Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Nurse of the Year 2025
Generic

Kimberly Stephens

Thornton,CO

Summary

Dynamic healthcare leader with extensive experience at CommonSpirit Health, excelling in operational efficiency and staff development. Proven track record in enhancing patient safety through innovative technology integration and quality improvement initiatives. Adept at fostering team collaboration and achieving compliance with regulatory standards, driving significant improvements in surgical services.

Professional in surgical services leadership with strong track record of enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. Skilled in team collaboration, adapting to evolving needs, and achieving high-impact results. Expertise includes clinical management, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance. Known for reliability, effective communication, and fostering positive work environment.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Surgical Services II

CommonSpirit Health
07.2022 - Current
  • Evaluated new technologies for potential incorporation into the department''s surgical procedures, enhancing overall operational effectiveness.
  • Oversaw regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to state, federal, and accreditation standards for surgical services departments.
  • Interviewed, hired, evaluated and terminated management and support staff.
  • Established effective communication channels between physicians, nurses, and support staff for optimal collaboration during surgeries.
  • Chaired committees, work groups and meetings.
  • Implemented continuous quality improvement initiatives, identifying areas of concern, and developing action plans to address issues proactively.

Perioperative Nurse Manager

CommonSpirit Health
07.2015 - Current
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of care through effective handoff communication among staff members.
  • Oversaw the implementation of new technologies within the perioperative environment, ensuring proper training of staff members for seamless integration into daily practice.
  • Managed budgetary aspects of the perioperative department while working closely with hospital administrators on cost-saving strategies without compromising patient care quality or safety standards.
  • Developed comprehensive orientation programs for newly hired nurses, ensuring proper training and adherence to facility policies and procedures.
  • Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient satisfaction scores within the surgical services department.
  • Improved perioperative efficiency by identifying bottlenecks in the process and implementing targeted interventions to address identified areas of concern.
  • Developed and maintained strong working relationships with interdisciplinary teams, promoting collaboration and a patient-centered approach to care.
  • Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by staying abreast of industry guidelines and updating policies accordingly.
  • Maintained optimal staffing levels by effectively managing nurse schedules, minimizing overtime costs, and ensuring adequate coverage for all surgical procedures.
  • Contributed to a positive work culture by fostering open communication among team members, addressing concerns promptly, and promoting professional development opportunities.
  • Evaluated nursing staff performance routinely while providing constructive feedback leading to improved nursing practice.
  • Optimized resource utilization by regularly evaluating equipment needs and coordinating with vendors to ensure timely delivery of supplies.

Assistant Nurse Manager

Centura Health
10.2013 - 07.2015
  • Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
  • Streamlined nursing operations for efficiency and quality improvement by conducting regular audits and addressing areas of concern.
  • Developed departmental goals and objectives to improve satisfactory rating with patients.
  • Managed scheduling to ensure optimal coverage while maintaining a healthy work-life balance for staff members.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by fostering open communication, teamwork, and professional growth opportunities for nursing staff.
  • Evaluated staff performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and support for professional development opportunities.
  • Collaborated with other departments to streamline processes and enhance interdisciplinary teamwork, ultimately improving continuity of care for patients.
  • Created work schedules for multiple shifts to confirm complete floor coverage.
  • Resolved conflicts among staff members by employing effective communication techniques and seeking mutually beneficial solutions when issues arose.

Perioperative Registered Nurse

Denver Health Medical Center
08.2010 - 08.2013
  • Provided quality perioperative care by closely monitoring patients throughout their surgical experience.
  • Ensured accurate documentation of patient information by maintaining electronic health records in compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Enhanced patient safety by conducting thorough preoperative assessments and effectively communicating with the surgical team.
  • Facilitated successful surgeries by setting up equipment properly, positioning patients correctly, and performing necessary counts of instruments and supplies before each procedure.
  • Fostered increased patient trust by providing empathetic emotional support and clear explanations of surgical processes.
  • Increased efficiency in the operating room by anticipating surgeon''s needs during procedures and promptly providing required instruments or supplies.

Education

Master of Science - Nursing Leadership And Management

Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
01-2020

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO
05-2016

Skills

  • Patient safety
  • Performance improvement
  • Staff development
  • Financial acumen
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Self motivation
  • Operational efficiency
  • Team collaboration

Certification

  • CNOR Certified; AORN Chapter Member

Timeline

Director of Surgical Services II

CommonSpirit Health
07.2022 - Current

Perioperative Nurse Manager

CommonSpirit Health
07.2015 - Current

Assistant Nurse Manager

Centura Health
10.2013 - 07.2015

Perioperative Registered Nurse

Denver Health Medical Center
08.2010 - 08.2013

Master of Science - Nursing Leadership And Management

Western Governors University

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Nurse of the Year 2025

St Anthony North Nurse of the Year 2025 Collaboration 

DAISY Nurse Leader Nomination December 2024

Acts of Humankindness Nomination 2024