluations for nursing staff to uphold quality standards.
- Contributed to various educational programs, promoting continuous professional development.
- Oversaw administrative and operational functions for Pre-Operative Holding and Extended Stay unit.
- Managed cross-functional teams to enhance collaboration and drive project success.
- Directed the organization's daily operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Director, Surgical Services
McLearn Macomb Hospital
Mount Clemens, MI
09.2012 - 01.2014
Oversaw administrative and operational management of 14 operating rooms, anesthesia, and endoscopy services.
- Directed five direct reports and 118 FTEs with an operating budget exceeding $1.5 million.
- Implemented Picture Archiving and Communication system in OR, improving first case starts from 20% to 80%.
- Achieved $159,000 in cost savings by internalizing Central Sterile department management.
- Developed Peri-op 101 training program for in-house RNs, saving $156,000 annually on staffing costs.
- Participated in negotiations for renewal of RN contract agreement, enhancing staff relations.
- Executed implementation of computer provider order entry, boosting operational efficiency.
- Increased orthopedic procedure volume from 42 to 77 cases per month through extended hours.
Director, Surgical Services
East Houston Regional Medical Center
Houston, Texas
05.2011 - 01.2012
Oversaw 61 FTEs and managed three direct reports within a $1 million operating budget.
- Directed operations across seven units, including Surgery, PACU, and Infusion Center.
- Implemented value-based purchasing to enhance cost efficiencies across services.
- Established PAC systems to improve patient management and operational workflows.
- Created OR Executive Committee to streamline surgical processes and decision-making.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring alignment with company objectives and financial guidelines.
- Cultivated partnerships with external vendors to support business growth and service delivery.
- Formed Patient Throughput Committee to optimize patient flow and resource utilization.
Director, Surgical Services
Garden Park Medical Center
Gulfport, MS
07.2009 - 01.2010
Directed administrative and operational oversight of six operating rooms, including anesthesia CRNAs and PACU.
Managed financial planning, capital budgeting, and expense analysis for optimal resource allocation.
- Supervised three direct reports and 64 FTEs to ensure high-quality perioperative services.
- Directed the organization's daily operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Director, Ambulatory Specialty Services
Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital (Harris Health System)
Houston, Texas
10.2006 - 01.2009
Oversaw six direct reports and 118 FTEs, maintaining a vacancy rate below 4%.
Participated in project planning and design for new HCHD Ambulatory Care facility.
Managed $2 million budget, including financial planning, variance analysis, and reporting.
- Administered operational responsibilities for OB/GYN, Medicine, Surgery, Pediatric, and Chemotherapy infusion clinics.
- Collaborated with Harris County School District to provide uninsured children care in pediatric clinic weekly.
- Acted as liaison in incident command center during disaster situations.
- Covered roles of CNO and Hospital Administrator during absences to ensure continuous leadership.
- Led Joint Commission initiatives to achieve hospital accreditation standards.
Director, Operative Services
Ben Taub General Hospital (Harris Health System)
Houston, TX
09.2001 - 01.2006
Achieved growth in surgical volume from 600 to over 1,100 cases monthly with existing staff.
- Transitioned agency staffing for night shifts to six full-time employees, saving $149,760 annually.
- Contributed to successful launch of OR Pharmacy Satellite.
- Redesigned and relocated Pre-Op Screening clinic to enhance efficiency.
- Oversaw Vascular Lab through initial and subsequent accreditation processes.
- Maintained overall vacancy rate between three and seven percent across departments.
- Mentored five out of seven direct reports, resulting in advanced degrees, including one PhD.
- Awarded Innovation Gold Medal for cost-saving initiatives in Invasive Cardiology Network at BTGH.
Manager, Cardiovascular Surgery
Hermann Memorial Hospital
Houston, TX
01.2000 - 01.2001
Managed day-to-day operations of four CVORs, optimizing surgical schedules and staffing efficiency.
Conducted staff performance appraisals to enhance team productivity and professional development.
- Developed training programs to onboard new staff effectively.
- Coordinated cross-departmental communication to enhance project collaboration.
- Oversaw material management, ensuring adequate supplies and equipment for surgical procedures.
- Implemented hurricane recovery strategies to restore staffing, supplies, and equipment post-closure.
Staff RN. Cardiovascular Surgery
Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston, TX
01.1990 - 01.2000
Oversaw Central Sterile Processing course, achieving CST certification for participants.
Led Peri-Op 101 course, enhancing training for clinical staff.
Managed operations as clinical supervisor in Cardio-Vascular Operating Room.
- Assisted in performing diagnostic tests and procedures for patients.
- Documented patient care activities in electronic health records accurately.
- Trained new nursing staff on hospital protocols and best practices.
- Supervised sterile processing team, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Scrubbed and circulated for Cardio-Vascular surgeries in high-pressure environment.
- Coordinated materials management for CVOR, optimizing inventory levels and supply flow.
Assist Nurse Manager, Neo Neonatal ICU
Jefferson Davis Hospital (Harris Health System)
, TX
10.1986 - 01.1990
- Neo Neonatal ICU staff Registered Nurse and Assistant Manager, Jefferson Davis Hospital (HCHD) Houston, TX.
- Supervised nursing staff to ensure compliance with hospital policies and procedures.
- Managed patient care activities and coordinated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Developed training programs for nursing staff to enhance clinical skills and knowledge.
Education
MBA - Healthcare Management
Our Lady of the Lake University
San Antonio, TX12.2000
BSN -
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL04.1985
Skills
- Quality assurance and compliance management
- Budget management
- Patient care coordination
- Clinical competency evaluation
- Perioperative services oversight
- Compliance management
- Project planning and execution
- Quality assurance
Speaking Engagements
- 2024, Effective Approaches for Employee Retention and Enhancing Employee Engagement, AORN GH Chapter, Houston, Texas
- 2023, Effective Approaches for Employee Retention and Enhancing Employee Engagement, Nursing Leadership, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
- 2023, Sustaining Membership Engagement through a Pandemic, AORN 70th Expo, New Orleans, Louisiana
- 2017-2022, Annual Perioperative Change in Patient Condition Seminar, Facilitator: Speaker: Hypothermia in the Perioperative Patient, 7.5, Houston, Texas
- 02/22, Improving Operating Room Efficiency, Utilization, Safety and Patient Experience, OR Management Summit, Las Vegas
- 2017-2022, Facilitator and teacher for the 6 months OR Nurse Residency Program, Feeds into 80 operating rooms located in 7 different locations throughout Houston Methodist Hospital
- 2021, AORN Perioperative Nurse Educators: Sustained Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Panel Guest Speaker, Clinical Nurse Educator Specialty Assembly
- 2020, Surgical Smoke Evacuation in the Operating Room, Video participant posted on YouTube and sent to the Texas Legislators
- 2020, Creating Our Future through Strengthening Your OR Residency Program through Preceptor Evolvement, AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo
- 2019, A Patient’s Condition can change in a blink of an eye. How comfortable are you in responding? What do you do when death occurs in the operating room, AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo, Nashville, TN
- 2015, Implementation of the Peri Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nurse residency program, Houston Methodist Hospital
- 2010-2011, Taught advanced anatomy and physiology for high school seniors, 3-hour course
- 2008, Illuminating the Path to Leadership, AORN Congress 55th, Anaheim, California
- 2007, Call Alert or Unsafe?, AORN Clinical & RNFA Specialty Conference, Louisville, Kentucky
- 2007, Workplace Safety, On Call: Alert or Unsafe?, AORN 54th Congress, Orlando, Florida
- 2007, 20-year history of nominations, AORN Leadership Conference, Denver, Colorado
- 2006, Going for the Gold Conference, Rounding for Outcomes, Houston, Texas
- 2005, Going for the Gold Conference, Managing a Highly effective Team in the Operative Room, Houston, TX
- 2005, Business Skill, BTGH Leadership
- 2004, Session Assistant, AORN 51st Congress, San Diego, California
- 2004, Clinical Improvement/Innovation Display Mapping, Poster presentation
Accomplishments
- 2023-2024, On the planning team that implementation the Houston Methodist Hospital (HMH) SSI bundle for OB/GYN surgery, which has now been successfully implemented system-wide in 6 other Methodist hospitals and community hospitals, improving patient outcomes and reducing surgical site infections.
- 2023-2024, Spearheaded the introduction of RN IV in the Operating Room at Houston Methodist Hospital, enhancing patient care and safety during surgical procedures.
- 2023-2024, Played a key role in bringing together our team to be the first in the HMH perioperative services for implementation of the AOD to OR handoff process, improving communication and efficiency in patient care transitions within the hospital.
- 2023-2024, Served as the nursing director of the unit RN IVs were able to successfully implement the 3-HOUR UPDATE protocol, ensuring timely and effective communication and updates on patient status and care documentation in Epic the electronic record. This 3-HOUR UPDATE will be implemented throughout HMH Perioperative Services and System.
- 2023-2024, Collaborated with the Cath Lab and the Orthopedic inpatient unit to operationalize the acceptance of Cath Lab and Orthopedic 23-hour observation patients in the extended stay unit, optimizing patient flow and bed utilization within the hospital.
- 2023-2024, Played a key role as nursing director collaborating with the nurse manager to develop an innovative staffing design for Preop and PACU, resulting in a significant improvement in productivity rates from 92% in 2023 to consistently over 100% in 2024 allowing for better patient care and efficient use of resources.
Certification
BLS expires 08/2027
CSSM CCI-1386517 expires 12/2027
CNOR CCI-1386517 expires 12/2029
RN State of TX 534202 expires 10/31/2027
Professional Service
2000-Present, AORN Finance Committee, 2022-2023, AORN Board of Director, 2021-2022, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Board Committee, 2021-2022, National Legislative Forum, 2021-2022, Continuing Education Approval Committee Board Liaison, 2021-2023, AORN Board Liaison Sterile Processing Committee Specialty Assembly, 2021, AORN Board Membership Task Force Committee, 2021, AORN Editorial Board Committee, 2021, AORN Policy Committee, 2021-2022, AORN Chair of Nominating Committee, 2008-2009, AORN Member of Nominating Committee, 2007-2009, AORN on Call Work Electronic Task Force, 2005-2006, Greater Houston Chapter Local #4407, AORN GH Chapter Mentor to the President, 2023-2024, Nominating Committee Board Advisor, 2022-2023, President, 2021-2022, President Elect, 2020-2021, AORN Advisor to the Board, 2019-2020, AORN Member of the Nominating Committee, 2008-2010, AORN Treasure, 2006-2008, AORN President, 2004-2005, AORN Board Member, 2002, AORN Co-Chair Triple Star Gala, Fundraiser, 2006-2008, AORN Chairman of Student Projects, 2005-2006, AORN Chairman Perioperative Advancement Committee, 1993, 2015-Present, 2010-2024, Gamma Lambda Chapter, Hattiesburg, MS, Alpha Gamma Gamma Chapter, Houston, TX, 2024-Present, 2014-2015, 2004-Present, 2008-2012, ANA District 9, 2001-2012, Board of Director, 2009-2010, Member of planning committee for Fall Leadership program, 2006-2007, 2014-2015, President of Board of Directors, 2014-2015, VP Board of Directors, 2013, Chair of the Governance Committee, 2013, Member of the True North Award Committee, 2013, Board of Directors, 2011-2012, CCI Finance Committee, 2011-2012, CNOR Item reviewer Committee, 2010-2013, CNOR Item writer Committee, 2004, CNOR Job Analysis Committee, 2005, 1998-2011
Philanthropy
- 2025 AORN Foundation Board Trustee
- 2024, Breast Cancer Awareness Health fair and screening, AKA and Memorial Hospital Northeast
- 2023, Chips program for elementary school children fight childhood hunger, AKA
- 2021, AORN GH Chapter Donation Hurricane IDA for Louisiana
- 10/21, AORN GH Backpack drive McGregor Elementary
- 2021, AORN National Backpack drive initiative Elementary School Orlando, Florida
- 2021, AORN GH Chapter Christmas Donation to Ronald McDonald House
- 2018-2021, Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church Food Pantry volunteer
- 2019, AORN Project C.U.R.E Medical supplies
- 2019, Mission Medical supplies to South Africa
- 2019, Donation of shoes soles for soul’s project
- 2018-present, Deputy Voter Registrar Harris County
- 2017, Medical Mission to Haiti Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church
- 2009-present, Susan B Komen Breast Cancer initiatives
- 2016-present, Pink Goes Red Heart Health Awareness for Women
- 2016-2018, Back to School & Immunization Health Fair for Children, Dickinson Community Center, Dickinson, TX
- 2016-2017, Childhood Hunger Awareness collaboration with Chevron Houston Food Bank
- 2016-2017, Adopt-a-spot location 1 mile stretch off Hughes Ranch Road near Challenger Elementary School. Environmental cleanup
- 2016-2018, AKA NAMI Walk
- 2016-2017, The Longest Day Alzheimer’s Support Activities June
- 2022-2024, Pearls of Lake Houston Foundation Exec. Board member
- 2020-2021, AAKO Risk Management Committee Chairman
Additional Experiences
As a seasoned perioperative nurse and executive leader, I have continually demonstrated a strong passion for advancing the field of nursing and improving patient outcomes. Throughout my career, I have exhibited several key leadership attributes that have enabled me to make significant contributions to the perioperative nursing community., Inspiring and motivating others, I have a natural talent for bringing out the best in my team members and encouraging them to strive for excellence in their work. By fostering a positive and supportive work environment, I have been able to cultivate a culture of collaboration and teamwork within my department, leading to improved communication and efficiency in patient care., Strategic vision and effective change implementation, I have a keen understanding of the challenges facing perioperative nursing and have successfully developed and implemented innovative solutions to address these issues. By staying informed on the latest advancements in healthcare technology and best practices, I have been able to drive positive change within my organization and improve patient outcomes., Managing complex projects and initiatives, I have the skills and experience necessary to successfully navigate challenges and achieve results. My attention to detail and strong organizational skills have enabled me to effectively manage resources, timelines, and budgets, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within scope., Overall, my leadership attributes have enabled me to make a significant impact on the field of perioperative nursing and have positioned me as a respected leader within the healthcare community. I am committed to continuing to drive positive change and innovation in nursing and am dedicated to improving patient care outcomes for years to come.
Publications
- Surgical Site Infection Prevention Bundle in Gynecology Oncology Surgery: a key element in the implementation of an ERAS program, International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, 05/24
- Perioperative Nurse Educators: Rapid Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, AORN Journal, 02/21, 113, 2, 180-189
- Residency program expands ranks of experienced PACU nurses, OR Manager, 10/18
- The Many Pathways to Leadership in AORN, AORN Connection, 10/08
- 20-year AORN Nominating History, AORN Connection, 10/07
- On Call: Alert or Unsafe?, AORN Publication, 10/07, 86, 4
- The Latest Universal Protocol Established for Preventing Wrong Site, Wrong Patient and Wrong Procedure Surgery, New Perspective Magazine, Winter 2004
- Eliminate Wrong Site, Wrong Patient and Wrong Procedure Surgery, New Perspective Magazine, Summer 2003, 22, 3
- Chronic Pain, AORN Journal, 1994
Honors And Awards
- President’s Facilitator/Mentor Award, AORN Greater Houston Chapter #4407, 06/24, Houston, TX
- Soror of The Year, Alpha Kappa Alpha South Central Region Conference, 04/24, Austin, TX
- AORN Award of Excellence Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative of the Year, 03/24, Nashville, TN
- 200 Top Nurse Recognition, Houston Chronicles, 05/23, Houston, TX
- Women of Achievement Medical, Family Time Crisis & Counseling Center, 01/23, Houston, TX
- Humanitas Award, Demonstrated 'human kindness' during the COVID-19 pandemic, Houston Methodist Hospital, 01/23, Houston, TX
- Excellence in Nursing, Good Samaritan Foundation, 10/21; 2011-2019, Houston, TX
- 150 Top Nurse Recognition, Houston Chronicles, 05/18-2019, Houston, TX
- Leadership Development Graduate 2nd place Award & Good Citizen Graduate 2nd place Award, South Central Regional Conference, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, 04/19, New Orleans, LA
- I CARE Award, Recognizes employees who exhibit the I CARE values and behaviors: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, Houston Methodist Hospital, 11/17, Houston, TX
- AORN Foundation Mentorship Program, Mentee is from Connecticut, AORN scholarship recipient, 04/17
- AORN Foundation Mentorship Program, Mentee is from Corpus Christi, AORN scholarship recipient, 04/16
- Excellence in School Nursing, Houston ISD, Special recognition for saving the life of a child with use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), 05/15, Houston, TX
- Top 20 Nurses, Texas Nurses Association (TNA), 11/07, Houston, TX
- South-Central Region Finalist, Nurse Week Excellence Award in Management, 10/07, Dallas, Texas
- Women of Excellence Award, Federation of Houston Professional Women, 09/05, Houston, Texas
- YMCA Minority Achiever, 10/05, Houston, Texas
Research
Surgical Site Infection Prevention Bundle in Gynecology Oncology Surgery: a key element in the implementation of an ERAS program, 2024
Affiliations
AORN Award of Excellence Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative of the Year. Expo Nashville, Tenn. March 2024.
Houston Chronicles 200 Top Nurse, recognition during Nurses Week. May 2023.
2023 Family Time Crisis & Counseling Center Women of Achievement Medical.
One of the 4,000 exceptional employees systemwide out of 28,000 employees at Houston Methodist Hospital to receive the Humanitas award who demonstrated “human kindness” during the COVID-19 pandemic. January 2022
Excellence in Nursing, Good Samaritan Foundation, recognized for demonstrating a passion for the nursing profession and for exemplifying excellence in teaching, mentoring, leadership and service. October 2021
Houston Chronicles 150 Top Nurse, recognition during Nurses Week. May 2019.
Soror of the Year, Medium Chapter South Central Regional Conference, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. April 2024
Leadership Development Graduate 2ndplace Award, South Central Regional Conference, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. April 2019
Good Citizen Graduate 2nd place Award, South Central Regional Conference Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. April 2019
Excellence in Nursing, Good Samaritan Foundation, recognized for demonstrating a passion for the nursing profession and for exemplifying excellence in teaching, mentoring, leadership and service. October 2018
Houston Chronicles 150 Top Nurse, recognition during Nurses Week. May 2018.
Houston Methodist Hospital I CARE AWARD, recognizes employees who exhibit the I CARE values and behaviors, Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. Nov. 7, 2017
Excellence in Nursing, Good Samaritan Foundation, recognized for demonstrating a passion for the nursing profession and for exemplifying excellence in teaching, mentoring, leadership and service. October 23, 2017
AORN Foundation mentorship program, mentee is from Connecticut, AORN scholarship recipient 2017
AORN Foundation mentorship program, mentee is from Corpus Christi, AORN scholarship recipient 2016
Excellence in Nursing, Good Samaritan Foundation, recognized for demonstrating a passion for the nursing profession and for exemplifying excellence in teaching, mentoring, leadership and service. September 8, 2016
Excellence in School Nursing, Houston ISD special recognition, honored for saving the life of a child with use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). May 15, 2015.
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Induction Ceremony, Gamma
Lambda Chapter at University of Southern Mississippi-College of Nursing 2010
South-Central Region Finalist, Nurse Week Excellence Award in Management. September Houston, Texas 2008
Recipient of Nursing Celebration, Top 20 Nurses Texas Nurses Association (TNA), District 9. 2007
South-Central Region Finalist, Nurse Week Excellence Award in Management. October Dallas, Texas 2007
Women of Excellent award, Federation of Houston Professional Women Houston, Texas 2005
YMCA Minority Achiever Houston, Texas 2005
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Nursing Director
Houston Methodist Hospital
08.2015 - Current
Director, Surgical Services
McLearn Macomb Hospital
09.2012 - 01.2014
Director, Surgical Services
East Houston Regional Medical Center
05.2011 - 01.2012
Director, Surgical Services
Garden Park Medical Center
07.2009 - 01.2010
Director, Ambulatory Specialty Services
Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital (Harris Health System)
10.2006 - 01.2009
Director, Operative Services
Ben Taub General Hospital (Harris Health System)
09.2001 - 01.2006
Manager, Cardiovascular Surgery
Hermann Memorial Hospital
01.2000 - 01.2001
Staff RN. Cardiovascular Surgery
Houston Methodist Hospital
01.1990 - 01.2000
Assist Nurse Manager, Neo Neonatal ICU
Jefferson Davis Hospital (Harris Health System)
10.1986 - 01.1990
MBA - Healthcare Management
Our Lady of the Lake University
BSN -
University of South Florida
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