Suzanne Gardner

• Conducted patient assessments to identify needs and implement appropriate interventions.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop patient care plans effectively.
• Educated patients and families on health management and post-discharge instructions.
• Maintained accurate medical records in compliance with hospital policies and regulations.
• Trained new nursing staff on best practices and hospital procedures regularly.

• Supported care coordination for multiple myeloma patients under the direction of Cindy Varga, managing treatment requests, blood work, lab scheduling, follow-up appointments, patient call triage, referrals, and diagnostic testing for Levine patients.

Assessed patient needs in clinic and through advice request line, guiding next steps for hematology/oncology care.

Supported hematology/oncology patient care across multiple cancer types.

Managed phone triage for symptom control, scheduled follow-up visits, and coordinated lab draws and infusion appointments.

Educated patients on the disease process and medication side effects, and arranged referrals to supportive oncology social work, nurse navigation, and case management.

• Transitioned to Levine Cancer Institute in Pineville, NC in January 2026, providing ongoing care for hematology/oncology patients across multiple cancer types.

• Assisted Gaston County employees with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart failure, hypertension, and obesity. Educated participants on disease processes, medication, diet, and exercise using handouts and presentations. Provided one-on-one counseling in a private setting. Monitored blood pressure, A1C, and weight for health coaching. Participated in health fairs to promote wellness among employees by conducting BMI calculations, blood pressure screenings, and cholesterol tests.

• Led a successful team comprised of RNs, LPNs and ancillary staff for optimal patient outcomes.
• Patient population consisted of post-surgical Total joints (hip,ankle,knee) Fractures of extremities (ankle, vertebral, hip, humerus, etc.). Neurosurgery patients consisting of post-surgical Laminectomies, Anterior Cervical Discectomies, Posterior Cervical Discectomies, Anterior site lumbar post-surgical.
• Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
• Supported nursing team in delivering high-quality patient care, contributing to improved patient satisfaction and outcomes.
• Managed nurses and nursing activities by providing comprehensive nursing guidance and maintaining outstanding patient satisfaction and care standards.
• Managed care from admission to discharge, including patient assessments, care planning, health educations and discharging support to provide comprehensive patient care daily.
• Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols to optimize performance and safety.
• Created and managed work schedules for multiple shifts, ensuring adequate floor coverage and optimal patient care.
• Facilitated effective communication between physicians and nursing staff, improving collaboration and enhancing patient care delivery.
• Delegated nurse assignments to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Oversaw delivery of care for all patients on HMI-Orthopedics providing direct care to patients, delegating nursing assignments and supervising a team comprised of nurses, LPNs, technicians and unit clerks.
• Assisted in developing the Total Joint program in 2005 from inception to present day. Assisted in developing pre-operative protocols, education, and patient outcomes.

• Coordinated schedules to maintain coverage for short shifts and call outs, minimizing disruptions to care.
• Adhered to company standards and compliance requirements for operation of the hospital.
• Resolved elevated concerns from patients and staff, enhancing overall satisfaction and trust in services.
• Conducted rounds on each hospital unit to identify and address issues proactively, ensuring seamless operations.

• Achieved successful unit leadership by overseeing quality nursing care provided to patients.
• Guided and led staff, in acute care unit, coordinating, and delegating tasks. Managing nurses and ancillary staff members.
• Collaborated with families, caregivers, and patients to identify optimal treatment and prevention options.
• Maximized team performance by monitoring nursing care, including patient assessment processes and treatment implementations.
• Implemented effective strategies and care plans to improve patient outcomes and meet discharge objectives.
• Maintaining accountability for accurate narcotic count at the end of each shift.
• Monitored nursing care processes, ensuring effective patient assessments and treatment implementations to enhance team performance.
• Enhanced unit care standards and policies prioritizing patient safety and dignity.
• Oversaw operations for unit, including admissions and discharges and scheduling of nursing staff
• Prioritized and distributed assignments and workload based on individual staff strengths and experience.
• Evaluated skills of all nursing personnel and verified staff certifications were valid and up to date.

• Directed nursing activities for 39-bed hospital unit, guiding nurses to deliver high-quality care and improve patient satisfaction.
• Managed nurses and support staff in patient care activities, fostering a collaborative environment to support staff and enhance patient satisfaction.
• Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
• Implemented interventions, including medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management.
• Delivered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections, monitoring responses to catch and address new concerns.
• Trained new nurses in techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols, enhancing overall team performance and patient safety.
• Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
• Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
• Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, including treatment, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions and follow-up care.
• Reported patients' status and delegated nurse assignments to achieve optimal outcomes.

• Delivered focused care and treatment to critical care patients, ensuring adherence to protocols for optimal recovery.
• Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
• Worked with intubated and ventilated patients, monitoring and reporting on conditions to maintain status within optimal levels.
• Managed critical care equipment to stabilize patients and support recovery processes.
• Conducted diagnostic tests and patient assessments to evaluate treatment effectiveness and inform care adjustments.
• Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.