Susan Harbaugh
Renton,WA
Summary
Accomplished Nurse Care Manager with Virginia Mason Medical Center, leveraging strong clinical judgment and compassionate care to enhance patient outcomes. Spearheaded quality improvement initiatives, reducing hospital readmissions by 15%. Adept at care coordination and patient advocacy, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and patient satisfaction. Proficient in electronic health records and effective communication.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nurse Care Manager
Virginia Mason Medical Center
09.2016 - 08.2025
- Coordinated patient care plans with interdisciplinary teams to enhance health outcomes.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted care strategies based on clinical assessments.
- Educated patients and families on disease management and preventative care practices.
- Implemented evidence-based protocols to improve quality of care and compliance standards.
- Mentored junior nursing staff, fostering professional development and enhancing team performance.
- Analyzed patient data to identify trends and optimize resource allocation for care delivery.
- Developed strategic initiatives to streamline processes and reduce hospital readmission rates.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care across various settings.
- Coordinated and analyzed sustainable person-centered care plans involving internal and external providers.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by closely monitoring patients'' progress and adjusting care plans as needed.
- Educated and evaluated clinical and support staff regarding care quality management regulations and standards of care.
- Coordinated referrals to specialists, hospitalizations, ER visits, ancillary testing, and other enabling services for patients.
- Worked with providers to define quality metrics and outcome reporting process.
- Collected and aggregated data to identify problems or trends, such as turnaround time and issues with physician offices.
- Arranged transportation and documented details of discharge transition plans.
- Facilitated assessment of individual physiological, psychological, financial, cultural and family situation and coordinated social services to address individual and family needs.
- Assessed healthcare needs and monitored effectiveness and progress plans to achieve desired outcomes.
- Identified opportunities to optimize communication within inpatient and cross-continuum teams to drive effective patient flow and sustainable care transitions from hospital and home, within community care settings and implement supplemental care and services for high-risk patients.
- Provided leadership in crisis situations, effectively managing multiple priorities while maintaining a calm demeanor.
- Developed strong relationships with patients and their families, providing emotional support during challenging medical situations.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing comprehensive care plans and coordinating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Streamlined workflow efficiency by collaborating with team members to optimize utilization of resources and prevent gaps in care.
- Offered leadership, support and clinical expertise within care management teams to achieve outcomes.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through timely communication, empathetic listening, and personalized education on health management.
- Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives for nursing practices within the organization.
- Served as an advocate for both patients and staff members alike when addressing concerns related to policy implementation or ethical dilemmas.
- Collaborated with community organizations to connect patients to additional resources for further support in achieving their health goals.
- Conducted thorough assessments of patients'' physical, emotional, social, and environmental needs to develop tailored care plans.
- ActionListener.
- Promoted continuity of care by effectively communicating patient information across various healthcare settings during transitions between providers or levels of care.
- Managed complex caseloads for high-risk patients, ensuring timely delivery of appropriate interventions and services.
- Assessed patients' temperature, pulse, and blood pressure and recorded in electronic medical records.
- Reviewed patient history to verify conditions and current medications.
- Responded to patient requests with appropriate clinical and personal assistance.
- Monitored, tracked, and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Furthered skills by actively taking part in employee training and taking classes to improve skills.
- Supported diagnoses by taking blood samples from patients for laboratory testing.
- Circulated assigned floor to measure and record patients' fluid and food levels, implementing measures to promote healthy intake and output as necessary.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
Clinical Supervisor
Overlake Hospital
03.2015 - 09.2016
- Supervised clinical staff to ensure adherence to hospital protocols and best practices.
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance staff performance and patient care standards.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary team meetings to align treatment plans with patient needs and hospital goals.
- Oversaw patient assessments, ensuring timely interventions and optimal care delivery.
- Analyzed clinical outcomes data to identify areas for improvement in service quality and efficiency.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering professional growth and enhancing team collaboration.
- Led quality assurance initiatives that improved compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines.
- Assessed patients, determined needs, and managed care.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular staff meetings, case conferences, and training sessions.
- Responded to crisis situations with calm and professional approach to optimize support.
- Monitored, analyzed, and corrected staff performance and worked with nurse manager to raise standards of practice.
- Served as a liaison between clinical staff and administration to address concerns and optimize workflows.
- Lead and directed team of 20+ clinical personnel and support staff.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by conducting regular audits of clinical records and procedures.
- Mentored junior staff members in clinical best practices, contributing to a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
- Implemented performance improvement initiatives focused on enhancing client experience and service quality.
- Streamlined documentation processes, reducing administrative workload for clinicians and improving efficiency.
- Monitored adherence to ethical guidelines among clinical staff members, supporting their ongoing professional growth while maintaining high quality care standards.
- Increased client satisfaction by fostering a supportive and empathetic therapeutic environment.
- Developed a comprehensive clinical training program for new hires to ensure consistent quality of care.
- Optimized scheduling processes that promoted efficient use of time in order to maximize clinician availability for direct patient contact.
- Facilitate hiring of qualified Infusion Center personnel by interview applicants and making recommendations for employment.
- Facilitated the implementation of new evidence-based practices within the therapeutic team, resulting in improved treatment outcomes.
- Coordinated with healthcare providers and external partners to offer comprehensive care solutions, addressing all aspects of patient health.
- Implemented stress reduction programs for staff, leading to improved morale and reduced turnover.
- Established metrics for tracking clinical performance, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
- Implemented new clinical training programs, leading to improved staff competency and patient satisfaction.
- Responded to patient complaints and concerns, restoring trust and maintaining clinic reputation for quality care.
- Strengthened compliance with healthcare regulations through rigorous oversight and continuous education of clinical staff.
- Increased clinic efficiency by optimizing scheduling systems, reducing patient wait times and maximizing staff productivity.
- Enhanced patient experience with development and implementation of patient-centered care initiatives.
- Conducted performance evaluations for clinical staff, identifying areas for development and implementing targeted training programs.
- Organized professional development workshops for clinical staff, keeping them abreast of latest healthcare innovations and practices.
- Updated clinic policies and procedures in line with latest healthcare standards, ensuring legal compliance and operational excellence.
- Led quality improvement projects, resulting in reduction of medication errors and increased patient safety.
- Developed and monitored budget for clinical operations, ensuring optimal resource allocation and financial health.
- Advocated for patient rights, ensuring their voices were heard in treatment planning and decision-making processes.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
- Discussed medical histories with patients in effort to provide most effective medical advice.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
Infusion Nurse
PacMed
03.2015 - 03.2016
- Administered chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments per established protocols.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported any changes to healthcare team.
- Educated patients about treatment plans, side effects, and self-care strategies.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient care plans.
- Trained new staff on infusion procedures and safety protocols.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient satisfaction.
- Assessed patient responses to therapy and adjusted care accordingly.
- Educated patients and families about cancer treatments, side effects, and self-care strategies, empowering them to make informed decisions.
- Managed complex medication regimens while monitoring for potential drug interactions or adverse reactions, mitigating risks associated with cancer treatments.
- Enhanced patient safety with strict adherence to chemotherapy administration protocols and monitoring guidelines.
- Developed trusting relationships with patients through active listening skills and empathetic communication style, fostering a supportive environment during challenging times in their lives.
- Provided individualized patient education on chemotherapy medications, infusion procedures, and side-effect management strategies to promote self-advocacy and coping skills.
- Reduced patient anxiety through clear communication and therapeutic relationship-building techniques.
- Provided compassionate care for patients undergoing cancer treatment, addressing their emotional and physical needs.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based oncology nursing practices in infusion therapy.
- Acted as a liaison between patients and their support networks by providing timely updates on treatment progress and addressing concerns or questions that arose during the treatment journey.
- Utilized advanced assessment skills to identify early signs of treatment-related complications or disease progression for prompt intervention by healthcare providers.
- Implemented infection control measures to minimize the risk of complications among immunocompromised patients receiving chemotherapy infusions.
- Evaluated patients'' responses to treatments and adjusted nursing interventions accordingly, optimizing clinical outcomes.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient care activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitating continuity of care among healthcare providers.
- Streamlined the infusion process by effectively coordinating schedules with pharmacy and laboratory staff.
- Coordinated referrals for supportive services such as nutrition counseling, mental health support, and financial assistance programs to address patients'' holistic needs during treatment.
- Contributed to the development of department policies and procedures by offering insights from clinical experience, promoting a culture of continuous quality improvement in oncology nursing practice.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on the latest advancements in oncology nursing practice.
- Advocated for patients'' preferences and goals of care during interdisciplinary team meetings, ensuring that their voices were heard in the decision-making process.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient, ensuring the highest quality of care.
- Assisted physicians with procedures such as bone marrow biopsies, lumbar punctures, and intrathecal injections for optimal patient care delivery.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
Oncology Infusion Registered Nurse
Hematology Oncology Associates.
08.2003 - 08.2015
- Developed educational materials for patients undergoing oncology treatments.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient care activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitating continuity of care among healthcare providers.
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.l
Education
RN - Nursing
Dorset School of Nursing
Poole. Dorset. UK.03-1982
Skills
- Clinical judgment
- Nutrition counseling
- Health promotion
- Care coordination
- Quality improvement
- Oncology nursing
- Confidentiality
- Nursing process
- Healthcare documentation
- Vital signs monitoring
- Compassionate care
- Documentation accuracy
- Electronic charting
- Phlebotomy
- Emotional resilience
- Healthcare technology
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Medication and IV administration
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Compassionate and caring
- Multitasking Abilities
- Basic life support
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Strong clinical judgment
- Direct patient care
- CPR certification
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Creative problem solving
- Decision-making
- Patient and family advocacy
- Patient care assessment
- Patient education
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Monitoring vital signs
- Electronic health records
- Relationship building
- Clinical documentation
- Blood draw and sample collection
- Physical assessment
- Vitals monitoring
- Clear patient communication
- Microsoft office
- Pain management
- Intravenous therapy
- Critical care nursing
- Team building
- Safety protocols
- Delegation and motivation
- Task prioritization
- Self motivation
- Medication administration
- Infection control
- Patient condition monitoring
- CPR/AED
- Accurate documentation
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytical thinking
- Documentation
- Goal setting
Certification
- RN
- Oncology Certified Nurse
- Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Administration Certification
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Nurse Care Manager
Virginia Mason Medical Center
09.2016 - 08.2025
Clinical Supervisor
Overlake Hospital
03.2015 - 09.2016
Infusion Nurse
PacMed
03.2015 - 03.2016
Oncology Infusion Registered Nurse
Hematology Oncology Associates.
08.2003 - 08.2015
RN - Nursing
Dorset School of Nursing