Leilani Cruz
Temecula,CA
Summary
Results-oriented, highly motivated Professional Registered Nurse with over 35 years of experience in various Healthcare Administration delivering Quality Nursing Leadership and Skills in Clinical Settings including General Acute Care, Long-term Acute Care and Post-Acute Care, offering excellent interpersonal skills, highly-organized skills with proactive team mentality, hard-working, focused, adaptable, dedicated, reliable and detail-oriented seeking to add value to any organization in need to achieve company goals and prompt completion of tight deadlines.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, Nursing & Clinical Services
ScionHealth
Perris, CA
09.2017 - 03.2024
- Managed staff, financials and key performance indicators to facilitate business operations.
- Recruited, trained, supervised, evaluated and mentored staff members.
- Cultivated and maintained relationships to promote positive work culture.
- Guided and motivated staff to drive maximum performance.
- Developed and presented new ideas and conceptualized new approaches and solutions.
- Facilitated collaboration between teams by encouraging open communication channels.
- Conducted regular meetings with department heads to review progress on strategic initiatives.
- Developed policies and procedures to ensure compliance with corporate standards.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to set long-term objectives for the company.
- Cultivated strong relationships with customers by responding promptly to inquiries or complaints.
- Created detailed plans outlining timelines, goals, budgets, staffing needs and other requirements for projects.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive strategies to improve operational processes and organizational efficiency.
- Identified opportunities for improvement in operational performance metrics.
- Managed budgeting and financial planning processes for the organization.
- Planned and implemented strategies to grow revenue.
- Negotiated agreements with external partners such as contractors or consultants.
- Coordinated activities with other departments to expedite work and improve interdepartmental performance.
- Generated reports to review data and issue corrective actions for improvements.
- Supported work-life balance to improve staff morale.
- Analyzed problematic situations and occurrences to provide solutions and facilitate company survival and growth.
- Partnered with staff to create professional development plans to support personal and business growth.
- Assessed employee performance against established benchmarks or targets.
- Reviewed internal reports and identified areas of risk or potential cost savings.
- Recommended corrective actions to conform to quality specifications.
- Successfully improved employment turnover through creating incentive and training programs.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
- Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients.
- Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
- Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
Administrative Director of Nursing
HCR ManorCare Corporate
Hemet, CA
04.2007 - 03.2017
- Identified and solved problems to enhance management and business direction.
- Communicated job expectations and trained staff to promote team building and discipline.
- Delivered comprehensive training to maintain compliance requirements.
- Analyzed existing business processes and identified areas for improvement.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations and organizational policies.
- Collaborated closely with other departments to ensure smooth flow of operations across the organization.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for direct reports ensuring timely feedback is provided on progress against goals
- Facilitated communication between various teams across multiple locations.
- Assisted senior management with strategic planning initiatives by providing research data and analysis.
- Managed schedules and calendars of [10] management personnel.
- Determined staffing requirements, interviewing, hiring and training new employees.
- Collaborated with other departmental leaders to establish organizational goals, strategic plans, and objectives.
- Created and implemented administrative processes and procedures to prioritize job tasks and establish personnel responsibilitie
- Managed busy calendar for executive team, planning and preparing meetings and communications.
- Analyzed internal processes and recommended and implemented procedural or policy changes to improve operations.
- Represented work unit at meetings or conferences to serve as liaison for requests or complaints.
- Coordinated and conducted classes to teach procedures to new staff members.
- Developed and implemented administrative policies, procedures and systems to support organizational objectives.
- Provided guidance on personnel matters such as employee relations, compensation and benefits administration.
- Performed complex tasks requiring advanced problem solving skills.
- Created, maintained and updated documents, reports, and databases.
- Implemented workflow processes that improved efficiency within the department.
- Directed the recruitment process for new employees; conducted interviews and reference checks.
- Created and managed budgets for departmental operations.
- Resolved customer complaints in an efficient manner while maintaining positive relationships with clients and customers.
- Monitored performance metrics to assess departmental effectiveness.
- Wrote contracts, processed payroll and reported on employee performance.
- Answered and routed phone calls and emails, always maintaining confidentiality.
- Analyzed metrics, produced reports and assisted with decision-making process by modeling trends.
- Worked with management team to improve workflows and eliminate unnecessary tasks.
- Trained employees on best practices and protocols while managing teams to maintain optimal productivity.
Int Clinical Director Neuro ICU,Trauma ER, Psych
Los Angeles County @King/Drew Med Ctr/Gen Hosp
Los Angeles, CA
03.2000 - 02.2006
- Ensured that all employees had appropriate training before working with patients.
- Recruited individuals bringing talent, well-developed skills sets and passion for helping others, effectively building exceptionally gifted team of personnel.
- Evaluated clinical staff performance through regular meetings and assessments.
- Provided clinical oversight for staff and services.
- Led strategic planning initiatives within the organization.
- Attended conferences to stay up-to-date on best practices in healthcare management.
- Managed the day-to-day operations of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Facilitated communication between physicians, nurses, administrators, and other stakeholders.
- Utilized active listening and interpersonal communication skills to build professional relationships with patients, clinical staff and other stakeholders.
- Resolved conflicts between staff members or departments when necessary.
- Coordinated weekly work schedules for department employees.
- Interviewed applicants and made recommendations for new hires.
- Drove attainment of optimal outcomes through case management focused on appropriate treatment, clinical quality assurance and service utilization.
- Conducted interviews and hired new clinicians.
- Assisted in developing budgets for operational expenses.
- Improved research-based approaches through participation in research and evidence-based clinical audits.
- Coordinated with nurse manager to develop programs targeting nurse education, overall departmental competencies, individual performance, patient safety and service-related issues.
- Provided onboarding and coaching to new hires to help each feel comfortable in job positions and prepared to handle various responsibilities.
- Introduced new departmental policies and oriented staff to facilitate adoption of changes.
- Partnered with nurse manager to raise standards of practice by monitoring, analyzing and correcting staff performance.
- Devised training programs to close gaps in nurse and staffs' competencies.
- Implemented strategies for improving patient safety measures throughout the facility.
- Reviewed medical records for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with legal requirements.
- Collaborated with other departments to coordinate health services across multiple facilities.
- Educated patients on their treatment plans, medications, and lifestyle changes.
- Monitored patient progress, ensuring quality care was provided.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall patient care and response times.
- Established solid relations with leadership and staff by attending board meetings and coordinating interdepartmental information exchanges.
- Maintained communication and transparency with governing boards, department heads and medical staff.
- Maintained awareness of government regulations, health insurance changes and financing options.
- Built work schedules and staff assignments, taking workload, space and equipment availability into consideration.
- Assessed need for additional staff, equipment and services based on historical data and seasonal trends.
- Managed changes in integrated health care delivery systems and technological innovations while keeping focus on quality of care.
Int Nurse Manager Psychiatry
Los Angeles Co @ King/Drew Med Ctr & Gen Hosp
Los Angeles, CA
03.1995 - 03.2000
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication with staff members.
- Provided ongoing education opportunities for staff regarding changes in policies and procedures.
- Monitored staff performance and provided coaching and formal counseling to staff.
- Participated in the recruitment, interviewing, selection, orientation of new employees.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss concerns or issues related to nursing practices.
- Trained other nurses on patient care and daily tasks, supporting growth and professional development.
- Resolved conflicts between staff members in an efficient manner.
- Facilitated communication between physicians, nurses, support services personnel.
- Addressed disciplinary issues among staff in accordance with organizational policy.
- Reviewed patient charts for accuracy and completeness of documentation.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure quality patient outcomes.
- Evaluated performance of individual nurses against established standards.
- Provided guidance to staff on patient care, clinical practice, and professional development.
- Investigated incidents or complaints from patients or their families.
- Assisted with budgeting process by forecasting staffing needs and supplies.
- Received and investigated complaints from families, patients and clinical staff, devising solutions to multifaceted challenges.
- Performed personnel interviewing, hiring, disciplinary actions and dismissals.
- Maintained accurate records of employee attendance, sick leave requests, vacation time.
- Monitored quality assurance activities for compliance with standards of care.
- Managed the scheduling of personnel assignments based on patient acuity levels.
- Applied clinical judgment and comprehensive knowledge of facility policies to assist floor nurses with patient care decisions.
- Participated in strategic planning initiatives designed to improve overall operations.
- Implemented strategies that improved operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary team meetings to review patient progress and plan care strategies.
- Developed and implemented nursing policies and procedures.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements such as HIPAA and OSHA.
- Evaluated patient needs and preferences to build and update tailored treatment plans.
- Observed nurse administration of oral, intramuscular, and IV medications to patients as prescribed, monitoring responses for adverse reactions.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Improved patient outcomes through peer groups and facilitating continuing education.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact and evaluate patient care plans.
Asst Nurse Manager Psychiatry
LA County,DHS @King/Drew Med Ctr/Gen Hosp
Los Angeles, CA
04.1990 - 03.1995
- Assessed effectiveness of patient interventions to maintain quality care.
- Collaborated with physicians, administrators, and other healthcare personnel to provide comprehensive patient care services.
- Cared for patients directly with various nursing tasks such as administering medication.
- Monitored daily operations of the nursing department, including budgeting, scheduling, and policy implementation.
- Collaborated with physicians and other staff to maintain continuum of care.
- Reviewed medical charts for accuracy and completeness according to established standards.
- Mentored new employees through orientation programs.
- Oversaw nursing operations for Psychiatric unit, delivering leadership, assistance and management for staff of 28.
- Incorporated evidence-based nursing into practice environment.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to assess patients' progress and develop treatment plans.
- Facilitated communication among all levels of healthcare personnel within the organization.
- Analyzed data from surveys or studies related to nurse staffing patterns or patient outcomes.
- Performed physical assessments on patients as needed.
- Resolved conflicts between staff members or between staff members and patients and families in a professional manner.
- Kept close eye on department operations to maintain coverage of needs.
- Recruited, hired and evaluated staff to take corrective action and meet departmental goals.
- Administered disciplinary action for employee performance deficiencies, infractions and conduct issues after consulting with employees and HR staff.
- Evaluated and resolved potential patient safety issues with consideration to age and disability.
- Implemented strategies for improving patient satisfaction scores.
- Created action plans for staff development and performance improvement.
- Attended conferences or seminars relevant to the field of nursing management.
- Supported Nurse Manager with employee development and care quality management.
- Worked closely with Human Resources Department to recruit qualified nursing staff.
- Conducted performance evaluations for nursing staff members.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure continuity of care.
- Developed staffing plans to meet patient needs and budget constraints.
- Provided leadership and direction to nursing staff, ensuring quality patient care.
- Created an environment conducive to learning by providing feedback on job performance during shift changes or rounds.
- Ensured compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to the practice of nursing.
- Trained other nurses on patient care and daily tasks, supporting growth and professional development.
- Applied clinical judgment and comprehensive knowledge of facility policies to assist floor nurses with patient care decisions.
- Observed nurse administration of oral, intramuscular, and IV medications to patients as prescribed, monitoring responses for adverse reactions.
- Monitored staff performance and provided coaching and formal counseling to staff.
- Received and investigated complaints from families, patients and clinical staff, devising solutions to multifaceted challenges.
- Performed personnel interviewing, hiring, disciplinary actions and dismissals.
- Monitored inpatient bed use, facilities and staff to provide optimal use of resources.
Supervising Staff Nurse Psychiatry
LA Co,DHS @ King/Drew Med Ctr & Gen Hosp
Los Angeles, CA
09.1988 - 04.1990
- Provided leadership and direction to nursing staff, ensuring quality patient care.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary collaboration among different departments within the hospital setting.
- Assigned tasks and monitored performance of nursing staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Attended weekly meetings with physicians to review status of patients' conditions and coordinate appropriate treatments.
- Analyzed staffing requirements based on number of admitted patients each day and adjusted accordingly.
- Developed and implemented orientation programs for new nurses.
- Responded promptly to any emergency situations that arose while providing direct patient care.
- Performed administrative duties such as payroll management, scheduling, budgeting.
- Coordinated discharge planning activities to ensure timely discharges from hospital setting.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for nursing staff members.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards, such as HIPAA regulations.
- Monitored patient outcomes to assess effectiveness of treatments and interventions.
- Evaluated patient care plans to ensure they met individualized needs of patients.
- Served as a role model for other nurses by demonstrating professionalism at all times.
- Investigated complaints from patients or family members regarding care received by nurses.
- Created a collaborative environment among the nursing team to ensure effective communication between shifts.
- Coordinated care with charge nurse and other staff through daily communication.
- Conducted patient assessments and diagnostic tests to provide physician with important patient health information.
- Evaluated patients to develop and update treatment plans while anticipating day-to-day needs.
- Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions and enhance continuum of care.
- Developed care plans complete with effective nursing measures to improve patients' mental and physical health.
- Addressed rapid response and code situations by strategically organizing and delegating tasks.
- Educated nursing students on proper care procedures and prioritization strategies.
- Incorporated business unit and health system's goals to improve patient safety, quality and satisfaction.
- Built work schedules and staff assignments, taking workload, space and equipment availability into consideration.
Staff Nurse Trauma ER/Psychiatry
LA Co, DHS @ King/Drew Med Ctr & Gen Hosp
Los Angeles, CA
10.1985 - 03.1988
- Provided direct patient care including wound dressing, administering medication and IV therapy.
- Monitored vital signs and documented changes in a timely manner.
- Maintained accurate records of patient progress notes, medications administered and other relevant data.
- Assessed patients to determine their physical condition, health status and needs.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining quality standards of care.
- Demonstrated effective communication skills while interacting with patients, families, physicians and other healthcare staff members.
- Coordinated care with charge nurse and other staff through daily communication.
- Conducted patient education on medical treatments and procedures.
- Implemented infection control measures to reduce the spread of contagious diseases.
- Recorded patients' medical history, vital statistics and test results in electronic medical records.
- Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions and enhance continuum of care.
- Provided emotional support to family members during difficult times or end-of-life situations.
- Performed diagnostic tests such as blood draws, urine analysis and electrocardiograms.
- Ensured that all equipment was properly maintained according to safety protocols.
- Maintained a clean work environment by following proper sanitation guidelines.
- Conducted patient assessments and diagnostic tests to provide physician with important patient health information.
- Treated and monitored wounds using liquid skin, sutures and bandages.
- Transported patients to and from rooms and prepared for treatments according to individual specifications.
- Assisted physicians with exams, lab tests or other procedures as requested.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of nursing interventions and modified plans as needed.
- Evaluated patients to develop and update treatment plans while anticipating day-to-day needs.
- Identified potential problems or issues that may arise during treatment, such as drug interactions or allergies, and provided appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Developed care plans complete with effective nursing measures to improve patients' mental and physical health.
- Addressed rapid response and code situations by strategically organizing and delegating tasks.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop plans of care for patients.
- Actively participated in departmental meetings, training sessions and educational seminars.
- Educated nursing students on proper care procedures and prioritization strategies.
- Developed individualized teaching strategies for each patient based on their specific needs.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Education
Associate of Arts - Real Estate Brokerage
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA12-2000
J.D. - Law (Pre-Law)
Loyola University
Los Angeles, CA04-1995
Master of Arts - Nursing Administration & Business Admin
University of California - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA12-1993
Associate of Applied Science - Higher Sciences Leading To MD
California State University - Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA06-1988
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Lorma University, College of Nursing
San Fernando City, La Union, Philippines03-1983
High School Diploma -
Sacred Heart School
Bauang La Union, Philippines03-1979
Skills
- Staff Development and human resources management
- Contract Management and team management
- Business Development and organization development
- Operations Management and business administration
- Budget Control
- Government relations, legal and regulatory compliance
- Corporate Communications
- Hiring and Retention
- Talent Acquisition
- Verbal and written communication
Accomplishments
- Star section, consistent honor student Sacred Heart School, HS
- Consistent College Scholar graduated with high honor Lorma University, College of Nursing
- Graduated with Best in Clinical Award and Best in Community Award, Baccalaureate , College of Nursing
- Student Body President , College
- Editor-In-Chief "Kaleidoscope", College Newsletter
- President Youth Club, Region I, Philippines
- President YMCA, Northern Philippines Chapter
- President Rotary Club, San Fernando City, Philippines
- Youth Mayor, San Fernando City, Philippines
- ROTC officer
Certification
- Registered Nurse
- ACLS
- BLS
- Nurse Leader Certificate
Affiliations
- Manages Real Estate Brokerage, Licensed Real Estate Broker: California and Nevada
- Manages Life Insurance, Medicare & ACA Health Insurance Business, Licensed Health and Life Insurance Agent: California, Nevada, Hawaii
- Church Advocate and Charity
- Children Sports Advocate
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director, Nursing & Clinical Services
ScionHealth
09.2017 - 03.2024
Administrative Director of Nursing
HCR ManorCare Corporate
04.2007 - 03.2017
Int Clinical Director Neuro ICU,Trauma ER, Psych
Los Angeles County @King/Drew Med Ctr/Gen Hosp
03.2000 - 02.2006
Int Nurse Manager Psychiatry
Los Angeles Co @ King/Drew Med Ctr & Gen Hosp
03.1995 - 03.2000
Asst Nurse Manager Psychiatry
LA County,DHS @King/Drew Med Ctr/Gen Hosp
04.1990 - 03.1995
Supervising Staff Nurse Psychiatry
LA Co,DHS @ King/Drew Med Ctr & Gen Hosp
09.1988 - 04.1990
Staff Nurse Trauma ER/Psychiatry
LA Co, DHS @ King/Drew Med Ctr & Gen Hosp
10.1985 - 03.1988
Associate of Arts - Real Estate Brokerage
Cerritos College
J.D. - Law (Pre-Law)
Loyola University
Master of Arts - Nursing Administration & Business Admin
University of California - Los Angeles
Associate of Applied Science - Higher Sciences Leading To MD
California State University - Dominguez Hills
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Lorma University, College of Nursing
High School Diploma -
Sacred Heart School