KERA GARNER, BSN, RN-BC
West Milford
Summary
MSN-prepared Registered Nurse with 25 years of progressive clinical and operational leadership experience across emergency, perioperative, oncology, and medical-surgical settings. Proven ability to lead high-acuity teams, oversee complex hospital operations, and implement evidence-based initiatives that improve patient experience and care delivery. Recognized for driving HCAHPS improvement, strengthening frontline engagement, and optimizing patient flow. Committed to advancing clinical nursing excellence and high-reliability practice environments.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse - Emergency Room, PACU
Pascack Valley Medical Center
Westwood
10.2024 - Current
- Deliver high-quality care across Emergency Room and PACU settings, integrating advanced clinical judgment with real-time coordination of patient care
- Function in a leadership capacity at the bedside, supporting patient flow, prioritization, and team coordination in high-acuity environments
- Support throughput and operational efficiency by anticipating patient care needs, escalating concerns, and facilitating transitions of care
- Mentor and support new nurses and peers, enhancing clinical competency, confidence, and team integration
Administrative Head Nurse/Interm Med/Surg Manager
Pascack Valley Medical Center
Westwood
06.2025 - 10.2025
- Oversaw hospital-wide operations, ensuring safe staffing, patient flow, and continuity of care across all departments
- Served as the central point of leadership escalation, managing clinical, operational, and patient care issues in real time
- Provided interim leadership for two medical-surgical units, overseeing daily operations, staffing, and quality of care delivery
- Led frontline teams through a period of transition, establishing structure, accountability, and performance expectations
- Drove measurable improvements in patient experience, contributing to HCAHPS score increases from the 70s to the 90s
- Strengthened team engagement through coaching, mentorship, and real-time feedback
Registered Nurse - Multiple Sclerosis Center
St. Barnabas Multiple Sclerosis Center
Livingston
10.2023 - 03.2024
- Assessed complex neurology patients with chronic autoimmune diseases to inform tailored care plans.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary care while educating patients on disease management and medication therapy for improved outcomes.
- Facilitated continuity of care through clinical follow-up and treatment coordination, enhancing patient experience.
Registered Nurse - Progressive Leadership Roles
Holy Name Medical Center
Teaneck
05.2005 - 10.2023
- Emergency Room Staff Nurse / Charge Nurse (2020-2023)
- Medical Oncology Staff /Charge Nurse
- Clinical Coordinator - Clinical Decision Unit
- Medical-Surgical Float Nurse
- Home Care Nurse
Education
MSN - Nursing
Chamberlain University
04-2026
BSN - Nursing
Saint Peter's University
01-2018
AAS - Nursing
Saint Peter's University
01-2000
Skills
- Clinical Leadership & Team Coordination
- Patient Flow & Throughput Optimization
- Rapid Response & Crisis Management
- HCAHPS & Patient Experience Improvement
- Patient Safety & Risk Mitigation
- Conflict Resolution & De-escalation
- Staff Mentorship & Coaching
- Competency Validation & Skills Training
- Emergency Room (Trauma, Sepsis, Stroke, Cardiac Care)
- Rapid Patient Assessment & Triage (ESI)
- Accountability & Results-Driven Leadership
- Strong Organizational & Prioritization Skills
- Resilience & Stress Management Advocacy
- Patient-Centered Care Excellence
Certification
• Registered Nurse (Licensed since 2000)
• RN-BC
• ACLS
• PALS
• ENPC
• TNCC
• NRP
• ONCC Chemotherapy/Biotherapy
• BLS
• RN-BC
• ACLS
• PALS
• ENPC
• TNCC
• NRP
• ONCC Chemotherapy/Biotherapy
• BLS
Timeline
Administrative Head Nurse/Interm Med/Surg Manager
Pascack Valley Medical Center
06.2025 - 10.2025
Registered Nurse - Emergency Room, PACU
Pascack Valley Medical Center
10.2024 - Current
Registered Nurse - Multiple Sclerosis Center
St. Barnabas Multiple Sclerosis Center
10.2023 - 03.2024
Registered Nurse - Progressive Leadership Roles
Holy Name Medical Center
05.2005 - 10.2023
MSN - Nursing
Chamberlain University
BSN - Nursing
Saint Peter's University
AAS - Nursing
Saint Peter's University