MARIA FE G. LAZARTE
Dupont,Washington
Summary
Experienced nurse manager specializing in mental health with a proven track record of effectively overseeing nursing teams and optimizing patient care processes. Recognized for implementing successful healthcare protocols that have led to improved patient outcomes. Highly regarded for exceptional leadership abilities, particularly in staff training and development, combined with strong problem-solving skills.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nurse Manager- Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH-RRTP)
VA Puget Sound Health Care System
01.2016 - Current
- Managed a 64-bed Domiciliary program with three specialty treatment programs: Substance Treatment and Rehabilitation (STAR), PTSD, and Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans (DCHV/Back to Work Program).
- Supervised and motivated a team of 23 nursing staff to ensure high-quality performance.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient care and develop individualized care plans.
- Oversaw staff development, hiring, scheduling, and performance evaluations for RNs, LPNs, and Health Techs. Managed the unit’s OT utilization.
- Ensured compliance with internal and external reviews, including those by the VA and The Joint Commission (JC).
- Led staff meetings for communication and idea-sharing while providing training for new nurses on care standards and safety protocols.
Nurse Supervisor-Nursing Officer of the Day (NOD)
VA Puget Sound Health Care System
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Responsibilities include managing nursing staff across all inpatient and outpatient units, including the Community Living Center, Domiciliary, Blind Rehabilitation, and Urgent Care Clinics.
- Oversee bed control and patient assignments to appropriate units.
- Implement safety standards and improve patient care outcomes.
- Assess staffing levels, address complex patient care issues, and evaluate interventions.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to resolve patient care and staffing challenges.
- Guide staff in reporting incidents, procedures, medication effectiveness, pain management, and behavioral interventions. n all inpatient/outpatient units (Community Living Center, Domiciliary, Blind Rehab and Urgent Care Clinics).
Acute Inpatient Mental Health- Staff/Charge RN
VA Puget Sound Health Care System
03.2006 - 01.2011
- Delivered comprehensive nursing care and assessments to Veterans with mental disorders while effectively managing aggressive behavior.
- Directed staff in de-escalation techniques and medication management, ensuring strict adherence to Code Green protocols.
- Expertly utilized CIWA and COWS to manage withdrawal symptoms, empowering Veterans to achieve their self-care and wellness goals.
- Advocated firmly for Veterans' privacy and rights while confidently delegating assignments and assessing staff performance.
- Spearheaded communication improvement initiatives at both the unit and national levels, driving meaningful change.
Acute Inpatient Mental Health- Graduate/Student Nurse Technician
VA Puget Sound Health Care System
04.2005 - 03.2006
- Participated in implementing treatment plans for patients with multiple psychiatric illnesses
- Performed vital signs checks, recorded I &O, assisted with ADLs
- Assisted with Code Green and Restraints or Seclusion
Resident Manager
St. Therese Adult Family Home
12.2000 - 08.2005
- Implemented residents-negotiated care plans
- Supervised CNAs, administered medications, assisted with daily living activities, ordered supplies, and scheduled appointments.
- Prepared for unannounced inspections and complaint investigations in compliance with the WA State Administrative Code (WAC).
Certified Teacher
Bishop Baumgartner School
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Fourth Grade teacher of Religion and Social Studies.
Education
RN BSN -
Pacific Lutheran University
12.2005
Nursing Prerequisites -
Pierce College
06.2000
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Science
University of Santo Tomas
04.1991
Skills
- Staff supervision
- Critical thinking
- Quality improvement
- Unit management
- Conflict management
- Compliance oversight
- Policy development
- Hiring and terminations
- Staff development
License
Washington State RN License, 00164032
Awards
- 3rd Place at the VAPSHCS Poster Presentation Quality and Safety Fair 2012
- VAPSHCS Excellence in Nursing Nominee for Practice Award 2009
- 7B Contribution Award-2009
- Goal Sharing Award for the implementation of SBAR and Kardex Hand-off in change of shift and admissions (2008-2010)
- Best Practice Recognition by Joint Commission Surveyors for the unit newsletter 'Esprit de Corps' 2008-2010
Presentations
- Staffing Methodology - MHRRTP Business Plan Facility Presentation (2016-2022)
- CRCS Presentations: Hazardous Materials training, DOM Risk Management Reports, Nurse's Role in MHRRTP
- DOM Culture of Safety Stand Down - DOM Risk Management Reports
- What is MHRRTP? An introduction to residential, their programs and services provided - Nursing Leadership Meeting
- What is MHRRTP? An introduction to residential, their programs and services provided - Nursing Leadership Meeting- MH & OPSC Nurse Meeting
- Poster Presentation Esprit de Corps: Communication, Collaboration and Collegiality in Practice, NOVA Conference, Arlington, VA, 2010
- Poster Presentation Meeting the Challenges of Changing Hand-off Communication Practice on the Inpatient Mental Health Unit, NOVA Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2009
- SBAR Goal Sharing Presentation, Nursing Leadership Meeting, Seattle, WA, 2008
Accomplishments
- Successful Surveys to the Joint Commission (JC) and Commission Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
- New Women's RRTP Project
- Excellent COVID-19 Surge Response
- Successfully executed transition from residential to COVID-19 unit during the pandemic.
- Implemented the Moving Forward guidance of the facility and National MHRRTP
- Quality & Process Improvement projects: BCMA Scanning Rate in the unit
- Quality & safety projects: hand hygiene, PRN medication effectives, falls prevention, AED inspections, nurses documentation.
- Process and performance improvement projects: Admission Day Procedures and performance data such as Access and 7-day follow up after discharge.
- Implemented addition of Naloxone (Narcan) to the AED for reversal of opioid abuse overdose.
- Tobacco Treatment Implementation Project with Substance Use Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (SUD-QUERI)
Affiliations
- Nursing Organization of the Veterans Affairs (NOVA)
- VAPSHCS Nurse Professional Standards Board (NPSB)
- American Organization of Nursing Leadership AONL
- National MHRRTP Nurse Manager Workgroup
- DOM Withdrawal Management Workgroup
- VISN 20 and National MHRRTP Workgroup
- CRCS Leadership
Certification
- CPR/AED Certification
- Certified Nurse Manager and Leader Certification -AONL - Nurse Manager Institute
- CAUTI Sim Instructor (Community Living Care)
Languages
Filipino
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Nurse Manager- Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH-RRTP)
VA Puget Sound Health Care System
01.2016 - Current
Nurse Supervisor-Nursing Officer of the Day (NOD)
VA Puget Sound Health Care System
01.2011 - 01.2016
Acute Inpatient Mental Health- Staff/Charge RN
VA Puget Sound Health Care System
03.2006 - 01.2011
Acute Inpatient Mental Health- Graduate/Student Nurse Technician
VA Puget Sound Health Care System
04.2005 - 03.2006
Resident Manager
St. Therese Adult Family Home
12.2000 - 08.2005
Certified Teacher
Bishop Baumgartner School
01.1997 - 01.1998
Nursing Prerequisites -
Pierce College
- CPR/AED Certification
- Certified Nurse Manager and Leader Certification -AONL - Nurse Manager Institute
- CAUTI Sim Instructor (Community Living Care)
RN BSN -
Pacific Lutheran University
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Science
University of Santo Tomas
Similar Profiles
Namieka SalabieNamieka Salabie
PCMHI Nurse Practitioner at VA Puget Sound Health Care SystemPCMHI Nurse Practitioner at VA Puget Sound Health Care System
Alfredo Huerta IIIAlfredo Huerta III
Health Technician at VA Puget Sound Health Care SystemHealth Technician at VA Puget Sound Health Care System
Emily ThompsonEmily Thompson
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical/Telemetry/Oncology Nurse at VA Puget Sound Health Care SystemRegistered Nurse, Medical-Surgical/Telemetry/Oncology Nurse at VA Puget Sound Health Care System