Patricia Black-Tracy
Aberdeen,SD
Summary
Serves alongside nurse leaders and healthcare staff to create an environment that improves patient care, safety, and outcomes. Skilled in implementing protocols and mentoring staff with an approachable, and kind style-fostering a culture of continuous improvement with a passion for health care ethics and upholding the Avera Mission.
Overview
1
1
Certification
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Infection Prevention Coordinator
Avera St. Luke's Hospital
2020.05 - Current
- Developed and implemented protocols aligned with regulatory standards.
- Conducted regular surveillance and analysis to identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient initiatives across the hospital.
- Ensured compliance with state, federal, and Joint Commission regulations with continued awareness of current legislation.
- Enhanced patient safety by implementing policies and procedures.
- Enhanced overall patient care by serving as a liaison between clinical staff, administration, and public agencies.
- Mentored new clinical staff members for proper onboarding and orientation processes.
- Upheld quality assurance procedures to maintain patient safety and satisfaction.
- Built strong relationships with coworkers, patients, and families for optimized care satisfaction.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians, and community organizations to promote high-quality care and Avera's values.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines within Avera's mission and values.
- Spearheaded and implemented hospital-wide projects to expand the scope of engagement.
Registered Nurse Clinical Coordinator-DME
Avera Orthopedics
2010.09 - 2020.05
Registered Nurse- Inpatient Units
Avera St. Lukes Hospital and Dakota Plains
2006.01 - 2010.09
Education
Master of Science - Catholic Healthcare Bioethics
University of Mary
Bismark, ND2028-01
Catholic Bioethics (10 Cr. Hrs.-Masters) - Catholic Healthcare Bioethics
National Catholic Bioethics Center
U. Mary, Bismark, ND 2027-05
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD2025-12
Associate of Science - Nursing
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD2006-05
Skills
- Establishes and implements accountabilities for key roles across multi-disciplinary teams
- Documentation accuracy
- Works collaboratively with all stakeholders, incorporating Avera's values and mission into key processes
- Practicing Roman Catholic, well-formed in tradition
- Continuous Learning Mindset:
- Attending the 2026 NCBC (National Catholic Bioethics Center) 2-day seminar, Catholic Healthcare Ethics U Mary, Bismarck, ND
- 6 years of leadership experience with the ability to work with groups on complex policies, protocols, and process improvements, with the ability to break them down into understandable language with engaging messaging
- Strong Catholic/Christian faith heritage with a passion for sharing the Avera Mission and Values
Accomplishments
- Avera Nurse Leadership Graduate
- Aberdeen Leadership Chamber of Commerce Graduate 2024
- Avera System-Quality Congress Award Winner 2023
- Recognized Public Speaker/Educator-Conferences, staff orientations, leadership meetings, and skills fairs.
- Clorox Grant Award Winner-APIC 2025.
- Joint Commission Experience-Quality measures/surveys
- Social Media Marketing- Clorox Healthcare
- Longevity with Avera: 20 years of service
Affiliations
- APIC-(Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology) State and National
- APIC- 2 Local chapters in South Dakota and North Dakota.
- APIC Board Member ND Chapter. 2023 and 2026.
- ANA-American Nurses Association. ID 0659100. 2025
- NCBC-National Catholic Bioethics Center Membership
- Practicing Catholic-St. Mary's Church, Aberdeen, SD
- SDNA-South Dakota Nurses Association District Conference Organizer-SD04. 2025.
Certification
· Registered Nurse License (RN) - SD State Board of Nursing.
· CPR/AED Certification
· First Aid Certification
· Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
Timeline
Infection Prevention Coordinator
Avera St. Luke's Hospital
2020.05 - Current
Registered Nurse Clinical Coordinator-DME
Avera Orthopedics
2010.09 - 2020.05
Registered Nurse- Inpatient Units
Avera St. Lukes Hospital and Dakota Plains
2006.01 - 2010.09
Master of Science - Catholic Healthcare Bioethics
University of Mary
Catholic Bioethics (10 Cr. Hrs.-Masters) - Catholic Healthcare Bioethics
National Catholic Bioethics Center
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of South Dakota
Associate of Science - Nursing
University of South Dakota