Robert Vaughn
Emmitsburg,Maryland
Summary
With over 25 years of committed service and deep institutional knowledge at Springfield Hospital Center, I am ideally positioned for the Director of Nursing role. My diverse background includes five years as Assistant Director of Nursing, six years as Deputy Director of Performance Improvement, and a decade in front-line RN Manager/Supervisor leadership. This comprehensive experience ensures a balanced administrative approach that expertly integrates both competent patient care delivery and the systemic processes (safety, quality) that impact it. I utilize a transformative and democratic leadership philosophy to enhance staff engagement, foster the growth of future nursing leaders, and actively promote collaboration, positivity, and accountability across the Department of Nursing. My expertise in regulatory agency requirements guarantees continuous compliance with patient, staff, and visitor safety standards.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director of Nursing
Springfield Hospital Center
Sykesville, MD
12.2020 - Current
- Provide 24/7 clinical coverage, management, and direct supervision for approximately 106 nursing personnel across three inpatient units, the Assisted Living Program, and the Nursing Staffing Center.
- Conduct daily milieu observation and staff assessments to ensure adequate resources and individualized patient care are delivered.
- Complete employee performance appraisals (PEPs) and initiate personnel action requests.
- Develop strategies to optimize staffing patterns, including reducing overtime related to 1:1 patient care and improving unit function.
- Serve as a PMAB trainer and provide management representation at key committees (CME, Medical Emergency, Emergency Management, Clinical Leadership, Executive Council).
- Collaborate with clinical, hospital, and multidisciplinary leadership to develop, implement, and evaluate treatment plans that ensure safe, recovery-based, and trauma-informed care.
- Guide nursing staff to enhance interdisciplinary team functioning, formulate care plans, and develop/evaluate milieu structure.
- Provide consistent, pertinent information to the Director of Nursing (DON) to ensure competent, therapeutic care within fiscal constraints.
- Ensure nursing services and leadership are compliant with regulatory standards set by The Joint Commission (TJC), CMS, and OHCQ.
- Manage follow-up to surveys and inquiries from regulatory agencies.
- Discuss, review, and make recommendations on clinical/administrative policies, staffing, and patient/staff issues.
- Work collaboratively with AFT and AFSCME Unions on policy and staff-related matters.
- Serve a court-involved/committed patient population (ranging from pre-trial evaluation to commitment).
- Actively support the organizational mission by promoting a recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care environment.
- Serve as a positive and professional role model for nursing, presenting a strong image to all internal and external stakeholders.
Deputy/Acting Director of Performance Improvement and Patient Safety, Emergency Management Environmental Safety
Springfield Hospital Center
Sykesville, MD
05.2014 - 12.2020
- Lead organizational strategy for Performance Improvement (PI), Patient Safety, and Environment of Care (EOC).
- Direct all risk mitigation activities, including conducting Pro-Active Risk Assessments and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
- Manage the event reporting system: Review, triage by severity/injury level, ensure proper corrective actions, analyze patterns, and report internally and externally.
- Chair and lead relevant governance committees, including the PI Steering Committee, Risk Management Review Committee, EOC Risk Management Committee, and Pain Management Committee.
- Coordinate and lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Teams following sentinel or adverse events.
- Serve as the primary liaison and contact person for The Joint Commission (TJC), CMS, and OHCQ.
- Manage the entire survey process (pre-survey preparation, on-site facilitation, and post-survey documentation).
- Prepare and present required monthly, quarterly, and annual safety reports to Hospital Leadership, TJC, OHCQ, and MDH Performance Improvement Directors.
- Facilitate changes to the Patient Safety and Risk Management Program, preparing reports for the Governing Body in compliance with Maryland Patient Safety Regulations.
- Design and implement surveys/questionnaires to collect critical data supporting the hospital’s mission, including recommending sampling methods for reliability.
- Analyze and present data summaries regarding variations and organizational needs to the CEO, Clinical Director, COO, and key committees.
- Develop, review, and utilize policies related to PI, safety, and utilization management.
- Coordinate and deliver PI and Patient Safety education for Annual Training Day (ATD) and New Employee Orientation (NEO).
- Represent the organization on the Maryland Region III Medical Coalition.
- Managed Incident Command Team (Team C) activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, developing employee surveillance protocols to maintain compliance with MDH mandates.
- Conducted quarterly Emergency Communications drills (Maryland First 700/800 MHz Radio, DEMSTEL Phone, and Satellite phone).
- Participated in hospital-wide interview panels for employee selection at various levels.
Registered Nurse Manager – Psychiatric: Program RN Manager
Springfield Hospital Center
Sykesville, MD
08.2008 - 05.2014
- Provided comprehensive managerial and clinical oversight for up to seven nursing units, managing staffing, resource allocation, and daily operations for over 140 patients.
- Managed staff performance and adherence by providing coaching, education, and disciplinary assistance in collaboration with HR and Upper Nursing Administration.
- Optimized patient care delivery through daily physical and milieu assessments, making real-time staffing adjustments to align with patient acuity and ensuring staff had necessary resources.
- Influenced strategic care planning by recommending and assisting treatment teams in developing individualized patient plans for psychiatric and somatic issues.
- Drove continuous quality improvement by chairing the High Acuity Response Team and serving on RCA teams to analyze and mitigate patient safety risks.
- Supported departmental stability by contributing to the hiring process for Registered Nurses and Supervisors and administering employee performance appraisals (PEPs).
Registered Nurse Supervisor – Psychiatric
Springfield Hospital Center
Sykesville, MD
03.2006 - 08.2008
- Ensured adequate 24/7 staffing coverage and safety standards were maintained across the unit, managing scheduling for a 28-day cycle and adjusting resources based on patient acuity and safety needs.
- Provided direct supervision, coaching, education, and disciplinary action to a team of 30 employees. Completed annual Employee Performance Appraisals (PEPs).
- Assured the safety of the unit and specialized treatment for resistive patients. Collaborated with Upper Management and HR to address employee non-compliance with safety and attendance standards, managing disciplinary follow-up.
- Conducted daily physical and milieu assessments to proactively address patient and staff needs. Administered and evaluated the effectiveness of medications and treatments.
- Participated in multidisciplinary teams caring for patients with complex issues, including self-injurious and dangerous behaviors, treatment resistance/refusal, and noncompliance.
- Provided leadership and managed daily operations of the Treatment Mall (starting in 2007), assuring safety, risk management, and the provision of staff education and coaching related to groups and environmental monitoring.
- Assisted in the interview and hiring process for Registered Nurses.
Registered Nurse Health Facilities Surveyor 1 and 2
Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ)
Catonsville, MD
08.2003 - 03.2006
- Conduct comprehensive regulatory oversight for service providers serving children and adults with developmental disabilities, ensuring compliance with COMAR regulations 10.22 and 14.31 (Medical and Programmatic components).
- Perform detailed assessments involving document review, client interviews, and staff consultations to evaluate client medical, physical, and mental well-being, verifying that care is appropriate and meets all health and safety needs.
- Provide targeted recommendations and education to service providers, assisting them in developing and achieving effective Plans of Action (POA) to address individual client needs and systemic deficiencies.
- Mitigate significant risk by formally recommending disciplinary measures (including license suspension, revocation, or consent agreements) to supervisors and the Attorney General’s Office for licensees who compromise client health and safety.
Registered Nurse Charge
Springfield Hospital Center
Sykesville, MD
11.1999 - 07.2000
- Managed and supervised 3-7 licensed and unlicensed staff members during evening shifts (3:00 PM–11:30 PM), ensuring continuous compliance with safety protocols for both clients and personnel.
- Oversaw comprehensive care for a geriatric population with complex dual diagnoses (psychiatric and medical co-morbidities).
- Provided advanced clinical care, including administering and evaluating the effectiveness of medications and treatments, performing Phlebotomy and IV procedures, and conducting daily Head-to-Toe health assessments.
- Maintained staff performance standards by completing Employee Performance Appraisals (PEPs) and implementing necessary disciplinary procedures.
- Acted as a crucial liaison between front-line staff and Nursing Management/RN Supervisors, escalating patient and staff needs to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality care.
Education
BSN - Nursing
Utica College
01.2012
AASN - Nursing
Catonsville Community College
01.1997
Pre – Nursing
Carroll Community College
01.1996
Pre – Nursing
Howard Community College
01.1991
Certificate -
Springfield Hospital Center School of Practical Nursing
01.1991
Skills
- Regulatory compliance
- Staff management
- Performance appraisal
- Patient safety
- Treatment planning
- Quality improvement
Affiliations
Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society: Alpha Omicron Chapter: Utica College
References
Available upon request
Personal Information
Title: RN, BSN
Professional Awards
- 2002, Governor’s Annual Awards and Recognition: Failure Modes and Effects Analysis Team: State of Maryland
- 2008, Employee Achievement Award: Springfield Hospital Center
- 2011, Employee Achievement Award: Springfield Hospital Center
Timeline
Assistant Director of Nursing
Springfield Hospital Center
12.2020 - Current
Deputy/Acting Director of Performance Improvement and Patient Safety, Emergency Management Environmental Safety
Springfield Hospital Center
05.2014 - 12.2020
Registered Nurse Manager – Psychiatric: Program RN Manager
Springfield Hospital Center
08.2008 - 05.2014
Registered Nurse Supervisor – Psychiatric
Springfield Hospital Center
03.2006 - 08.2008
Registered Nurse Health Facilities Surveyor 1 and 2
Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ)
08.2003 - 03.2006
Registered Nurse Charge
Springfield Hospital Center
11.1999 - 07.2000
BSN - Nursing
Utica College
AASN - Nursing
Catonsville Community College
Pre – Nursing
Carroll Community College
Pre – Nursing
Howard Community College
Certificate -
Springfield Hospital Center School of Practical Nursing