Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Shahla Vanderlinden

West Jordan,UT

Summary

Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse with over 15 years of specialized experience in surgical oncology. Adept at delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in multidisciplinary environments. Known for critical thinking, thorough assessments, and empathetic communication. Proven ability to mentor nursing staff, improve patient outcomes, and support families through complex treatment journeys.


Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Nursing Professional Develpment Practitioner(NPDP)

Huntsman Cancer Hospital
08.2023 - Current
  • Design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based educational programs to support clinical excellence and continuous professional growth among nursing staff.
  • Onboard and mentor new graduate and experienced RNs, ensuring seamless integration into unit workflows and organizational culture.
  • Develop competency-based training modules and support annual skills validation for surgical oncology nurses.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary leaders to assess unit learning needs, patient care trends, and strategic goals.
  • Promote a culture of lifelong learning, professional accountability, and practice improvement through teaching, in-services, and performance coaching.
  • Facilitate research utilization and practice updates aligned with national standards and hospital policies.

Registered Nurse on a Surgical Oncology Unit

Huntsman Cancer Hospital
10.2008 - 08.2023
  • Deliver comprehensive post-operative care to oncology patients with complex surgical histories, focusing on safety, comfort, and recovery.
  • Administer IV medications, pain management protocols, and critical assessments with attention to changing conditions.
  • Provide emotional support and detailed education to patients and families regarding home care and recovery expectations.
  • Serve as Charge Nurse, coordinating care, resolving escalated concerns, and supporting floor operations.
  • Mentor and train newly hired RNs, and students, promoting a high standard of care and teamwork.
  • Served as Unit Pressure Ulcer Champion and supported initiatives to reduce hospital-acquired conditions through education and participation in the Pressure Ulcer Committee.
  • Chair the Clinical Practice Council (CPC), guiding unit-wide improvements, policy adherence, and best practice initiatives.
  • Advocate for patient dignity, cultural sensitivity, and quality of life through all stages of care. Administering medications and treatments as directed and as appropriate for patient's medical care in collaboration with multi-disciplinary team.

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Rocky Mountain Home Health
01.2008 - 01.2011
  • Delivered in-home occupational therapy focused on restoring function and independence in post-surgical and medically complex patients.
  • Specialized in Complete Decongestive Therapy for patients with lymphedema and chronic venous insufficiency.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to ensure patient is getting needs and cares met.
  • Worked closely with interdisciplinary teams to align care plans with patient needs and safety standards.
  • Patient education/safety with treatment in plan of cares.

Occupational Therapy Assistant/CLT

Mountain Land Rehab. Inpatient/Outpatient Care
01.2001 - 01.2008
  • Provided outpatient therapy across multiple skilled nursing facilities.
  • Educated patients and caregivers on skin care, compression garment use, and lymphedema management.
  • Supported program development and marketing for the lymphedema therapy program.
  • Mentored newly certified CLTs on best practices and treatment approaches.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Westminster College
Salt Lake City, UT
05.2008

Skills

  • Holistic Patient Care & Advocacy
  • Post-Op Monitoring & Recovery
  • Medication & IV Administration
  • Wound & Ostomy Care
  • Patient & Family Education
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration
  • Discharge Planning & Follow-Up
  • Staff Training & Clinical Mentorship
  • Leadership & Charge Nurse Duties
  • Pressure Ulcer Prevention

Timeline

Nursing Professional Develpment Practitioner(NPDP)

Huntsman Cancer Hospital
08.2023 - Current

Registered Nurse on a Surgical Oncology Unit

Huntsman Cancer Hospital
10.2008 - 08.2023

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Rocky Mountain Home Health
01.2008 - 01.2011

Occupational Therapy Assistant/CLT

Mountain Land Rehab. Inpatient/Outpatient Care
01.2001 - 01.2008

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Westminster College
Shahla Vanderlinden