Ruth Fisher, MSN, RN, CEN, EMT-P
Summary
Results-driven Unit Director known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Skilled in strategic planning, team leadership, and operational management. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and decision-making to drive unit success and improve outcomes. Committed to fostering positive work environments, department advancement, and leading by example.
Overview
1
1
Certification
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Unit Director, UPMC Shadyside Emergency Department
UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside
Pittsburgh, PA
06.2015 - Current
- Responsible for daily operations of a 50-bed Emergency Department. Lead 120 staff members and manage 50,000 patient visits per year. Chair and support unit, hospital, and system-based quality programs and committees. Oversee clinical operations and department staff in patient care activities while maintaining a high level of employee morale, professionalism, and quality care delivery. Complete yearly performance evaluations and provide positive guidance to the team. Manage budget, staffing, throughput, patient and employee satisfaction, grievances, riskmaster investigations, audits, and project work on a daily basis. Assure alignment with government requirements, nursing practice, and benchmark standards. Advance department technology and incorporate best practice while collaborating with stakeholders. Worked to create, and continually advance, the Oncology Emergency Department. Developed standard operating procedures for COVID and maintain disaster management protocols. Support Huron Group tactics and uphold UPMC core values.
Clinician, UPMC Shadyside Emergency Department
UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside
Pittsburgh, PA
05.2009 - 05.2015
- Participated in unit and hospital based quality programs and committees. Responsibilities include payroll, performance evaluations, staff coverage, scheduling, point of care testing, audits, support improvement initiatives and ensuring high quality patient centered care delivery. Initiated and maintained the Emergency Department Professional Practice and Development Committee and RN and PCT yearly competencies.
Professional Staff Nurse, BSN
UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside
Pittsburgh, PA
05.2002 - 05.2009
- Self-directed with excellent critical thinking skills and judgement. Functioned in all emergency department roles: charge, triage, bedside care, facilitator, and preceptor. Prioritize and execute all levels of emergency nursing care, assessment of patient's physical, emotional, and psychological needs, consult with physicians, delegate duties as appropriate, educate patients, and serve as a resource. Proficient in point of care and charting within Cerner.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Administration
Waynesburg University
Monroeville, PA08.2017
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA08.2006
Skills
- Employee Coaching and Motivation
- Documentation and Reporting
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Complex Problem Solving
- Performance Tracking and Evaluation
- Managing Operations and Efficiency
- Regulatory Compliance
- Policy Development and Process Improvement
- Emergency department operations
- Patient care management
- Quality improvement initiatives
- Budget management
- Staff performance evaluation
- Risk assessment strategies
- Team leadership and conflict resolution
- Critical thinking and decision making
- Relationship building
- Staff development
- Innovation management
Certification
- Registered Nurse (RN) - RN540078
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
Affiliations
- Lantern Award 2025
- Unit Director facilitator for the Quality and Safety Committee - current
- Cameo of Caring - Outstanding Leader/Director Award - Nominee 2024
- Cameo of Caring - Advanced Practice Award - Awarded for UPMC Shadyside and University of Pittsburgh 2020
- Cameo of Caring - Advance Practice Manager Award - Nominee 2019
- Cameo of Caring - Honoree - Nominee 2012
Timeline
Unit Director, UPMC Shadyside Emergency Department
UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside
06.2015 - Current
Clinician, UPMC Shadyside Emergency Department
UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside
05.2009 - 05.2015
Professional Staff Nurse, BSN
UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside
05.2002 - 05.2009
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Pittsburgh
Master of Science - Nursing Administration
Waynesburg University