THOMAS AMBROSE SHEA
Newport Beach,CA
Summary
Accomplished healthcare professional with over ten years of progressive nursing and quality improvement experience in diverse settings. Expertise in surgical nursing, accreditation compliance, process improvement, and education. Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, streamline operations, and enhance patient care.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Accreditation Specialist – RN
San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System
12.2023 - Current
- Lead development and maintenance of a continuous readiness program across the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System (SFVAHCS) and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), ensuring compliance with accreditation standards and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) guidelines
- Drive improvements in a risk management framework to support safe, efficient patient care
- Coordinate accreditation preparation and reviews with internal teams and external bodies
- Collaborate with leadership to support site visit preparations and action plans to address deficiencies from internal and external audits
- Provide clinical expertise to support performance improvement initiatives, including tracers, operational assessments, and special studies
- Partner with Quality and Patient Safety staff to design and implement performance improvement plans
- Maintain a record tracking system to monitor accreditation-related data and identify areas for improvement
- Offer guidance on accreditation standards, VHA policies, and local guidelines to clinical and administrative staff
- Travel to CBOCs and other SFVAHCS sites as needed for survey preparation and participation
Operating Room Nurse Manager
Fashion Island Surgery Center
06.2021 - 10.2023
- Developed policies, procedures, and clinical/non-clinical documentation for all stages of the surgical process, including pre-operative, intraoperative, postoperative, and discharge forms
- Designed and produced key business materials, including pre-admission documentation, business cards, logo, window signage, brochures, and various other documents for the surgery center
- Contributed significantly to the opening of the surgery center, supporting the monitoring and evaluation of operations, and helping the center achieve its first and second Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care accreditation
- Managed day-to-day operations in the intraoperative area, including the orientation of experienced nurses and the training of new staff
- Oversaw employee compliance and competency education, serving as the Nurse Educator for all nursing departments
- Led the transition from paper documentation to an electronic medical record (EMR) system, covering policies, patient charting, compliance, training, and medication management
- Participated in the development and evaluation of clinical programs, services, organizational standards, and utilization metrics to ensure regulatory alignment
- Reviewed clinical records for accuracy and completeness, analyzing data to make recommendations for improvements
- Assisted the Administrator and Director of Nursing with preparations for the CMS accreditation inspection
- Collaborated with the interdisciplinary team to monitor surgical case flow and conduct regular quality control assessments
Surgical Nurse
Newport Beach Surgery Center
06.2016 - 06.2021
- Proficient in all surgical specialties, including general surgery, gynecology, infertility, orthopedics, otorhinolaryngology, pain management, plastic/cosmetic surgery, podiatry, and urology
- Applied the nursing process, including assessment, clinical judgment, and monitoring/evaluating patient progress and outcomes
- Completed the AORN Preceptor Certificate Program and served as facility preceptor, mentoring and guiding staff
- Led employee compliance and competency education, ensuring staff met regulatory and organizational standards
- Developed educational curricula and facilitated regular in-service training for staff development
Surgical Nurse
Banner Boswell Medical Center
05.2015 - 06.2016
- Quickly adapted to the fast-paced surgical environment, mastering essential skills and protocols as a new graduate
- Collaborated effectively with surgical teams across multiple specialties, including orthopedic, general, gynecology, urology, and vascular surgery
- Demonstrated strong clinical judgment in assessing and planning patient care for adult and geriatric patients
- Prioritized patient comfort and safety, communicating effectively with patients and families about surgical procedures and recovery plans
Registered Nurse
Royal Oaks Retirement Community
06.2014 - 04.2015
- Monitored patients' health status, administered medications, performed wound care, and implemented nursing interventions to ensure optimal recovery
- Responded to emergency calls from residents in assisted and independent living areas, providing timely care in critical situations
- Delivered care to patients in acute, subacute rehabilitation, hospice, palliative, respite, and long-term care
- Assessed patients’ physical, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual needs, providing comprehensive care, and addressing educational/discharge needs
- Coordinated nursing care activities with interdisciplinary team members to achieve patients’ health goals
- Actively contributed to the planning and implementation of safe patient care strategies, improving outcomes and patient satisfaction
- Liaised with patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure clear communication and continuity of care across various settings
Education
Surgical Technology for the Operating Room Nurse -
Gateway Community College
Glendale, AZ05.2015
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Phoenix, AZ02.2014
Certification
- Registered Nurse, California, #95064162, 06/30/25
- ACLS, 04/30/26
- BLS, 04/30/26
Timeline
Accreditation Specialist – RN
San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System
12.2023 - Current
Operating Room Nurse Manager
Fashion Island Surgery Center
06.2021 - 10.2023
Surgical Nurse
Newport Beach Surgery Center
06.2016 - 06.2021
Surgical Nurse
Banner Boswell Medical Center
05.2015 - 06.2016
Registered Nurse
Royal Oaks Retirement Community
06.2014 - 04.2015
Surgical Technology for the Operating Room Nurse -
Gateway Community College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing
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