NICHELLE EASLEY WALLER
Manvel
Summary
Accomplished nurse executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in acute, perioperative, ambulatory, and behavioral health services. Proven track record in directing complex operations, driving quality and regulatory compliance, and managing multimillion-dollar budgets. Recognized for developing and executing strategic initiatives that expand service lines, enhance patient experiences, and strengthen workforce engagement. Expertise in aligning clinical excellence with organizational goals, advancing population health, and leading large teams through transformational change. Holds an MBA in Finance (2025) and a forthcoming DNP in Executive Leadership (Fall 2025).
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nurse Leader – Ambulatory Care Services / Population Health
Harris Health System
05.2024 - Current
- Monitors and directs patient care activities across 9 clinics, ensuring delivery of the highest-quality, patient-centered care.
- Establishes scope of service, develops departmental goals, and executes strategic plans aligned with enterprise priorities.
- Oversees staffing strategy, recruitment, and retention of 25+ FTEs; reviews and approves new hires, sets performance standards, and provides feedback.
- Improved operational efficiency by 25%, reduced vacancy rates, and expanded access to care through community partnerships.
- Strengthened population health outcomes and revenue streams by implementing value-based care initiatives.
- Ensures compliance with all regulatory standards and system-wide policies.
Chief Nursing Officer – Behavioral Health
West Oaks Hospital / UHS / PSI
05.2023 - 05.2024
- Directed clinical and non-clinical operations for a 192-bed behavioral health hospital with 230+ staff.
- Assured departmental financial performance by meeting/exceeding budget targets, forecasting accurately, and initiating corrective actions.
- Reduced overtime costs by 30% and improved CMS core measure compliance from 53% → 87%.
- Partnered with CEO/COO on budgetary analysis, workforce optimization, and service line growth.
Director of Surgical & Ambulatory Services
HCA Houston Healthcare West
07.2022 - 06.2023
- Oversaw perioperative operations for 14 ORs, 4 endoscopy suites, and cardiovascular ORs, managing 60+ clinical and support staff.
- Reduced surgical cancellations from 15% → 7% and elevated patient satisfaction into top HCAHPS percentiles.
- Advanced infection prevention initiatives, achieving measurable reductions in CAUTIs and HAIs.
- Partnered with leadership on capital planning and expansion of neurology & cardiovascular programs.
Manager of Perioperative & Ambulatory Services
Houston Methodist Hospital
05.2001 - 07.2022
- Led perioperative services with 55+ FTEs, improving patient satisfaction from 86.4% → 90.1%.
- Maintained budget adherence for 24 consecutive months.
- Established a COVID ICU during pandemic surge, ensuring patient safety and operational resilience.
- Developed policies and workflows optimizing throughput and outcomes.
- Mentored staff and built future nurse leaders.
Education
MBA - Finance
Colorado Technical University
04.2025
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Organizational Leadership
Colorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, CO03-2027
MSN - Nursing Administration & Leadership
Colorado Technical University
03.2021
BSN - undefined
Prairie View A&M University
05.2002
Skills
- Executive Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Clinical & Non-Clinical Operations Oversight
- Budget Development, Forecasting & Fiscal Accountability
- Regulatory Compliance & Quality Standards
- Patient Experience & Service Excellence
- Workforce Planning, Development & Succession Management
- Program & Service Line Growth
- Policy Development & System Redesign
- Cross-Functional & C-Suite Collaboration
- Performance metrics optimization
- Strategic budget management
Affiliations
- American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
- American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL)
- Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
- American Nurses Association (ANA)
Certification
- Registered Nurse (RN), Texas
- ACLS
- BLS
- PALS
Timeline
Nurse Leader – Ambulatory Care Services / Population Health
Harris Health System
05.2024 - Current
Chief Nursing Officer – Behavioral Health
West Oaks Hospital / UHS / PSI
05.2023 - 05.2024
Director of Surgical & Ambulatory Services
HCA Houston Healthcare West
07.2022 - 06.2023
Manager of Perioperative & Ambulatory Services
Houston Methodist Hospital
05.2001 - 07.2022
MSN - Nursing Administration & Leadership
Colorado Technical University
BSN - undefined
Prairie View A&M University
MBA - Finance
Colorado Technical University
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Organizational Leadership
Colorado Technical University
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