Lori LaStella
Verona,NJ
Summary
Dedicated Oncology Nurse Manager with extensive experience at Cooperman Barnabas Cancer Center, excelling in cancer care coordination and patient management. Proven track record of enhancing patient outcomes through evidence-based practices and effective communication. Adept at mentoring staff and implementing quality improvement initiatives, fostering a culture of excellence in oncology nursing. I worked closely with the assistant director and the director in obtaining QOPI accreditation and played a crucial role in educating and rallying nursing support to do chart abstractions.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Oncology-nurse Manager
Cooperman Barnabas Cancer Center
01.2005 - Current
- Educated patients on treatment plans, side effects, and self-care strategies to enhance understanding.
- Mentored junior nursing staff, fostering skills in oncology-specific protocols and patient management.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to individual needs.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes and streamline treatment processes.
- Advocated for patient needs while navigating complex healthcare systems and resources effectively.
- Mentored new oncology nurses, sharing knowledge gained from years of experience in specialized cancer care settings.
- Collaborated with oncologists to develop targeted treatment plans for patients with various cancer types and stages.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based oncology nursing practices.
- Participated in continuous learning opportunities to stay current on advancements in oncology treatments and nursing techniques.
- Educated patients on such topics as nutrition, medication side effects, and proper skin treatments after radiation.
- Enhanced quality of care through close collaboration with interdisciplinary medical teams.
- Provided emotional support for patients and families coping with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
- Improved patient satisfaction scores by consistently delivering compassionate, attentive care during all phases of the cancer journey.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
- Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Organized professional development programs for staff, leading to improved performance and skill sets.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Assisted physician in seeing 25-30 patients per day and also managed all incoming calls related to patient care IE managing side effects of treatment
Office Practice Nurse
Cooperman Barnabas Cancer Center
09.2000 - 01.2005
- Administered patient assessments and developed individualized care plans.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes.
- .Educate patient and their families on all their chemotherapy drugs
- Monitor patients during treatment and manage their side effects
- Promoted continuity of care with thorough documentation of medical histories, vital signs, observations, interventions, and results.
- Mentored junior nursing staff, fostering professional development and clinical skills enhancement.
- Participated in professional development activities to stay current on best practices in nursing care delivery methods.
- Assisted physician in seeing 25- 3o patients per day and answered all call related to patient care
Nurse Manager
Clara Maass Medical Center
01.1997 - 09.2000
- Directed nursing staff, ensuring compliance with protocols and enhancing patient care quality.
- Implemented staffing strategies to maintain optimal nurse-to-patient ratios and improve operational efficiency.
- Developed and executed training programs for new nurses, fostering professional growth and skill development.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to establish best practices for patient management and safety initiatives.
- Spearheaded quality improvement projects, driving initiatives that increased patient satisfaction scores significantly.
- Mentored nursing staff through performance evaluations, promoting accountability and continuous professional development.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to support professional growth of nursing staff members.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses earned time off.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients with complex needs.
- Over saw a 26 bed Oncology in patient unit which included 40 staff members Nurse , nurses aides and unit clerks. This was 24hr responsibility
Assistant Nurse Manager Inpatient Oncology Unit
Clara Maass Medical Center
01.1991 - 01.1997
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring adherence to healthcare regulations and protocols.
- Mentored nursing staff, fostering professional development and enhancing team performance.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives, elevating patient care standards and operational efficiency.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary team meetings to align goals and improve patient outcomes.
- Managed staffing schedules, optimizing resource allocation to meet patient needs effectively.
- Evaluated nursing practices, recommending policy updates to enhance safety measures.
- Evaluated staff performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and support for professional development opportunities.
- Developed departmental goals and objectives to improve satisfactory rating with patients.
- Participated in hospital-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall patient experience and satisfaction levels.
- Communicated with members of medical staff and department heads during weekly update meetings.
- I was an Assistant Oncology Oncology Nurse Manager to a 52 bed in patient Oncology unit
Oncology Nurse
Clara Maass Medical Center
01.1988 - 01.1991
- Administered chemotherapy and medication, ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout treatment processes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for oncology patients.
- Monitored patient vital signs and responses to treatments, promptly addressing any adverse effects.
- Educated patients and families on cancer diagnosis, treatment options, and post-treatment care strategies.
- Implemented evidence-based protocols to enhance patient outcomes in oncology care delivery.
- Administered chemotherapy and other cancer treatments, ensuring accurate dosing and proper patient education.
- Administered chemotherapy, pain medications and other medicines based on physician orders and patient requirements.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify patient needs and coordinate appropriate interventions effectively.
- Mentored junior nursing staff, fostering professional development and adherence to best practices in oncology nursing.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Clara Maass Medical Center
06.1982 - 01.1988
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses in medical-surgical unit.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Educated patients and families on post-operative care and health management strategies.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify patient needs and prioritize interventions.
- Mentored junior nurses, fostering professional development and improving team performance.
- Consistently maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care, ensuring seamless communication between healthcare providers.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Bloomfield College
Bloomfield, NJ08-1997
Nursing Diploma -
Clara Maass School of Nursing
Belleville, NJ05-1982
High School Diploma -
Glen Ridge High School
Glen Ridge, NJ06.1979
Skills
- Interpersonal communication
- Cancer patient management
- Oncological emergencies
- Side effects management
- Oncology treatment planning
- Patient assessment and treatment
- Symptom management
- Cancer care coordination
Certification
- Licensed registered Nurse since 1982
- ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certification since 2013/ Sept 2026
- BLS/CPR American Heart Association May 2026
Timeline
Oncology-nurse Manager
Cooperman Barnabas Cancer Center
01.2005 - Current
Office Practice Nurse
Cooperman Barnabas Cancer Center
09.2000 - 01.2005
Nurse Manager
Clara Maass Medical Center
01.1997 - 09.2000
Assistant Nurse Manager Inpatient Oncology Unit
Clara Maass Medical Center
01.1991 - 01.1997
Oncology Nurse
Clara Maass Medical Center
01.1988 - 01.1991
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Clara Maass Medical Center
06.1982 - 01.1988
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Bloomfield College
Nursing Diploma -
Clara Maass School of Nursing
High School Diploma -
Glen Ridge High School
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