Lori Davis
Alexander,AR
Summary
Experienced Nurse Manager with a strong human relations and process improvement background, seeking a challenging executive leadership position. Proven track record of making significant facility contributions to the growth, innovation, and overall administration of departmental HRO. Skilled in fostering positive relationships with staff, patients, and stakeholders to drive exceptional patient care outcomes. Adept at implementing strategic initiatives and streamlining processes to optimize operational efficiency and enhance quality standards.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Nurse Manager-Emergency Department
Central Arkansas Veteran Healthcare System
02.2017 - Current
- Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and protocols in the Emergency Department.
- Managed budget allocation for the Emergency Department, effectively reducing operational costs without compromising quality of care.
- Streamlined triage processes for improved patient flow and reduced wait times in the Emergency Department.
- Collaborated with human resources personnel in recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding highly qualified nursing staff for the Emergency Department.
- Established clear expectations and accountability measures for staff performance, resulting in improved team dynamics and higher overall productivity.
- Coordinated with physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure seamless communication and continuity of care for patients in the Emergency Department.
- Actively participated in quality improvement committees aimed at optimizing system-wide performance metrics related to emergency services provision or outcomes achievement.
- Implemented strategies to improve patient satisfaction scores, leading to higher rankings in hospital performance metrics.
- Led interdepartmental collaboration to develop a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan, ensuring efficient response during crisis situations.
- Championed interdisciplinary collaboration within the emergency team for better assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care plans.
- Contributed to hospital-wide initiatives focused on enhancing patient safety, such as fall prevention efforts or infection control measures.
Acting Nurse Manager-Emergency Department
Central Arkansas Veteran Healthcare System
08.2016 - 02.2017
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to support professional growth of nursing staff members.
- Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses earned time off.
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
- Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise.
Assistant Nurse Manager-Emergency Department
Central Arkansas Veteran Healthcare System
04.2014 - 08.2016
- Managed staffing needs during high-volume periods to maintain optimal patient-to-nurse ratios for quality care provision.
- Enhanced emergency department operations by streamlining communication between nurses, physicians, and support staff.
- Collaborated with staff and peers to create optimal synergy and outcomes.
- Served as mentor and advisor to facilitate professional growth of unit staff.
- Mentored new nursing staff to ensure rapid acclimation to the fast-paced emergency department environment.
- Liaised with other departments within the hospital network to coordinate seamless transfers for patients requiring specialized care services beyond the scope of the Emergency Department offerings.
- Led quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and reducing hospital readmissions.
- Served as a role model for best clinical practices, fostering a commitment towards excellence among nursing staff members.
- Facilitated smooth shift transitions by maintaining thorough documentation and effective handover procedures.
- Improved patient care by implementing efficient nurse scheduling and resource allocation.
Emergency Department Charge Nurse
Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System
03.2008 - 04.2014
- Optimized resource utilization by effectively managing staffing levels, equipment needs, and supply inventory in the emergency department.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on emerging trends in emergency nursing care, attending conferences and workshops regularly to bring back best practices for implementation within the department.
- Streamlined emergency department operations by creating and implementing new policies and procedures based on best practices.
- Enhanced team cohesion by establishing open lines of communication among staff members, promoting collaboration, and encouraging constructive feedback from all team members.
- Served as an advocate for patients'' rights and needs, addressing any concerns or complaints promptly to ensure patient satisfaction during their emergency department visit.
- Proactively addressed potential conflicts among staff members by fostering a collaborative work environment and promoting open dialogue to resolve issues effectively.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners such as EMS providers or other healthcare facilities to improve coordination during patient transfers or shared resources situations.
- Evaluated key performance metrics regularly to identify areas for improvement in efficiency or quality of care within the emergency department.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, providing leadership during critical incidents and medical emergencies.
Staff Nurse, Emergency Department
CAVHS
09.2007 - 03.2008
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
4C Medical/Surgical Registered Nurse/ Charge Nurse
Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System
06.2004 - 09.2007
- Prevented complications for post-operative patients through careful monitoring, early detection of issues, and prompt intervention when needed.
- Promoted a safe environment for patients by adhering to infection control protocols, fall prevention strategies, and other safety measures.
- Assessed patient conditions accurately by conducting comprehensive physical assessments, interpreting diagnostic tests, and utilizing critical thinking skills.
- Educated patients on self-care techniques such as wound management, medication administration, and lifestyle modifications to promote long-term wellness.
Education
Masters of Health Administration -
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ01.2025
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ03.2015
Associate of Science - Nursing
University of Arkansas At Little Rock
Little Rock, AR09.2004
Skills
- Clinical expertise
- Emergency Management
- Quality Improvement
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Multitasking and Organization
- Staff Development
- Patient education and advocacy
- Strong Critical Thinking & Clinical Judgement
- Compliance Oversight
- Department management
- Staff Supervision
- Conflict Management
Accomplishments
- Successfully implemented and managed the CAVHS Blood Culture Reboot Program, achieving a less than 1.0% contamination rate. Through strategic actions such as audits, education sessions, and notifications, we reached a contamination rate of 0.99% for September 2023, meeting and sustaining the new national standard of < 1.00%.
- Through a collaborative effort with the CAVHS RPI Admission Workgroup, we implemented changes that significantly decreased EM metrics. This joint initiative resulted in a 12.7% reduction in Door-to-Admit Decision time, a 7.8% decrease in Admit Delay, and a 9.8% cut in Admit patient Length of Stay. Our actions, which involved collaboration with Medicine Service, updating ED order sets, implementing MOD workstations, and focusing on timeliness and efficiency, have helped sustain ED flow SAIL metrics in the 2nd quintile, with projected improvement to the 1st quintile by qtr. 4 FY24.
- My role as the lead NM champion/consultant for Emergency Medicine for VISN 16, which I assumed in January 2022, involves continuing facility representation at both the VISN and National level. As part of this role, I completed a site visit to Shreveport, LA, where I provided consulting, collegiality, and collaboration among VISN 16. I also contribute ideas and feedback to the monthly EM Catalyst, National EM Triage Note Workgroup, and Enhance Post-Discharge Education to Reduce Avoidable ED Visits to the VA.
- Instituted a significant departmental change in patient/provider assignment (Round Robin, Bedding nurse) in the department, leading to substantial improvement in door-to-doc times and patient wait times, leading to CAVHS to the 1st quintile for VHA SAIL ED Flow.
- Voting member of the following facility committees: CPR Committee LR, Blood Utilization Review (BUR), Sepsis Task Force, Mortality Workgroup, Disruptive Behavior Committee (DBC), CPRC, PAPG, Stroke Committee, National Telestroke Committee, UM Committee, Emergency Management, VISN EM NM Committee, National Triage Workgroup. Chair of the Blood Culture Workgroup and facilitator of the RPI Admissions Workgroup.
Licensure & Certifications
- Arkansas Registered Nurse Licensure
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support
- Advanced Cardiopulmonary Life Support Certification
Professional Affiliations
- Arkansas Center for Nursing, Member, 2017, Present
- Emergency Nurses Association, Member, 2010, Present
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System SANE Program, Chair, 8/2016, Present
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System CS Take Back Workgroup, Co-Chair, 6/15, 10/15
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System VALIT Chest Pain Unit Development Team, Member, 13-14
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System VALIT ED Redesign Team, Member, 12-13
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System VALIT Blood Culture and Lab Ordering Redesign Team, Member, 11-12, Winner VISN 16 Best Practice: Drawing Blood Cultures Bronze Award
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System Pain Committee, Member and Co-Chair, 05-13
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System ULSG, Chair, 05/09, 12/09
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System RN Advisory Committee, Member and Alternate, 06-08
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System VALIT ED Assessment Team, Member, 07-08
Awards & leadership Experiences
- 2019 CAVHS Employee of the Year: Supervisory Category
- 2017 CAVHS 40 Nurse Leaders Under 40
- 2016 CAVHS Leadership Recognition Award
- 2015 CAVHS Special Contribution Award (Feb & March)
- 2015 CAVHS Leadership Recognition Award
- 2014 CAVHS Special Contribution Award (Nov)
- 2012 CAVHS VISN 16 Best Practice Bronze Award
- 2010 CAVHS Secretary's Award for Excellence in Nursing RN Winner
- 2010 CAVHS Special Contribution Award
- 2008 CAVHS Leadership Recognition Award
- 2007 CAVHS Goal Sharing Silver Award
- 2006 CAVHS Goal Sharing Gold Award
Professional References
- Jerry Meharg, MSNc ANE, Ambulatory Care Service Chief, John McClellan VAMC, 4300 West 7th Street/ 118ER LR, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72205, (501) 257-5914
- Marlon J. Doucet, MD, Emergency Department Service Chief, John McClellan VAMC, 4300 West 7th Street/ 118ER LR, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72205, (501) 258-6894
- Clay Leigh, Deputy ADPCS, CAVHS Chief Nurse Executive, John McClellan VAMC, 4300 West 7th Street/ 118ER LR, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72205, (501) 837-8895
Additionalprofessionalreferences
Available upon request
Academic Preparation
- University of Phoenix, Masters of Health Administration Candidate, 01/2025
- University of Phoenix, Bachelor's Degree, 03/2015
- University of Arkansas, Associate of Science in Nursing Degree, 09/2004
- University of Arkansas, Candidate for Associate Degree, 1998-2004
Volunteer Experience
- Bryant School District PTO (2021-Present)
- Benton School District PTO (2007-2021)
- Boys & Girls Club (2011-2015)
- Future Benton Panthers (2012-2015)
- Little Rock Free Clinic (2010)
- CAVHS EMRT Officer (2007-Present)
- ESAR-VHP (2007-Present)
- Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort (2005)
- Jr. Twister Football League (2005)
- CAVHS-Family Day Picnic (2004)
Timeline
Nurse Manager-Emergency Department
Central Arkansas Veteran Healthcare System
02.2017 - Current
Acting Nurse Manager-Emergency Department
Central Arkansas Veteran Healthcare System
08.2016 - 02.2017
Assistant Nurse Manager-Emergency Department
Central Arkansas Veteran Healthcare System
04.2014 - 08.2016
Emergency Department Charge Nurse
Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System
03.2008 - 04.2014
Staff Nurse, Emergency Department
CAVHS
09.2007 - 03.2008
4C Medical/Surgical Registered Nurse/ Charge Nurse
Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System
06.2004 - 09.2007
Masters of Health Administration -
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Phoenix
Associate of Science - Nursing
University of Arkansas At Little Rock
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