LEAH M. KAISER
Steeleville,IL
Summary
Dedicated nursing professional with extensive experience in clinical education and program development. Focused on enhancing compliance with regulatory standards while delivering high-quality patient care and fostering the growth of new nurses through tailored mentoring and training initiatives.
Overview
1
1
Certification
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Nurse Educator
St. Louis Forensic Treatment Center
St. Louis , MO
10.2020 - 08.2026
- Developed and implemented educational programs for nursing staff and students.
- Delivered industry-leading educational experiences by integrating theoretical knowledge, evidence-based principles and expertise in clinical nursing.
- Facilitated training sessions on forensic nursing practices and patient care standards.
- Created resources to support continuing education for nursing professionals.
- Evaluated learning needs and tailored instructional materials accordingly.
- Assessed student performance through observation, testing, and evaluation methods.
- Developed assessments such as quizzes and exams designed to evaluate student understanding of course material.
- Mentored new faculty members in instruction techniques and assessment procedures.
- Conducted orientation sessions for new nurses, providing guidance and support in their transition to the role of nurse educator.
- Assessed patient care systems for areas of inefficiency and suggested solutions and consequential adjustments to nurse's curriculum.
Chief Nurse Executive
Metropolitan St. Louis Psychiatric Center
St. Louis, MO
03.2020 - 10.2020
- Directed daily operations of the nursing department including budgeting, personnel management, and quality assurance activities.
- Developed and implemented nursing policies, procedures, and protocols.
- Developed and implemented nursing protocols to enhance patient safety and comfort.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations and healthcare policies for psychiatric nursing.
- Managed staffing schedules, optimizing nurse-to-patient ratios for effective care delivery.
- Led nursing staff in providing high-quality patient care at a psychiatric facility.
- Evaluated performance of nursing staff members and provided feedback to improve services.
- Facilitated communication between administration and clinical staff regarding operational changes.
Registered Nurse-Senior
Metropolitan St. Louis Psychiatric Center
St. Louis, MO
08.2019 - 03.2020
- Administered medications as prescribed by physicians and monitored patients' response to treatment.
- Evaluated effectiveness of nursing interventions and implemented changes to enhance patient outcomes.
- Identified problems or changes in health status through assessment of laboratory values and diagnostic test results, then implemented appropriate interventions accordingly.
- Conducted thorough assessments of patient conditions and mental health status.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment strategies.
- Maintained accurate records of patient progress, treatments, and medications to ensure quality care.
- Initiated emergency measures according to established protocols.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices and hospital policies to promote high standards of care.
- Provided crisis intervention and support during high-stress situations for patients.
- Educated patients on mental health resources and coping strategies.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to promote social skills and peer support among patients.
Nurse Manager
Children's Hospital
St. Louis , MO
05.2019 - 07.2019
- Oversaw nursing staff to ensure high-quality patient care standards.
- Managed staffing schedules to maintain adequate patient coverage.
- Led nursing staff in delivering compassionate patient care to children and families.
- Ensured compliance with hospital policies, regulations, and best practices in care delivery.
- Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
- Developed programming for new Pediatric Behavioral Health Unit, enhancing patient care upon opening on 7/17/19.
Nurse Instructor
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE)
Edwardsville, IL
08.2017 - 05.2019
- Delivered lectures and facilitated discussions in Community Health, Leadership, and Quality and Safety nursing courses for the online RN-BSN program.
- Delivered lectures and facilitated discussions in Mental Health (didactic and clinical) and Nursing Leadership courses for the traditional BSN program.
- Evaluated student performance through practical assessments and examinations.
- Collaborated with faculty to improve teaching strategies and course content.
- Facilitated simulations to prepare students for real-world healthcare scenarios.
- Assisted with curriculum design and implementation according to the standards set by accrediting bodies.
- Encouraged students to participate actively in class discussions by posing questions or providing constructive criticism.
- Created a safe learning environment for students by regularly addressing any issues that arose during classes.
- Coordinated practicum experiences for undergraduate nurses according to their individual needs.
- Monitored student progress through regular assessments, feedback sessions, and one-on-one meetings.
- Provided guidance and support to students in their clinical rotation activities.
- Collaborated with faculty members to ensure that all learning objectives were met throughout the semester.
Director of Nurses
Chester Mental Health Center
Chester, IL
05.2016 - 08.2017
- Performed administrative, clinical, and programmatic duties for nursing department, managing all aspects of nursing services to ensure high-quality patient care.
- Developed in-service educational programs for nursing staff to enhance skills and improve patient care standards.
- Participated in hospital governing body and executive committees, providing insights that informed nursing service strategies.
- Supervised nursing staff to ensure high-quality patient care.
- Managed staffing schedules to maintain adequate coverage at all times.
- Conducted performance reviews to assess nursing staff effectiveness.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations and accreditation standards in care delivery.
- Recruited qualified candidates for open positions within the nursing department.
- Assisted in developing strategies to reduce costs while maintaining quality of patient care services.
- Developed policies and procedures to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Conducted performance evaluations of nursing staff, identifying areas for improvement and providing feedback.
Assistant Hospital Administrator
Chester Mental Health Center
Chester, IL
08.2013 - 05.2016
- Executed administrative, clinical, and programmatic tasks to support Hospital Administrator.
- Conducted investigations and compiled reports with actionable recommendations for Hospital operations.
- Coordinated recruitment efforts to successfully fill critical positions.Directed operations as Chief Executive Officer of a 240-bed maximum security psychiatric hospital with a workforce of 504 budgeted full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
- Directed development and supervision of client care and treatment programs, addressing inquiries and recommendations from the office of the Inspector General, Equip for Equality, and the Human Rights Authority.
- Managed annual operational budget to align resources with organizational goals.
Interim Assistant Hospital Administrator
Chester Mental Health Center
Chester, IL
03.2013 - 08.2013
- Executed administrative, clinical, and programmatic duties for Hospital Administrator, directed investigations, and prepared reports to enhance hospital operations.
- Managed daily operations of mental health services at Chester Mental Health Center.
Assistant Director of Nurses
Chester Mental Health Center
Chester, IL
12.2012 - 03.2013
- Coordinated administrative, clinical, and program duties as assistant to Director of Nurses, supervising nursing staff and managing nurse scheduling to ensure optimal coverage.
- Supervised nursing staff to ensure compliance with care standards and regulations.
- Coordinated patient care programs and nursing initiatives across multiple departments.
- Conducted regular staff training sessions to enhance nursing skills and knowledge.
Registered Nurse II
Chester Mental Health Center
Chester, IL
07.2007 - 12.2012
- Directed the Infection Control Program for the hospital, managing all aspects of infection prevention. Interpreted and implemented policies and procedures related to infection prevention.
- Successfully revised and developed a comprehensive Infection Control Plan in accordance with Association of Professional in Infection Control (APIC) and Joint Commission Standards.
- Participated in Joint Commission Surveys to improve hospital standards and practices.
- Collaborated with Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Infection Control Committee, facilitating peer reviews at IDHS hospitals for Joint Commission Survey preparations and providing consultation on infection control issues.
- Assisted in training new Infection Control Coordinators at other IDHS hospitals.
- Coordinated shift operations and directed lower-level staff.
Registered Nurse I
Chester Mental Health Center
Chester, IL
06.1989 - 07.2007
- Provided direct nursing services, assessed client needs, and administered medications and treatments to support optimal patient outcomes.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive nursing care plans, actively participating in treatment planning meetings to enhance patient care.
- Ensured safety by authorizing restraint and seclusion in emergency situations, maintaining a secure environment for patients and staff.
- Facilitated client educational groups.
- Participated in hospital activities including membership on various hospital committees.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Administration
McKendree University
Lebanon, IL01-2012
Bachelor of Science - Nursing Administration
McKendree University
Lebanon, IL01-2010
Associate Degree -
The University of Tennessee Martin (UTM)
Martin, TN01-1989
Skills
- Forensic nursing
- Instructional design
- Regulatory compliance
- Program evaluation
- Quality assurance
- Performance assessment
- Clinical supervision
- Staff training
- Staff development
- Coaching and mentoring
- Effective communication
- Critical thinking
- Conflict resolution
Certification
- Registered Nurse, Illinois, Active
- Registered Nurse, Missouri, Active
Accomplishments
Nursing Honor Society, McKendree University, 2010-2012, Lebanon, IL
Training
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS), current
- Cerner Training, 2026
- EPIC Systems Training, 2019
- Safety Therapeutic AND Recovery Response (STARR) Training & Certification, 2019
- Suicide Prevention Conference, Southern Illinois University (SIUE), Edwardsville, IL, 2018
- Resilience Workshop & Suicide Prevention Gate Keeper (QPR) Training, Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC), Carbondale, IL, 2018
- SIUE leadership Development Program, 2018
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI), Chester, IL, 2017
- St. Louis Clinical Faculty Academy, St. Louis, MO, 2017
- State of IL Rutan Interviewer Certification, 2016
Timeline
Nurse Educator
St. Louis Forensic Treatment Center
10.2020 - 08.2026
Chief Nurse Executive
Metropolitan St. Louis Psychiatric Center
03.2020 - 10.2020
Registered Nurse-Senior
Metropolitan St. Louis Psychiatric Center
08.2019 - 03.2020
Nurse Manager
Children's Hospital
05.2019 - 07.2019
Nurse Instructor
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE)
08.2017 - 05.2019
Director of Nurses
Chester Mental Health Center
05.2016 - 08.2017
Assistant Hospital Administrator
Chester Mental Health Center
08.2013 - 05.2016
Interim Assistant Hospital Administrator
Chester Mental Health Center
03.2013 - 08.2013
Assistant Director of Nurses
Chester Mental Health Center
12.2012 - 03.2013
Registered Nurse II
Chester Mental Health Center
07.2007 - 12.2012
Registered Nurse I
Chester Mental Health Center
06.1989 - 07.2007
Master of Science - Nursing Administration
McKendree University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing Administration
McKendree University
Associate Degree -
The University of Tennessee Martin (UTM)