Nona Bluestein
Tupelo,Mississippi
Summary
With a proven track record at The Grand Healthcare System, I excel in organizational leadership and excellent communication, adeptly enhancing educational programs and compliance across multiple facilities. My adaptability and team leadership have significantly improved staff retention and operational efficiency, showcasing a commitment to excellence in healthcare management.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Corporate Director of Clinical Education
The Grand Healthcare System
08.2020 - 09.2024
- Created and Implemented Nurse Aide Training Program and Temporary Nurse Aide Training Program for all 22 Grand facilities in full compliance with NYSDOH regulations, including setting up and maintaining In-facility testing processes with Prometric. Provided direct supervision for 3 dedicated Corporate CNA Instructors.
- Provided oversight for the Grand's Staff Educators in each facility by creating a streamlined orientation process, lesson plans for mandatory annual education, clinical competencies for each level of nursing staff, developing educational workshops to address the changing needs of our residents in our care that also benefit staff with learning goals to meet predefined regulatory standards.
- Participated in all aspects of survey from preparatory audits, onsite support during state and federal reviews, assisted in authoring of Plans of Corrections, as well as providing and implementing resulting lesson plans and audits.
- Engaged with Regional Clinical Team weekly and as needed to meet/anticipate facilities needs throughout company.
- Provided oversight for Corporate EHR education team to ensure that PCC was utilized accurately, all new employees were appropriately oriented and all clinical staff were made aware of updates.
- Maintained a "Lending Library" of learning materials such as CPR mannequins, IV arms, wound care body parts were properly maintained and available to all educators in an effort to control costs and enhance learning for all staff.
- Held a monthly "Educator's Zoom" meeting to promote networking within the facilities, communicate the most up to date policies/regulatory standards and share ideas.
- Collaborated with all Corporate Department Leadership to facilitate and implement any education as needed.
- Facilitated RN, LPN and CNA students and their instructors to utilize Grand facilities for their clinical portion of the programs.
- Developed a Mentoring Program with other Corporate Leaders to assist in staff retention.
Floating Director of Nursing
Centers Health Care
11.2019 - 07.2020
- Provided interim management and clinical oversight to the nursing department of facilities on an as needed basis due to variable factors. Facilities ranged in size from 60-350 beds.
- Oversaw and approved recruitment, hiring and orientation of new nursing staff.
- Worked closely administration to develop and implement best practices to improve patient outcomes in challenged facilities.
- Prepared and reviewed infection control surveillance reports to identify trends and develop effective actions to control and prevent infections during the initial wave of the COVID pandemic.
- Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
- Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
Director of Nursing
The Grand at Barnwell Rehabilitation and Nursing
07.2018 - 10.2019
- Provided clinical management and oversight of the nursing department of the nursing department for this 236 ed Skilled Nursing Facility with a 40 Registrant Adult Day Care Center.
- Actively participated in weekly Utilization Review meetings to ensure all residents were provided with appropriate services as well as safe and timely discharge plans.
- Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
- Oversaw and approved recruitment, hiring and orientation of new nursing staff.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by staying current on industry standards and updating policies accordingly.
- Monitored and evaluated nursing staff performance, providing feedback and guidance to support standards of care.
- Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents, and families.
- Streamlined nursing operations by optimizing staffing schedules, resource allocation, and workflow processes.
- Developed positive employee relations, incentives, and recognition programs to promote teamwork and mutual respect.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients with complex needs.
Director of Nursing
Evergreen Commons Rehabilitation and Nursing
01.2018 - 07.2018
- Provided oversight and management of the nursing department for this 242 bed skilled nursing facility.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by staying current on industry standards and updating policies accordingly.
- Monitored and evaluated nursing staff performance, providing feedback and guidance to support standards of care.
- Built and maintained positive working relationships with physicians and staff to support seamless healthcare operations.
- Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
- Oversaw and approved recruitment, hiring and orientation of new nursing staff.
- Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents, and families.
- Led quality improvement projects aimed at enhancing clinical outcomes through data-driven analysis and targeted interventions.
Director of Staff Education
Evergreen Commons Rehabilitation and Nursing
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Provided a robust orientation program for all onboarding employees.
- Maintained all employee health records and provided annual review for each employee to ensure all physicals, vaccine and the like were up to date.
- Hosted the annual Flu Clinic for both staff and residents to ensure that all willing participants were protected from influenza and all records were properly maintained according to regulatory standards.
- Provided all annual mandatory education as well as monthly workshops and any other additional staff education needs requested.
- Enhanced staff performance through regular training sessions and professional development opportunities.
- Developed and implemented a robust Feeding Assistant Program and Nurse Aide Training Program to support the staffing needs of the facility.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
Assistant Director of Nursing
Evergreen Commons Rehabilitation and Nursing
05.2016 - 12.2016
- Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
- Collaborated with staff, management, and external groups to coordinate patient care.
- Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents, and families.
- Managed nursing schedules and budgets, streamlining processes for cost savings while maintaining high-quality patient care.
- Maintained regulatory reports for Falls, Wounds and Infections.
- Assisted Director of Nursing as requested.
- Mentored new nurses in clinical practice and procedures, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Assisted in developing policies and procedures for safe medication administration, minimizing errors within the department.
- Optimized staffing levels to maintain an appropriate nurse-to-patient ratio, promoting quality of care without exceeding budget constraints.
Unit Manager
Evergreen Commons Rehabilitation and Nursing
05.2015 - 04.2016
- Evaluated employee performance regularly for professional growth opportunities, accountability measures, and feedback-driven improvement strategies.
- Ensured compliance with regulations and standards through regular audits and unit rounding.
- Resolved conflicts among team members quickly to maintain a positive working environment conducive for continued excellence in resident care.
- Provided oversight for unit RNs, LPNs, nursing aides, medical clerks and support staff.
- Addressed clinical issues promptly to reduce risks associated with resident care or operational inefficiencies in the unit.
- Developed strong working relationships with physicians, nurses, therapists, and ancillary staff for cohesive unit functioning.
- Facilitated interdepartmental collaboration through effective communication and coordination of patient care plans.
- Optimized staffing levels by monitoring unit needs and making data-driven adjustments to scheduling as necessary.
- Increased staff retention rates with supportive leadership techniques, mentoring programs, and positive work environment initiatives.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the unit by enforcing strict adherence to protocols, guidelines, and infection control measures.
- Handled complaints from residents and families and immediately took steps for quick resolution and to prevent reoccurrence.
- Implemented evidence-based practices within the unit to enhance overall quality of care provided to residents.
Quality Improvement and Risk Management Specialist
Saint Francis Hospital
05.2008 - 06.2014
Clinical Quality Improvement Manager
St. Francis Certified Home Care
11.2001 - 04.2008
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Dutchess Community College
Poughkeepsie, NYMaster of Science - Nursing Education
Aspen University
Phoenix, AZ05.2025
Skills
- Organizational Leadership
- Excellent Communication
- Team Leadership
- Adaptability and Flexibility
Timeline
Corporate Director of Clinical Education
The Grand Healthcare System
08.2020 - 09.2024
Floating Director of Nursing
Centers Health Care
11.2019 - 07.2020
Director of Nursing
The Grand at Barnwell Rehabilitation and Nursing
07.2018 - 10.2019
Director of Nursing
Evergreen Commons Rehabilitation and Nursing
01.2018 - 07.2018
Director of Staff Education
Evergreen Commons Rehabilitation and Nursing
01.2017 - 01.2018
Assistant Director of Nursing
Evergreen Commons Rehabilitation and Nursing
05.2016 - 12.2016
Unit Manager
Evergreen Commons Rehabilitation and Nursing
05.2015 - 04.2016
Quality Improvement and Risk Management Specialist
Saint Francis Hospital
05.2008 - 06.2014
Clinical Quality Improvement Manager
St. Francis Certified Home Care
11.2001 - 04.2008
Associate of Science - Nursing
Dutchess Community College
Master of Science - Nursing Education
Aspen University
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