Suzanne H. Waters, FNP B-C

I have had extensive experience in several director level positions for large healthcare systems. I exemplify both clinical and leadership expertise in acute care/ambulatory settings. I have completed the Leadership Institute at UVA in 2021 under the leadership of Dr. Mike Valentine (former ACC president). As an advanced practice nurse leader, I have partnered with senior organizational leadership to meet identified strategic initiatives that reflect the organization’s mission, vision and values (ASPIRE values at UVA). I have integrated the “Studer” principles, which focuses on five (5) pillars of clinical excellence, to include: enhancing customer satisfaction, physician partnership, fiscal responsiveness, clinical excellence and market share. I am actively engaged in continuous quality improvement across the cardiology service line and have partnered w/ the American College of Cardiology in development of a “team based” patient care delivery model as part of clinic optimization at UVA. I have participated in the EPIC EMR rollout and updates (Smart Chart), E-consenting, Reduction of Late Start Times, and Procedure Pass. I am involved w/ patient safety initiatives (Be Safe), clinical trials, and the development of new, and expanding, cardiology programs. I am actively involved in recruitment and retention efforts and have increased the cardiology APP team size 87% over the last 15 yrs due to new program development and expansions, especially with sub-specialty clinics. I participate on the Lead APP-Credentialing PPES that focuses on hardwiring clinical excellence, competencies, focused and ongoing professional practice performance evaluations, and measuring APP outcomes (productivity and patient experience). I monitor APP compliance with accreditation activities, associated with TJC, NCDR, ACC, AHA, and HRS. I am the APP representative on the UVA Health System Cardiology Leadership Council. I am a member for the VCNP and am a former legislative chair who was instrumental in meeting with legislators to facilitate the passage of the APP autonomous practice legislation. I supervised ~ 42 APPs who are deployed to various sub-specialties, to include: General cardiology, interventional cardiology, in-patient acute care, ambulatory clinics and non-invasive cardiology. I am a member of multiple leadership and process improvement committees, and am a content expert in multiple areas of cardiology. As an advanced practice educator, I have developed and coordinated orientation and cross –training programs, to assure staff competence/confidence in the delivery of care within the various cardiology service line. I hardwire excellence by creating reference sheets for new processes, clinical trials, and new technologies that surface over the years. I developed and created “transition to practice” programs for both levels of nurse graduates (BSN and MSN). Examples include: The Bridge to Practice Program” for new BSN graduates which was published, and the “Cardiovascular Advanced Practice Provider (CAPP)” program for APPs (NPs and PAs). As collegiate faculty, I have worked to develop nursing professionals who were enrolled in nursing programs over 3 states. As an advanced practice clinician, I have exemplified clinical excellence within my own practice by being board certified in family practice as an FNP. Clinical experience has spanned emergency medicine, general/interventional cardiology, family practice and wound care. I have been an APP since 1999 and have 25 yrs of administrative and clinical cardiology advanced practice experience (May 2024). I manage over 40 APPs which spans managerial functions specific to specialty specific APP orientation, departmental finance/budget, performance evaluations, recruitment/ retention of staff, communication through staff meetings, newsletters and with providing an End of the Year Report for staff and departmental leadership (Cardiology Chief and HV senior administrator). Areas of responsibility include: Interventional cardiology (procedural areas for cardiac cath, congenital and electrophysiology); Stress Labs (2 locations); Ambulatory clinics at UH and 4 satellite locations in central and northern Virginia.

Seasoned Manager with broad experience in both team leadership and project delivery. Possess strong strategic planning abilities, coupled with the capability to coordinate operational initiatives for maximum efficiency. Proven track record of driving process improvements, enhancing productivity, and implementing innovative solutions. Skilled in building strong relationships across all levels of an organization to achieve business goals.

• Certified Wound Care Provider (Curative), 2001
• FNP Board Certified, 1999 - present
• ACLS Instructor, 1997 - 2009
• PALS Provider, 1997 - 2009
• PALS Instructor, 1997 - 2009
• BLS Instructor, 1990 - 2013
• 0001218419, 0024168335, 0017139463, MW2011245, 1629096847, 275851, F332775, MW 1004097, 04367679, P51503

• High –tech patient simulators offer educators exciting training alternatives for all nursing staff., Advance News Magazine, 12/30/2009
• Vassar Program Smooth’s Nurse’s Way- Mentors Guide Recent Graduates, 07/07/2007
• Wound Care Wonders: Nurses Make the Difference at Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Advance Magazine, 09/2004
• Expanding on a theme: A successful training program adapts to specialty – specific nurse training, Advance Magazine, 09/2004
• Bridge to Practice: Vassar Brothers Medical Center Helps Novice RN’s Learn the Ropes, 08/29/2002
• Orthopedic Pearls: Pain Management Chapter, 12/2002

• Who’s Who in American Women, 2003 - 2005
• Vice President of Sigma Theta Tau – Mu Epsilon (Nursing Honor Society), 2005
• New York State Nurse’s Association Outstanding Accomplishments Award in Education, 2002
• Academic Excellence Award, Pace University, 1999
• Letter of Commendation from Rensselaer City Youth Bureau for coordination of a city - wide health fair, 1981
• Dean’s List, Russell Sage College, 1975, 1973
• Veterans of Foreign Wars Scholarship, 1971
• Regents Scholarship Alternate for Nursing, 1971
• Nominated for UVA Leonard Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award, 11/03/2023

• Virginia Chapter of Nurse Practitioners, 2010 - present, Chair of Government Relations (Piedmont Chapter) – 2017 - 2018
• American College of Cardiology, 2009-2010
• Heart Rhythm Society, 2009 - 2010
• Hawaii State Center for Nursing, 2007 – 2009, Member of Hawaii State Center Environment Retention Collaborative Subcommittee
• American Heart Association