Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Sandra Henderson

Jacksonville,IL

Summary

Dynamic Health Services Director with a proven track record at Mill Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center, enhancing patient safety through comprehensive training and operations management. Expert in implementing electronic health records, fostering a compassionate environment, and achieving high staff retention rates. Committed to optimizing care quality and building strong community partnerships.

Healthcare professional with significant experience in health services management, focused on optimizing operational efficiency and patient care. Known for collaborative team leadership and ability to adapt to changing healthcare needs. Expertise in regulatory compliance and resource management.

Experienced with healthcare operations, patient care, and regulatory compliance. Utilizes strategic planning to improve service delivery and operational efficiency. Track record of effective team leadership and resource management to achieve organizational goals.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Health Services Director

Mill Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center/Sinceri Senior Living
10.2023 - Current
  • Championed a patient-centered approach to care, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment plans and empathetic communication with patients and their families.
  • Increased staff retention rates by implementing comprehensive training programs and fostering a positive work environment.
  • Implemented electronic health records system to improve accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility of patient information.
  • Oversaw facility expansion projects, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
  • Conducted risk assessments to identify potential areas of concern within the facility, developing action plans accordingly to mitigate issues proactively.
  • Evaluated staff performance regularly, providing constructive feedback for professional growth opportunities.
  • Strengthened relationships with community partners, resulting in increased referrals for health services.
  • Optimized patient care quality by regularly reviewing treatment plans and adjusting as needed based on individual needs.
  • Streamlined communication between departments by establishing regular meetings and reporting structures.
  • Enhanced overall performance of the facility through the development and implementation of new policies and procedures.
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.

Director of Nursing

Liberty Village of Pittsfield
03.2021 - 09.2023
  • 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.
  • Collaborated with staff, management, and external groups to coordinate patient care.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients with complex needs.
  • Worked closely administration to develop and implement best practices to improve patient outcomes.
  • Established and monitored infection control programs to provide safe, sanitary environment to prevent transmission of disease and infection.
  • Promoted a culture of safety by enforcing compliance with infection control policies and procedures.
  • Mentored new nurses through orientation programs, facilitating their integration into the team and fostering their professional growth.
  • Conducted regular risk assessments within the department to identify areas of potential vulnerability and implement corrective actions where necessary.
  • Implemented interdisciplinary rounding practices to streamline communication among healthcare providers involved in patient care.
  • Evaluated work performance of nursing personnel to determine wage increases and implement discipline.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to create comprehensive care plans for patients.

Director of Nursing

Heritage Health
03.2020 - 02.2021
  • Built and maintained positive working relationships with physicians and staff to support seamless healthcare operations.
  • Streamlined nursing operations by optimizing staffing schedules, resource allocation, and workflow processes.
  • Facilitated continuing education and training programs to drive staff competency and professional development.
  • Developed strong relationships with community partners to facilitate continuity of care for patients transitioning between healthcare settings.
  • Prepared and reviewed infection control surveillance reports to identify trends and develop effective actions to control and prevent infections.
  • Evaluated work performance of nursing personnel to determine wage increases and implement discipline.
  • Increased patient satisfaction scores by fostering a compassionate and supportive environment within the nursing department.
  • Monitored and inspected staff processes to eliminate hazards posed for both residents and staff while ensuring continuous compliance with regulations.

Director of Nursing

Auburn Rehabilitation and Nursing Home
03.2019 - 01.2021
  • Developed positive employee relations, incentives, and recognition programs to promote teamwork and mutual respect.
  • Enhanced staff performance by conducting regular evaluations, providing constructive feedback, and offering tailored professional development opportunities.
  • Identified department issues to recommend corrective actions.
  • Led quality improvement projects aimed at enhancing clinical outcomes through data-driven analysis and targeted interventions.
  • Evaluated work performance of nursing personnel to determine wage increases and implement discipline.
  • Championed a culture of continuous learning by promoting professional development opportunities for nursing staff, including in-house training programs, conferences, workshops, and online resources.
  • Contributed to organizational strategic planning efforts by providing insights on nursing best practices, workforce development issues, and healthcare trends affecting service delivery models.
  • Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
  • Implemented successful healthcare program through professionalism, quality of care, medical teaching and patient satisfaction.
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
  • 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.
  • Collaborated with staff, management, and external groups to coordinate patient care.

Restorative Nurse/Director of Nursing

White Hall Nursing & Rehab Center
03.2014 - 01.2019
  • Elevated the quality of patient care by staying current with industry advancements, attending relevant workshops and conferences to expand knowledge base.
  • Served as a mentor for new nursing staff members, sharing expertise in restorative nursing principles and techniques.
  • Expedited wound healing processes by administering appropriate treatments in compliance with physician directives.
  • Bolstered patient trust in healthcare providers through clear communication and consistent demonstrations of professional competence.
  • Reduced hospital readmission rates through diligent monitoring and timely intervention for at-risk patients.
  • Improved patients'' mobility and independence by designing and conducting rehabilitative exercises tailored to their specific conditions.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans addressing patients'' physical and emotional needs.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between acute care settings and long-term rehabilitation facilities for optimal continuity of care.
  • Assisted in the successful discharge of patients by providing comprehensive education on self-care techniques and home management strategies.
  • Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
  • Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
  • Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
  • Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
  • Conducted regular risk assessments within the department to identify areas of potential vulnerability and implement corrective actions where necessary.
  • Implemented interdisciplinary rounding practices to streamline communication among healthcare providers involved in patient care.

Hospice Registered Nurse Case Manager

Passages Hospice
01.2013 - 02.2014
  • Provided emotional support to patients and their families during the end-of-life process, promoting dignity and comfort.
  • Collaborated with physicians to optimize medication regimens for symptom control in terminally ill patients.
  • Improved patient care by developing and implementing comprehensive hospice nursing plans tailored to individual needs.
  • Managed complex caseloads effectively, prioritizing tasks based on patient acuity levels.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of patient interactions, assessments, interventions, and responses to care.
  • Served as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure seamless delivery of hospice services.
  • Efficiently managed caseloads while adhering to regulatory guidelines ensuring compliance with Medicare conditions of participation.
  • Monitored and evaluated patient progress, adjusting care plans accordingly for best possible outcomes.

Oncology Registered Nurse

Memorial Medical Center
01.2010 - 01.2013
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
  • Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
  • Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
  • Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
  • Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
  • Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Passavant Area Hospital
01.2005 - 01.2010
  • Improved patient outcomes by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and documenting relevant information.
  • Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
  • Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.
  • Facilitated efficient communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to promote continuity of care across settings.
  • Managed time-sensitive tasks effectively under pressure while maintaining composure during critical situations or emergencies.
  • Adapted quickly to changing patient needs, adjusting care plans accordingly to ensure optimal outcomes in diverse clinical scenarios.
  • Maintained a safe and therapeutic environment for patients through effective risk assessment and crisis intervention strategies.
  • Monitored patient reactions to medications and treatments, quickly addressing adverse reactions.
  • Administered medications to ensure adherence to treatment plans, improving health outcomes.

Education

Registered Nurse

Lincoln Land Community College
Springfield, IL
01-2010

Licensed Practical Nurse

Lincoln Land Community College
Springfield, IL
08-2005

Skills

  • Patient safety
  • Insurance verification
  • Operations management
  • Training and education

Timeline

Health Services Director

Mill Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center/Sinceri Senior Living
10.2023 - Current

Director of Nursing

Liberty Village of Pittsfield
03.2021 - 09.2023

Director of Nursing

Heritage Health
03.2020 - 02.2021

Director of Nursing

Auburn Rehabilitation and Nursing Home
03.2019 - 01.2021

Restorative Nurse/Director of Nursing

White Hall Nursing & Rehab Center
03.2014 - 01.2019

Hospice Registered Nurse Case Manager

Passages Hospice
01.2013 - 02.2014

Oncology Registered Nurse

Memorial Medical Center
01.2010 - 01.2013

Licensed Practical Nurse

Passavant Area Hospital
01.2005 - 01.2010

Registered Nurse

Lincoln Land Community College

Licensed Practical Nurse

Lincoln Land Community College