Michael Balaska
Claysville,PA
Summary
Experienced Nurse Leader with over a decade of clinical and director-level leadership in acute care settings. Proven ability to improve department performance, lead high-functioning teams, and deliver efficient, patient-centered care. Adept in EMR systems, staff development, regulatory compliance, and crisis management. Committed to optimizing healthcare delivery through innovation, collaboration, and compassion.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Emergency Services
Penn Highlands Mon Valley
Monongahela, PA
01.2019 - Current
- - Lead a 24-bed Emergency Department serving 24,000 patients annually
- - Manage and direct 60 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff
- - Ensure readiness for emergency certifications; department is Stroke and STEMI certified
- - Oversee operational performance, patient flow, and emergency care standards
- - Develop and implement strategic initiatives to improve outcomes and staff engagement
- - Collaborate across departments to maintain high levels of compliance and quality
Nurse Manager
Monongahela Valley Hospital
Monongahela, PA
11.2013 - 01.2019
- - Managed 25-bed Observation Unit with 25 staff members
- - Improved cost efficiency and reimbursement through workflow partnerships with case management
- - Led performance reviews and coverage adjustments to match changing conditions
- - Resolved interdepartmental and patient complaints by applying clinical expertise and leadership
Oncology Registered Nurse
Monongahela Valley Hospital
Monongahela, PA
06.2009 - 11.2013
- - Provided direct care for up to 6+ patients per shift in a 19-bed Oncology Unit
- - Delivered IV, oral, and IM medications, and monitored treatment response
- - Educated patients and caregivers on diagnosis, treatment plans, and lifestyle changes
- - Participated in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient experience and staff morale
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZAssociate of Science in Nursing -
Westmoreland County Community College
Youngwood, PABiology
University of Pittsburgh
Greensburg, PASkills
- Clinical and technical expertise
- Direct patient care
- EMR documentation
- Stroke and STEMI protocols
- Medication administration
- Quality assurance
- Chronic disease management
- Leadership and administration
- Department oversight and budgeting
- Staff development and retention
- Patient education and advocacy
- Unit scheduling and optimization
- Conflict resolution and complaint handling
- Regulatory compliance and certification preparation
Certification
- - National Incident Management System (NIMS)
- - Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association
- - Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), American Heart Association
- - Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), American Heart Association
Accomplishments
- - Dale Carnegie Leadership Training - Completed
- - Leadership Washington County Program - Completed
Timeline
Director of Emergency Services
Penn Highlands Mon Valley
01.2019 - Current
Nurse Manager
Monongahela Valley Hospital
11.2013 - 01.2019
Oncology Registered Nurse
Monongahela Valley Hospital
06.2009 - 11.2013
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
Grand Canyon University
Associate of Science in Nursing -
Westmoreland County Community College
Biology
University of Pittsburgh
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