Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

SUSAN VARGAS

Whittier

Summary

Experienced and strategic healthcare professional with over 20 years of progressive leadership in hospital and outpatient operations. Proven ability to drive regional and multi-site initiatives in collaboration with executive and physician leadership. Strong background in operational excellence, strategic planning, and quality improvement across diverse service lines. Skilled in navigating complex, matrixed environments and managing through influence and collaboration. Committed to delivering exceptional care experiences, aligning with enterprise-wide performance goals, and leading transformative change across the continuum of care.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Department Administrator

Kaiser Permanente, Anaheim and Irvine Medical Offices
02.2023 - Current
  • Oversee daily operations for two Urology departments and a centralized Message Center, supporting 15 providers and 45 clinical and administrative staff.
  • Resolve operational challenges, ensuring smooth, efficient departmental function.
  • Spearhead workflow redesign and operational improvements including Access, Proactive Office Encounters, Message Management and Surgical Service line initiatives.
  • Ensured compliance with industry regulations by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of policies and procedures.
  • Developed budget proposals, policies and fiscal guidelines supporting department goals and growth.
  • Recruit, train, and evaluate staff, setting measurable goals and performance standards.
  • Collaborate closely with physicians and department chiefs to drive a cohesive and productive team environment.
  • Partner with union leadership on Unit Based Teams and safety initiatives
  • Led and managed operational and strategic planning, fiscal management and administrative oversight of facilities, equipment and personnel.

Assistant Clinical Director/Nursing House Supervisor

Kaiser Permanente, Downey Medical Center
08.2013 - 01.2023
  • Directed administrative operations for a 350-bed hospital across 10+ departments and over 1,200 staff.
  • Managed hospital-wide staffing, ensuring optimal skill mix and coverage for all shifts.
  • Developed and updated departmental policies, supporting regulatory and quality care standards.
  • Provided leadership in emergency response, risk management, and safety.
  • Collaborated with physicians and clinical staff to improve patient care outcomes and documentation standards.
  • Oversaw budget planning and financial management for the clinical department, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources while maintaining optimal service delivery standards.
  • Implemented performance improvement initiatives, resulting in higher patient satisfaction rates.

Department Administrator

Kaiser Permanente, Cudahy Medical Offices
10.2008 - 07.2012
  • Managed operations for the Medical Office Building (MOB): Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics departments encompassing 42 physicians and 100 staff.
  • Analyzed and solved multi-faceted problems that effected executive leaders and business initiatives.
  • Oversaw support service departments including pharmacy, radiology, and lab.
  • Led staffing, training, budgeting, and policy development initiatives.
  • Championed operational and workflow enhancements to support quality and access goals.
  • Played a key role in opening and expanding Family Medicine services.
  • Fostered strong collaboration with department leadership and medical teams.
  • Facilitated smooth communication between department members and external stakeholders through professional correspondence and meetings.

Assistant Department Administrator

Kaiser Permanente, Orchard Medical Offices
08.2005 - 10.2008
  • Directed operations for Internal Medicine departments serving 47 providers and 110 staff.
  • Supported strategic initiatives including the rollout of HealthConnect, POE, and Personal Access tools.
  • Oversaw staffing, training, and competency development across departments.
  • Partnered with union leadership on Unit Based Teams and safety initiatives.
  • Collaborated on budget oversight, policy implementation, and risk management efforts.
  • Supported senior management in strategic planning, contributing to the successful achievement of organizational goals.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment through team-building activities and recognition programs, leading to increased job satisfaction and employee retention rates.

Charge Nurse / Relief House Supervisor

College Hospital
06.1998 - 01.2006
  • Delivered comprehensive patient care in a geriatric/psychiatric setting.
  • Conducted lobby evaluations for psychiatric holds (5150s).
  • Managed ancillary staffing and provided after-hours administrative oversight.
  • Participated in clinical trials and medication studies for psychiatric care.
  • Acted as House Supervisor during relief shifts.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
  • Promoted a safe working environment by adhering to infection control policies and regularly reviewing safety protocols.
  • Participated in quality improvement initiatives, contributing to the development of best practices within the department.

Staff Nurse

Whittier Presbyterian Hospital
06.2000 - 06.2002
  • Provided pre- and post-operative nursing care in outpatient and recovery settings.
  • Delivered bedside care on the Medical-Surgical unit, including wound care and medication administration.
  • Conducted thorough assessments, documentation, and education to patients and families for improved care outcomes.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication during challenging times.
  • Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care.
  • Acted as a patient advocate, ensuring their needs were met and their rights protected throughout their healthcare journey.
  • Participated in hospital committees to recommend quality improvement initiatives.

Education

PhD - Nursing/Research: Cervical Cancer in Mexican Immigrant Women

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
01.2023

MSN - Nursing Administration

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
01-2005

BSN - undefined

California State University, Dominguez Hills
01.2003

Associate Degree - Nursing

Cerritos Community College
01-1999

Skills

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
  • HealthConnect proficient
  • Fluent in Spanish – spoken, written, and comprehension
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Expertise in labor relations and workforce management (UNAC & UHW)

Certification

  • California Registered Nurse License #557066
  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • Perioperative Certification

Timeline

Department Administrator

Kaiser Permanente, Anaheim and Irvine Medical Offices
02.2023 - Current

Assistant Clinical Director/Nursing House Supervisor

Kaiser Permanente, Downey Medical Center
08.2013 - 01.2023

Department Administrator

Kaiser Permanente, Cudahy Medical Offices
10.2008 - 07.2012

Assistant Department Administrator

Kaiser Permanente, Orchard Medical Offices
08.2005 - 10.2008

Staff Nurse

Whittier Presbyterian Hospital
06.2000 - 06.2002

Charge Nurse / Relief House Supervisor

College Hospital
06.1998 - 01.2006

BSN - undefined

California State University, Dominguez Hills

PhD - Nursing/Research: Cervical Cancer in Mexican Immigrant Women

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

MSN - Nursing Administration

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Associate Degree - Nursing

Cerritos Community College

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