Tassila Cannon RN, BSN, OCN, CLNC
Missouri City
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse with over 15 years of experience in oncology nursing, patient education, and care coordination. I provide comprehensive support throughout complex treatment pathways. I am skilled in utilization review, quality management, and EMR documentation, ensuring compliance with institutional and regulatory standards. I have experience in telehealth follow-ups, clinical assessments, and staff training, which drives improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Transitional Care Manager
MD Anderson Cancer Center
01.2024 - Current
- Implemented a new institutional program aimed at reducing 30-day readmission rates among high-risk patients diagnosed with Lymphoma, Myeloma, Pancreatic Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, and Sarcoma Cancer.
- Provide post-discharge education to patients & families by reviewing care plans and explaining procedures with demonstrations, ensuring effective home care
- Conducted weekly telephonic follow-ups to monitor patient progress, address any emerging issues, and ensure continuity of care. Identified potential complications and intervened promptly.
- Documented the post-discharge care plan and other relevant information in the electronic medical record and any required reporting platforms.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the prescribed medication regimen after discharge.
- Evaluate and monitor patients participating in clinical research protocols, specifically focusing on CAR T-cell therapy, to determine their suitability for treatment.
- Maintain open communication with both the cancer care team and the ancillary care physician regarding any changes in the patient’s clinical status and treatment goals.
- Provide education on advanced care planning and completed necessary documentation. Ensured that patients and their families were comfortable with the care plans and addressed any questions or concerns as needed.
Network Quality Management Coordinator
M.D. Anderson Physicians Network
01.2013 - 12.2023
- Data Collection and Analysis of Quality Improvement Indicators
- Improve performance projects by utilizing quality tools and techniques grounded in established quality improvement principles.
- Generate reports for data collection on quality monitors, compliance monitors, and activities related to quality improvement.
- Visit affiliate sites to verify data quality, review documentation, and provide training to nursing staff, serving as a liaison between MD Anderson and the contracted member site.
- Implements reporting and develops action plans for medical records reviews, on-site visits, and peer-to-peer virtual treatment plan evaluations.
- Developed targeted quality improvement plans through clinical quality analysis and peer review facilitation, enhancing compliance with the following national treatment guidelines at an average rate of 95%
- Facilitates performance improvement projects by utilizing quality tools and techniques grounded in quality improvement principles.
- Collaborates with stakeholders, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other relevant healthcare disciplines
- Generate reports for data collection regarding quality monitors, compliance monitors, and quality improvement activities.
- Helps in developing and referring cases that require a detailed review.
Utilization Review/Case Manager
M.D. Anderson Physicians Network
01.2007 - 12.2012
- Review and refer cases that need specialized peer evaluation.
- Serve as a resource for compliance with accrediting bodies, regulatory agencies, and professional standards
- Facilitates, coordinates, and monitors the patient’s care across the full continuum of services within the MD Anderson Cancer Network.
- Review required documentation for treatment based on treatment guidelines and pathways and provide pre-authorization for services as appropriate to treatment guidelines
- Serves as a liaison between Cancer Network participants and providers to maintain quality treatment based on standard of care
- Ongoing monitoring of the patterns of utilization and scheduling of resources.
- Provides appropriate and accurate documentation within the participant’s electronic medical record in EPIC system
- Based on assigned complexity classification, coordinates and/or monitors the patient’s care within the Cancer Manager Network.
- Includes, but is not limited to, concurrent review of inpatient stays, completed discharge planning, and appropriate referrals to other levels of care and ancillary providers.
- Coordinates hospital discharge needs with the inpatient hospital case manager.
Nurse Manager Mohs Dermasurgery Center
MD Anderson Cancer Center
01.2003 - 12.2006
- Successfully established a new outpatient skin surgery center from the ground up.
- Developed orientation and training programs for nursing staff, business center personnel, laboratory staff, and ancillary staff.
- Reduced waiting times for new consultations and surgical appointments by 10 days
- Trained clinical staff on departmental and institutional initiatives related to the Joint Commission.
Clinical Nurse Plastics Reconstructive Surgery Clinic
MD Anderson Cancer Center
06.1998 - 12.2002
- Assessment of patients requiring plastic reconstructive surgery and Mohs surgery
- Charge nurse of the Mohs Dermasurgery Unit
- Assisted Plastic surgeons and Dermatology surgeons with clinical procedures
- Administer conscious sedation for procedures
- Patient education regarding surgery, post-operative care, wound care, and home care
- Participated in departmental and institutional Joint Commission initiatives
Education
Certified Legal Nurse Consultant -
Vickie Milazzo Institute
Houston, TXBachelor of Science - Nursing
Southern University A&M College
Baton Rouge, LASkills
- Discharge Planning
- Quality Management
- Clinical Research Monitoring
- Telehealth Educator
- Patient Advocacy
- Care Evaluation
- Program Management
- Clinical Coordination
- EPIC/EMR
- Patient Education
- Utilization review
- Compliance oversight
Certification
- Oncology Certified Nurse(OCN)
- Certified Legal Nurse Consultant
- Oncology Patient Navigator Training: The Fundamentals in Oncology Nurse Navigation
- Telehealth for Oncology Nurses in Oncology Triage Nursing
- BLS Certification, American Heart Association
Timeline
Transitional Care Manager
MD Anderson Cancer Center
01.2024 - Current
Network Quality Management Coordinator
M.D. Anderson Physicians Network
01.2013 - 12.2023
Utilization Review/Case Manager
M.D. Anderson Physicians Network
01.2007 - 12.2012
Nurse Manager Mohs Dermasurgery Center
MD Anderson Cancer Center
01.2003 - 12.2006
Clinical Nurse Plastics Reconstructive Surgery Clinic
MD Anderson Cancer Center
06.1998 - 12.2002
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Southern University A&M College
Certified Legal Nurse Consultant -
Vickie Milazzo Institute
Military Service
- Branch: Army Reserve
- Service Country: United States
- Rank: Private First Class
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