SONJA ELLIS
Pelham,AL
Summary
Nursing operations leader who aligns bedside care with executive oversight, budget management, and performance improvement. Brings deep experience in audits, policy development, interdisciplinary coordination, and staff development to support safe care, efficient workflows, and strong resident and patient outcomes.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Nursing Services
Hoover
AL
06.2026 - Current
- Oversaw nursing department, ensuring quality, safety, and regulatory compliance of resident care through bedside advocacy and executive-level administration.
- Assumed responsibility of the facility in the absence of the Administrator, implementing policies and procedures to ensure compliance and collaborating with key stakeholders to maintain best practices.
- Analyzed nursing services to enhance resident care, developed systems promoting resident well-being and functional independence.
- Recruit, coach, and evaluate nursing staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Prepared and administered department budget, optimizing resource allocation to meet operational needs.
Registered Nurse Inpatient Rehab
Homewood
AL
12.2025 - 07.2026
- Assess patients' needs and develop/revise individualized plan of care based on patient needs and responses.
- Collaborated with medical staff and interdisciplinary team to plan and manage patient care efficiently across the unit.
- Coordinated care and delegated tasks to team members, ensuring comprehensive support for a defined group of patients.
- Delivered patient care in collaboration with patients, their families, and all members of the healthcare team under the guidance of licensed physicians.
- Document patient care in a consistent manner meeting all required and regulatory standards.
- Advocated for patients and families, addressing their needs to enhance patient experience and satisfaction during care.
Chief Nursing Officer
Select Specialty Hospital
Birmingham, AL
02.2021 - 07.2025
- Oversaw clinical operations for 38-bed unit, enhancing care for chronically and critically ill post-ICU patients requiring extended hospital stays.
- Directed multidisciplinary teams including respiratory, rehab, wound care and nutrition to deliver high quality patient care.
- Provided clinical oversight and support for Quality and Case Management including trend identifications, guidance on appropriate care levels, monitoring of quality improvement initiatives, discharge planning and adherence to clinical policies and protocols.
- Maintained an efficient nursing delivery model that reflects patient and family needs resulting in an increase in HCAPS.
- Collaborated with medical staff and leadership team to implement quality improvement initiatives, ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing patient safety.
- Spearheaded a unique staffing, hiring and retention program that reduced staffing loss by 10% the first year and 20% each year thereafter resulting in the elimination of agency staffing needs.
- Mentored and on-boarded new nursing staff on unit protocols, improving overall team efficiency.
- Led the implementation of the EPIC electronic medical record (EMR) system and Omnicell, improving documentation accuracy, medication administration practices and patient tracking efficiency.
- Conducted weekly and monthly audits of patient charts, 90-day and annual performance reviews, and corrective action planning.
- Maintained hospital compliance with State, Federal, and JCAHO regulations, achieving full accreditation standards during 2023 cycle.
- Prepares an Annual Operating Budget, a 3year Capital Budget and Strategic Plan.
- Utilized problem solving skills to address challenges and ensure smooth operation of the facility.
Nurse Manager
Anderson Regional Medical Center
Meridian, MS
04.2018 - 04.2021
- Directed the rapid implementation of a 10-bed COVID unit during COVID-19 pandemic, collaborating with infection control, pharmacy, respiratory, and therapy teams, to ensure safe and effective patient care delivery.
- Supervised 85 professionals across three units on a 24/7 basis maintaining high performance and quality patient care standards.
- Planned, led, organized, and evaluated patient care delivery to enhance quality and achieve sustained outcomes.
- Achieved an 85% retention rate for full-time registered nurses by developing cohesive teams, building strong relationships, and leading by example.
- Evaluated employee performance across three units to drive efficiency and quality, implemented disciplinary actions, and conducted monthly performance improvement (PI) audits.
- Served as a liaison between departments to streamline operations, provide education and support, and align professionals organization wide.
- Ensured the hospital's overall compliance with State, Federal, JCAHO and CARF regulations.
- Monitored budgets using Meditech and Strata systems to ensure optimal allocation of financial resources.
- Guided staffing procedures to identify and fill position gaps with high-performing professionals through recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and training.
- Oversaw clinical operations for a 25-bed swing bed, 20-bed inpatient rehab, and 10-bed infusion clinic.
Clinical Liaison
Regency Hospital
Meridian, MS
03.2008 - 04.2018
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to enhance business development and coordinated admission processes among facility staff, referral sources, and physicians.
- Screened and assessed referrals to determine suitability for admission based on InterQual criteria.
- Acted as the key liaison between admission coordinators, hospitals, admitting physicians, and referral sources.
- Communicated patient care and medical equipment needs to admission coordinators and relevant staff, ensuring seamless information flow that supported timely admissions.
- Provided timely updates on patient progress to referral sources, which reinforced partnerships and facilitated collaborative care.
Charge Nurse
Regency Hospital
Meridian, MS
03.2005 - 03.2008
- Oversaw unit operations to ensure effective and efficient delivery of high-quality patient care while maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations and hospital policies.
- Supervised clinical staff, delegating tasks to enhance team efficiency and patient care delivery.
- Ensured effective communication amongst, physicians, patients, families, and hospital departments, including managing shift handoffs, and unit huddles.
- Monitored patient flow and managed bed assignments to optimize resource utilization and ensure timely patient access.
- Ensured adherence to safety standards and infection control protocols, promptly addressing compliance issues to maintain high-quality care.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy -
William Carey University
Hattiesburg, MS01-2020
Master of Science -
William Carey University
Hattiesburg, MS01-2014
Bachelor of Science -
Mississippi University for Women
Columbus, MS01-2013
Associate Degree -
Meridian Community College
Meridian, MS01-2002
Skills
- Operational Management
- Policies and Procedures
- Quality Improvement
- Strategic Planning
- Team Development
- Conflict Resolution
- Effective Communication
- Self-directed initiative
- Microsoft Office Suite
Accomplishments
- Emerging Leader 2019
- Emerging Leader 2024
- Senior CNO 2025
Timeline
Director of Nursing Services
Hoover
06.2026 - Current
Registered Nurse Inpatient Rehab
Homewood
12.2025 - 07.2026
Chief Nursing Officer
Select Specialty Hospital
02.2021 - 07.2025
Nurse Manager
Anderson Regional Medical Center
04.2018 - 04.2021
Clinical Liaison
Regency Hospital
03.2008 - 04.2018
Charge Nurse
Regency Hospital
03.2005 - 03.2008
Doctor of Philosophy -
William Carey University
Master of Science -
William Carey University
Bachelor of Science -
Mississippi University for Women
Associate Degree -
Meridian Community College