Sonia Johnson
Covington,GA
Summary
Dedicated and highly skilled Clinical Operations Manager with over 25 years of nursing experience and a Master of Science in Nursing. Proven track record in leading large-scale cardiac units, managing multi-million dollar budgets, and driving high-quality patient outcomes. Expert in staff leadership (160+ employees), regulatory compliance (TJC/CMS), and strategic healthcare planning.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Operations Manager – Cardiac Acute Care Unit
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Atlanta, GA
02.2016 - Current
- Operational Leadership: Direct operations for a 48-bed unit, managing a diverse team of 160 employees including RNs, techs, and support staff.
- Financial Oversight: Manage complex operational, zero-based, and donor-funded budgets.
- Quality & Compliance: Lead all TJC and CMS compliance initiatives; spearhead quality improvement and customer service training.
- Strategic Growth: Partner with executive leadership to implement advanced technologies and improve patient workflows.
- Patient Advocacy: Serve as Chair of the Heart Center Patient Family Experience Council.
Employee Health Registered Nurse
Emory University Hospital Midtown
Atlanta, GA
08.2003 - 02.2016
- Conducted comprehensive pre-employment and annual health assessments (PPD, N95 clearance).
- Managed immunization programs and maintained digital employee health records.
- Educated new hires, residents, and PAs on health maintenance and safety protocols.
Assistant Nurse Manager – Cardiac Acute Care Unit
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Atlanta, GA
04.2002 - 01.2016
- Staff Supervision: Managed 100 employees with 22 direct reports, handling evaluations, corrective actions, and professional development.
- Unit Oversight: Served as Charge Nurse for a 27-bed Cardiac Step-down Unit; managed six-week rotating schedules.
- Regulatory Excellence: Actively contributed to departmental Magnet status preparation and TJC readiness.
- Mentorship: Coached clinical and non-clinical staff to foster professional growth and organizational alignment.
Legal Nurse Consultant / Co-Owner
All Southern Legal Nurse Consulting, LLC
Atlanta, GA
11.2008 - 06.2010
- Co-founded a three-member firm specializing in medical litigation.
- Analyzed medical records for legal cases and prepared detailed screening reports.
- Identified and vetted expert witnesses for legal testimony.
Occupational Health Nurse
Pactiv
Covington, GA
10.1997 - 01.2003
- Managed workplace injury prevention, OSHA standards compliance, and employee screenings.
Staff Nurse / Charge Nurse – ICU/CCU
Newton Medical Center
Covington, GA
01.1996 - 04.2002
- Provided critical care for high-acuity adult patients; supervised 10-bed ICU operations.
Education
Master of Science in Nursing -
Kaplan University
01-2014
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - undefined
Kaplan University
01-2012
Legal Nurse Consultant Certification - undefined
Vicki Milazzo Institute
01-2009
Associate of Science in Nursing - undefined
DeKalb Community College
01-1996
Skills
- Adverse event reporting
- Site monitoring
- People management
- Budgets
- Conflict resolution
- Customer service
- Strong staff engagement scores
- Great communicator
- Team player
Accomplishments
- Participated in Patient Family Experience
- Developed Feed the Heart and Feed the Mind, support programs.
- Beacon Designated x 3, Gold and Silver
- 40% of nursing staff, CPN certified
Certification
- Registered Professional Nurse | Georgia (RN 135692) | Exp: 01/31/28
- Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) | Exp: 02/2027
- Manager’s Certification | CHOA
- AHA CPR Certified | Exp: 09/2026
Timeline
Clinical Operations Manager – Cardiac Acute Care Unit
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
02.2016 - Current
Legal Nurse Consultant / Co-Owner
All Southern Legal Nurse Consulting, LLC
11.2008 - 06.2010
Employee Health Registered Nurse
Emory University Hospital Midtown
08.2003 - 02.2016
Assistant Nurse Manager – Cardiac Acute Care Unit
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
04.2002 - 01.2016
Occupational Health Nurse
Pactiv
10.1997 - 01.2003
Staff Nurse / Charge Nurse – ICU/CCU
Newton Medical Center
01.1996 - 04.2002
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - undefined
Kaplan University
Legal Nurse Consultant Certification - undefined
Vicki Milazzo Institute
Associate of Science in Nursing - undefined
DeKalb Community College
Master of Science in Nursing -
Kaplan University