SAMUEL STEPHENSON
Sikeston,MO
Summary
Senior healthcare executive specializing in nursing practice and patient safety. Achieved substantial reductions in readmissions and hospital-acquired conditions through clinical transformation initiatives. Collaborates with leadership to standardize care delivery models and improve nursing quality outcomes based on evidence-based practices.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Quality Officer
Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center
01.2025 - Current
- Reduced risk-adjusted readmissions (8-12%) and mortality index (10-15%) through enterprise-wide clinical improvements.
- Decreased PSI-90 (15-20%) and hospital-acquired conditions (15-25%) improving patient safety outcomes
- Established CMS-aligned patient safety structural measures including governance, event classification, and accountability.
- Fostered an environment of transparency and learning through Just Culture implementation.
- Led Joint Commission and CMS survey readiness achieving sustained compliance.
- Implemented Age-Friendly Health System (4Ms), improving delirium screening >90%, Emergency Department Admit Length of Stay for >65 years of age, and Safe Medication Practices.
- Standardized care delivery models across service lines, enhancing consistency and improving patient outcomes and experience.
- Advanced nursing care through professional practice model emphasizing evidence-based practices and nursing standards.
Director of Quality & Risk Management
Missouri Delta Medical Center
Sikeston, Missouri
01.2025 - 12.2025
- Enhanced patient safety infrastructure, ensuring regulatory compliance and reducing risk exposure.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives that elevated patient care standards and outcomes.
- Implemented nurse-driven protocol for SEP-1 compliance in emergency department.
- Launched 'Surviving Sepsis Campaign' across inpatient units to improve the early identification and response to patients developing systemic infections.
- Increased event reporting by 20 to 35 percent and accelerated root cause analysis by over 30 percent.
- Analyzed HCAHPS survey data to identify patient satisfaction trends.
- Coordinated system tracers to measure adherence to regulatory requirements.
RN Manager
Missouri Delta Medical Center
03.2021 - 12.2025
- Reduced medication errors by 15-20% and improved nurse-sensitive indicators by 10-25%.
- Managed nursing staff scheduling and resource allocation to enhance patient care delivery.
- Resolved immediate jeopardy CMS findings through workflow redesign and staff engagement initiatives.
- Oversaw daily nursing unit operations, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives to enhance nursing practices and patient outcomes.
- Coordinated training programs to elevate clinical skills and nursing knowledge across the team.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary meetings to effectively address patient care challenges.
- Enhanced staff engagement and competency through structured education programs.
Registered Nurse Patient Care Coordinator
Missouri Delta Medical Center
Sikeston, Missouri
09.2019 - 03.2021
- Supervised nursing staff across multiple departments to ensure high patient care standards and operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented a graduate nurse residency program to support new nurses during clinical transition, improving retention rates and patient care delivery.
- Standardized nursing protocols by leading a project to review and implement evidence-based guidelines, ensuring consistent quality of care organization-wide.
- Led quality improvement initiatives that boosted patient safety and satisfaction scores.
- Created and delivered annual training programs, resulting in increased employee retention and engagement.
Registered Nurse
Missouri Delta Medical Center
Sikeston, Missouri
12.2014 - 09.2019
- Delivered comprehensive, patient-centered nursing care through thorough assessments and tailored care plans.
- Monitored patient progress and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to revise treatment strategies.
- Achieved high patient satisfaction scores while enhancing clinical outcomes.
- Accurately documented patient information in electronic health record system, including Oracle Cerner.
- Assisted in developing and implementing effective patient care plans.
- Managed equipment and maintained a sterile environment within ICU setting.
- Supported physicians during invasive procedures in critical care environments.
- Implemented evidence-based practice guidelines for managing critically ill patients.
Education
Master of Science - Healthcare Management
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO12-2023
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO12-2014
Skills
- Clinical process redesign
- Regulatory compliance
- Quality improvement
- Staff development
- Risk assessment
- Root-cause analysis
- Care transformation
- Clinical outcomes
- Patient safety
- Accreditation
- Safety measures
- Age-friendly health
- Data reporting
- Workforce governance
Certification
Registered Nurse, Missouri State Board of Nursing, 2015
Timeline
Chief Quality Officer
Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center
01.2025 - Current
Director of Quality & Risk Management
Missouri Delta Medical Center
01.2025 - 12.2025
RN Manager
Missouri Delta Medical Center
03.2021 - 12.2025
Registered Nurse Patient Care Coordinator
Missouri Delta Medical Center
09.2019 - 03.2021
Registered Nurse
Missouri Delta Medical Center
12.2014 - 09.2019
Master of Science - Healthcare Management
Southeast Missouri State University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Southeast Missouri State University