Thomas Hicks
Stonecrest,USA
Summary
Experienced Nursing Executive with 34 years in healthcare, including 15+ years in nursing leadership with 3.8 years as Chief Nursing Officer. Proven track record in driving operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and strategic initiatives to enhance patient care outcomes and nursing performance. Expert in multi-facility oversight and healthcare policy design. Spearheaded daily operations, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance for nursing departments, including Emergency Services, Trauma, and Critical Care units. Drove continuous improvements in healthcare delivery through innovative approaches to nursing practices, optimizing patient care, and enhancing operational efficiency. Designed, implemented, and maintained comprehensive policies, procedures, and standards of practice for hospital operations and nursing school curricula, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and regulatory requirements. Extensive experience in multi-facility nursing leadership, ensuring consistent high-quality care across diverse clinical settings. Strong leadership in nursing staff development, fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and patient-centered care.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr Director, Critical Care Serviceline
HealthLinx
12.2024 - Current
- Led nursing operations at Mercy San Juan Medical Center, a Level II Trauma Center, and Dignity Health in California, overseeing critical care services and ensuring optimal patient care across multiple high-acuity units.
- Managed 4 direct reports, overseeing Trauma ICU, Medical ICU, Cardiothoracic Surgery ICU, Neuro ICU, and Surgical ICU, ensuring high standards of patient care and operational efficiency.
- Empowered frontline nurse leaders, providing mentorship and guidance for professional development, promoting evidence-based practice, and supporting informed decision-making among key stakeholders.
Director of Nursing, Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Emory Healthcare and University
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Company Overview: Size:511 beds, Trauma Level: III
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement and clinical excellence, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements while optimizing care delivery across all units.
- Utilized strategic performance metrics and data-driven decision-making to identify and address clinical care gaps, consistently improving clinical outcomes and enhancing patient safety.
- Lead Chair for HAPI committee
- Size:511 beds, Trauma Level: III
Traveling Nurse Director, Eden Medical Center
NHS Leadership Solutions
09.2022 - 01.2023
- Company Overview: Size: 190 beds, Trauma Level: II
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize clinical workflows, improve patient outcomes, and ensure compliance with regulatory standard.
- Led nursing operations within a collective bargaining facility, effectively managing labor relations and ensuring compliance with union agreements while maintaining high standards of patient care and staff satisfaction.
- Oversaw strategic initiatives to optimize nursing workflows, enhance staff engagement, and implement evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes across multiple care units.
- Size: 190 beds, Trauma Level: II
Executive Director of Critical Care Service-line
WellStar Healthcare
04.2021 - 09.2022
- Company Overview: Size: 460 beds, Trauma Level: I
- Led the strategic closure of two hospitals, ensuring seamless staff redeployment and maintaining continuity of care during transitions, minimizing disruption to patient services.
- Utilized data-driven insights to implement quality improvement initiatives in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, integrating evidence-based practice and clinical research to enhance patient care delivery.
- Spearheaded the development and execution of strategic solutions to optimize resource allocation, patient care, and overall healthcare operations during significant organizational change.
- Size: 460 beds, Trauma Level: I
Traveling COVID Critical Care/Emergency Nurse
Maxim Healthcare
06.2020 - 03.2021
Department Chair, Nursing and Allied Health
Sumner College
02.2020 - 06.2020
- Company Overview: Department Chair, Nursing and Allied Health
- Championed resource management within the nursing department, ensuring effective utilization of both human and material resources to support educational goals and clinical practice.
- Enhanced program quality by promoting continuous improvement initiatives and remaining responsive to the evolving needs of the curriculum, including regular revisions to ensure alignment with industry standards and best practices.
- Led the development and delivery of core nursing courses, including Med/Surg and Pharmacology, integrating evidence-based teaching practices and clinical application to enhance student competency.
- Collaborated with faculty and administration to ensure curriculum relevance, accreditation compliance, and alignment with healthcare trends and workforce demands.
- Department Chair, Nursing and Allied Health
Chief Clinical Officer
Vibra Healthcare, LLC
02.2019 - 12.2019
- Company Overview: Size: 72 beds, Trauma Level: N/A
- Enhanced patient throughput and optimized care quality by implementing strategies that ensured patients remained within the hospital, improving patient flow and reducing length of stay while maintaining high standards of care.
- Managed the efficient allocation of budgets and resources across nursing and interdisciplinary teams, ensuring the sustainable delivery of quality care and operational efficiency.
- Monitored individual nurse performance through data-driven metrics and performance evaluations, ensuring compliance with organizational standards and regulatory requirements, and fostering a culture of continuous quality improvement.
- Led initiatives to optimize patient outcomes, improve care delivery, and enhance the overall patient experience by integrating evidence-based practices and leveraging data for decision-making.
- Size: 72 beds, Trauma Level: N/A
Simulation Lab Instructor
El Paso Community College
12.2018 - 02.2019
- Facilitated nursing lab skills instruction, providing hands-on training to enhance clinical competence and ensure students' preparedness for real-world healthcare environments.
- Actively participated in the development, assessment, and evaluation of the nursing curriculum, ensuring it meets accreditation standards and aligns with industry best practices and evolving healthcare needs.
- Collaborated with faculty and administrators to support curriculum improvement, student success, and faculty development, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
Nursing Instructor
Vista College Evening Program
09.2018 - 02.2019
- Facilitated learning objectives for courses such as Medical-Surgical Nursing and Pharmacology, ensuring alignment with accreditation standards and clinical best practices.
- Developed, administered, and evaluated student assessments to test knowledge and competency, ensuring thorough preparation for the NCLEX and successful licensure.
- Served as a Simulation Lab Instructor on weekends, leading students through hands-on clinical scenarios to develop critical thinking, clinical skills, and decision-making abilities in a controlled, realistic environment.
- Collaborated with faculty to enhance instructional methods, incorporate evidence-based practices, and improve student learning outcomes, contributing to high NCLEX pass rates.
Healthcare Nurse Consultant
MediMetrix Consulting, LLC
10.2016 - 02.2019
- Ensured legal and accreditation compliance by adhering to policy positions concerning federal, state, and local regulations, as well as The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, proactively anticipating and addressing emerging regulatory issues to mitigate risks and maintain continuous compliance.
- Worked closely with healthcare leadership teams to develop and implement best practices, improving staff efficiency, reducing costs, and driving performance improvement across clinical and administrative functions.
- Utilized data-driven strategies to assess current systems, identify gaps, and recommend process improvements that aligned with organizational goals and industry standards.
Administrative Director, Critical Care Services
Hospital Corporation of America (HCA)
06.2015 - 05.2018
- Company Overview: Size: 390 beds, Trauma Level: II
- Directed operations for 6 nursing departments, managing directors over each unit, including: CVICU (15 beds, 40 FTEs), ICU (24 beds, 60 FTEs), Interim Administrative Director, Emergency Services (48 beds, Level 2 Trauma Center, 120 FTEs), Primary Stroke Program (2 FTEs), Telemetry Unit/Progressive Care Unit (PCU) (44 beds, 75 FTEs), Dialysis Unit (4 beds, 10 FTEs).
- Improved patient experience in CVICU, increasing satisfaction from the 75th percentile to the 98th percentile through focused leadership and quality improvement initiatives.
- Developed and implemented a 48-hour report card strategy, which reduced Telemetry inpatient holds in the Emergency Room by 5%, improving patient flow and resource utilization.
- Led initiatives that resulted in a 92% reduction in CLABSI (Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections) and a 13% reduction in CAUTI (Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections) in ICU units, driving improved patient safety and clinical outcomes.
- Successfully managed the CMS survey for the inpatient dialysis unit, achieving no RFIs and ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards.
- Collaborated with human resources and nursing leadership to address staffing needs, manage union negotiations, and ensure effective resolution of labor-related issues, fostering a positive work environment.
- Implemented workforce strategies that supported employee retention, nurse engagement, and professional development within the nursing staff, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and healthcare standards.
- Size: 390 beds, Trauma Level: II
Interim Transitional Traveling Emergency/Trauma Director
HealthTrust/HCA
06.2015 - 10.2016
- Led operations for a high-volume Emergency Department (ED), overseeing patient care delivery, ensuring timely treatment, and improving patient flow while maintaining compliance with hospital protocols and regulatory standards.
- Managed interdisciplinary teams of nurses, physicians, and support staff, fostering collaboration to provide high-quality, patient-centered care in alignment with industry best practices.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives to reduce patient wait times, improve clinical outcomes, and enhance patient satisfaction through data-driven decision-making and process optimization.
Interim Transitional Traveling Emergency/Trauma Director
Del Sol Medical Center
06.2015 - 10.2016
- Company Overview: Size: 390 beds, Trauma Level: II
- Managed a 40-bed Emergency Department (ED) with 86,000 annual visits, providing leadership for a Certified Stroke Center, PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention), and Chest Pain Center, ensuring optimal care for high-acuity patients.
- Achieved a 50% reduction in arrival to bed times, a 20% improvement in arrival to greet times, and a 10-minute decrease in arrival to first order, enhancing patient throughput and care efficiency.
- Implemented strategies that reduced AMA (Against Medical Advice), LWOT (Leave Without Treatment from 2% to just above 1%, improving patient retention and satisfaction.
- Size: 390 beds, Trauma Level: II
Per Diem Nurse
CritiCare Nurse Staffing
04.2014 - 06.2015
Interim Chief Nursing Officer
Ethicus Health System
01.2014 - 04.2014
- Oversaw the closure of a hospital while managing the transition and optimizing resource allocation across a 60-bed LTACH (Long-Term Acute Care Hospital), including a 12-bed ICU, 48 Med/Surg beds, and a 1-bed ER, maintaining an average daily census (ADC) of 39 with a 65% occupancy rate.
- Successfully reorganized the nursing division, incorporating strong nursing leadership and management structures to enhance clinical operations, improve staff performance, and ensure optimal patient care delivery.
- Led a comprehensive overhaul of the Emergency Department (ED), bringing it into full compliance with state and federal regulations, including revamping paperwork and staffing criteria to meet regulatory standards and improve operational efficiency.
- Achieved a $1.3M cost savings in nursing services through strategic resource management and process optimization, ensuring no compromise to the quality of care delivered to patients.
Director, Emergency Services
Community Health Systems (CHS)
02.2013 - 01.2014
- Company Overview: Size: 162 beds, Trauma Level: IV
- Size: 162 beds, Trauma Level: IV
Chief Nursing Officer
Texas Health Ventures Group
01.2011 - 09.2012
- Company Overview: Size: 22 beds, Trauma Level: N/A
- Size: 22 beds, Trauma Level: N/A
Chief Nursing Officer
HealthSouth/Encompass Corporation
04.2010 - 01.2011
- Company Overview: Size: 60 beds, Trauma Level: N/A
- Size: 60 beds, Trauma Level: N/A
Director, Critical Care & Emergency Services
Lifepoint Hospitals
07.2009 - 04.2010
- Company Overview: Size: 60 beds, Trauma Level: Critical Access Hospital
- Size: 60 beds, Trauma Level: Critical Access Hospital
Education
DNP -
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN01.2024
MSN -
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN01.2019
MHA -
University of Texas
Arlington, TX01.2017
ADN -
Park University
Parkville, MO01.2004
Skills
- Collaborative leadership
- Culture transformation
- Team management
- Policy development
Committee Chair Experience
- Nurse Peer Review Committee
- Pressure Injury and Prevention Committee
- Critical Care Committee
- Emergency Services and Operations Committee
- Ethics Committee, co-chair
- Oregon State Board of Nursing, member
Credentials
- DNP
- MSN
- MHA
- RN
- ACHE
Academic Affiliations
- Emory University - Clinical Instructor, Master of Nursing Program
- Sumner College - Departmental Chair of Nursing and Allied Health
- El Paso Community College - Simulation Lab Instructor
- Vista College - LPN Instructor
Timeline
Sr Director, Critical Care Serviceline
HealthLinx
12.2024 - Current
Director of Nursing, Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Emory Healthcare and University
01.2023 - 01.2025
Traveling Nurse Director, Eden Medical Center
NHS Leadership Solutions
09.2022 - 01.2023
Executive Director of Critical Care Service-line
WellStar Healthcare
04.2021 - 09.2022
Traveling COVID Critical Care/Emergency Nurse
Maxim Healthcare
06.2020 - 03.2021
Department Chair, Nursing and Allied Health
Sumner College
02.2020 - 06.2020
Chief Clinical Officer
Vibra Healthcare, LLC
02.2019 - 12.2019
Simulation Lab Instructor
El Paso Community College
12.2018 - 02.2019
Nursing Instructor
Vista College Evening Program
09.2018 - 02.2019
Healthcare Nurse Consultant
MediMetrix Consulting, LLC
10.2016 - 02.2019
Administrative Director, Critical Care Services
Hospital Corporation of America (HCA)
06.2015 - 05.2018
Interim Transitional Traveling Emergency/Trauma Director
HealthTrust/HCA
06.2015 - 10.2016
Interim Transitional Traveling Emergency/Trauma Director
Del Sol Medical Center
06.2015 - 10.2016
Per Diem Nurse
CritiCare Nurse Staffing
04.2014 - 06.2015
Interim Chief Nursing Officer
Ethicus Health System
01.2014 - 04.2014
Director, Emergency Services
Community Health Systems (CHS)
02.2013 - 01.2014
Chief Nursing Officer
Texas Health Ventures Group
01.2011 - 09.2012
Chief Nursing Officer
HealthSouth/Encompass Corporation
04.2010 - 01.2011
Director, Critical Care & Emergency Services
Lifepoint Hospitals
07.2009 - 04.2010
DNP -
Walden University
MSN -
Walden University
MHA -
University of Texas
ADN -
Park University
Similar Profiles
Shatia WestShatia West
Onboarding CCP at American ExpressOnboarding CCP at American Express
Pearl Tonge-RivierePearl Tonge-Riviere
Teacher at Dekalb County School DistrictTeacher at Dekalb County School District
LATYA S. STEELELATYA S. STEELE
Special Education Teacher at DeKalb County School DistrictSpecial Education Teacher at DeKalb County School District
Peta Gaye BowenPeta Gaye Bowen
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ORTHO/NEUROSCIENCE SERVICELINE at BROWARD HEALTH SYSTEMEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ORTHO/NEUROSCIENCE SERVICELINE at BROWARD HEALTH SYSTEM
Beverly A. ShieldsBeverly A. Shields
Sr. Director of Critical at Community Health SystemsSr. Director of Critical at Community Health Systems