Wanda Cooper
North Platte,United States
Summary
Registered Nurse with 38 years of experience in diverse clinical settings, including ER, sexual assault, ICU, medical-surgical, OB, skilled nursing, oncology, mental health, VA populations, long-term care, and assisted living. Consistently deliver comprehensive patient care and delegate tasks based on patient needs and staff competencies. Committed to high-quality care within multidisciplinary teams, and open to new challenges. Recognized for a strong work ethic, adaptability, and interpersonal skills. Skilled at working independently, and mastering new skills quickly. Results-oriented professional with a proven record in process improvement and service line development. Proactive leader with strong communication and collaboration abilities. Proficient in leveraging regulatory requirements through CMS and JCAHO. Evidence-based care. Adept at managing concurrent objectives to promote efficiency and influence positive outcomes.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse in Skilled and Memory support, promoted to Director of Health Care Services
Vetter Senior Living
01.2023 - Current
- Advocated for patients' rights and values during care planning meetings.
- Conducted intake assessments to gather comprehensive case histories from patients and families.
- Coordinated patient admission and discharge processes, ensuring accurate paperwork completion.
- Created, implemented, and evaluated patient care plans collaboratively with the medical team.
- Provided education on self-management, prevention, and wellness to patients and families.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to enhance patient care strategies.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations swiftly and accurately.
- Adhered to infection control procedures, ensuring a safe environment for patients.
- Directed daily operations of staff and resident services within facilities.
Registered Nurse Care Manager
Veteran Administration
North Platte, United States
06.2023 - 09.2025
- Oversaw effective deployment of care coordination and management strategies.
- Facilitates integration of health care services and navigation through complex health care systems, both within the VA and across VA and non-VA care settings.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers and community programs.
- Partnered with veterans to develop personal health plans for improved well-being.
- Led health promotion, disease prevention, and clinical management to support chronic disease care and transitions.
- Collaborated with other team members in the PACT.
- Created and updated personalized care plans for veterans.
- Collaborated with patients’ families, friends, and social supports to develop treatment plans.
- North Platte CBOC
Director of Education and Environmental Support
Gothenburg Health
Gothenburg, NE
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Chartered new hire and ongoing training policies to create continuous development plans.
- Developed class schedules.
- Developed HAL simulator with scenarios to facilitate best quality care in OB, Trauma, ER, and Med Surg patients.
- Implemented the only ALSO class for OB training west of Lincoln.
- Safety Officer.
- Emergency Preparedness Officer.
- Yearly Hazard Vulnerable Assessment (HVA).
- Implementation of the SDS system.
- Implementation of Legionella water plan.
- Oversees daily communications and emergency response.
- Designed disaster drills and implemented drills with community members and local agencies.
- Developed an action plan for the process that needed to be implemented based on findings from the drill.
- Instructor for the CARES program for workplace violence.
- Member of NAQRHS, SONAR, and TRIMIRS; served on the SONAR planning committee.
- Developed and deepened relationships with local municipalities, county departments, and city agencies to facilitate smooth planning and coordination of emergency response.
- Facilitated emergency plan development, response effort coordination, and personnel and equipment exchange with municipalities and county departments.
- Stayed current on federal, state, and local regulations governing emergency response plans.
- Updated emergency preparedness resource materials plan to comply with federal and state regulations.
- Communicated departmental, organizational, and industry information to staff to help each person better carry out organizational goals.
- Created emergency situation status reports to discuss response and recovery efforts.
- Studied successful plans from other locations to assess opportunities to improve program operation.
- Identified practical and potential problems facing emergency services and implemented realistic and successful solutions.
- Inspected emergency facilities and equipment to maintain optimal functional capabilities in emergency situations.
- Conducted regular inspections of facilities to check compliance with fire, hazard, and safety guidelines.
- Supervised safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.
- Managed safety and health programs, enforcing compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.
- Organized and coordinated comprehensive and consistent training drills to increase employee safety awareness.
- Liaised with emergency services, police, and fire to resolve issues and maintain security and service.
- Improved workplace safety and employee productivity by transitioning from manual safety procedures to digital safety management systems.
- Conducted site inspections and audits, recording findings and recommending corrective actions on final reports.
- Inspected premises and work of personnel to identify issues or non-conformity.
- Maintained an adequate supply of approved safety and PPE supplies for the workforce.
- Verified documentation against compliance standards and communicated deficiencies to resolve issues.
- Enforced regulatory policies and procedures across different teams and programs.
- Planned and implemented programs for health care or medical facilities, supporting personnel administration and training.
- Oversaw environmental services and infection control practices.
Director of Nursing
Gothenburg Health
Gothenburg, NE
05.2019 - 09.2022
- Assessed the competency of clinical staff to promote quality, continuity, and safety.
- Oversaw explanation of personnel policies and job descriptions as part of the nursing team member orientation process.
- Directed care and staff to ensure high-quality care.
- Worked on the floor, caring for ER, OB, Med-Surg, and skilled patients.
- Implemented changes needed to correct deficiencies found during government inspections.
- Developed stroke care protocols.
- Developed chest pain management protocols.
- Reviewed incident reports for accuracy and proper notification to family, physicians, and other agencies as required by regulations.
- Coordinated medical and health services in compliance with government regulations and policies set by the board of trustees.
- Reviewed daily documentation of dispensing of controlled substances, immediately noting discrepancies from shift to shift.
- Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private.
- Initiated training and education programs to support healthcare staff.
- Collaborated with the Quality Team to develop outcomes statistics.
- Headed clinical oversight to devise and establish policies, procedures, and best practices in alignment with regulatory requirements.
- Optimized case and clinical management and recommended plans to improve safety and health programs.
Staff Nurse/House Supervisor
CATHOLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES Hospital
11.2018 - 05.2019
- Supervision of employees and management of the overall workings of the organization.
- Caring for mental health patients on the floor. Diagnosis and implementation of care plans.
- Direct patient care: Assessment, development of nursing diagnosis, and interventions.
- Designing PI improvements for the intake of patients.
- Richard Young Mental Health Services
Director of Emergency. House Supervisor
FAITH REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICES
, NE
03.2017 - 11.2018
- Directed the emergency department, clinical decision unit, infusion center, house supervisors, and trauma program.
- Built a unified team and increased customer service scores, improving the quality of care in the emergency department and trauma care.
- Developed a performance improvement team for trauma care.
- Established a Clinical Decision Unit.
- Joint Commission compliant.
- Increased patient flow by implementing strategic procedures.
- Implemented quality programs for the Chest Pain Clinic, including I-Stat for faster cardiac marker turnaround times.
- Maintained EM coding for the ER, Clinical Decision Unit, and Infusion Center.
Nurse Consultant -Department Director /FED director
NORTHWEST TEXAS HOSPITAL
Amarillo, Texas
07.2016 - 03.2017
- Maintained current knowledge of treatment protocols, response requirements, and quality assurance procedures.
- Interacted with patients, families, and physicians.
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving ability by addressing barriers to receiving and validating accurate information.
- Directed patient flow to minimize wait times.
- Accountable for a 30-bed Emergency Department and FED, including overall customer satisfaction.
- Managed a team of 150 professionals.
Nurse Consultant
BE SMITH
Lenexa, Ks
06.2016 - 03.2017
- Maintained updated knowledge with treatment protocols, response requirements, and quality assurance procedures.
- Maintained detailed administrative and procedural processes to improve performance metrics and efficiency.
- Interacted with patients, families, hospital staff, and the general public.
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills by addressing barriers to receiving and validating accurate information.
- Directed patient flow to minimize wait times.
- Ensured compliance with medical/legal requirements and JCAHO standards.
- Demonstrated knowledge of HIPAA Privacy and Security Regulations by appropriately handling patient information.
Nursing Director
Great Plains Health
North Platte, NE
10.2006 - 05.2016
- Collaborated with the Quality Team to develop outcomes statistics.
- Developed a Trauma Program and developed and initiated policies and procedures to standardize care delivery.
- Developed a Stroke Program and initiated policies and procedures to standardize stroke care delivery.
- Developed a nurse residency program.
- Led several quality initiatives, including sepsis, decreasing mortality rates by 50%. Implementation of strategic procedures to manage patients in the emergency.
- Developed and led a multi-disciplinary team to improve patient care and response times.
- Developed and led a multi-disciplinary team for quality assurance and care.
- Led several committees.
- Recognized by the State of Nebraska, NHA, for the care of sepsis patients.
- Director of the Sexual Assault program, Stroke program, and Trauma program. ICU, Med-Surg, and educators. -( during different time frames for ICU., Med-Surg). Developed process improvement teams based on system and clinical problems.
- Obtained trauma designation in 2004.
- Served on the state and regional trauma boards, including the educational, designation, and State Trauma Boards. Designated facilities for trauma designation.
- Lectures Instructor for Trauma Nurse Core Course, Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course, Advanced Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.
- Initiated training and education programs to support healthcare staff.
- Headed clinical oversight to devise and establish policies, procedures, and best practices in alignment with regulatory requirements.
- Optimized case and clinical management and recommended plans to improve safety and health programs.
- Oversight of all budgetary requirements.
- Staff development and disciplinary measures.
- Adhered to all HR policies for new hiring and termination of employees.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
GREAT PLAINS
NORTH PLATTE, NE
08.1998 - 01.2016
- Developed the Sexual Assault Program, the second in Nebraska, and initiated policies and procedures to standardize care delivery.
- Developed the Sexual Assault Response Team, including law enforcement, the District Attorney, and child advocacy representatives.
- Resource for the District Attorney in the prosecution of sex offenders.
- Testified in cases involving sexual assault.
- Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
- Monitored and managed various treatment and care interventions.
- Collected lab specimens, ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests and lab results.
- Sexual assault examination with colposcopy examination and rape kits.
- Maintained the chain of evidence.
- Developed policies and procedures for the SANE/SART program.
- Trained SANE nurses.
- Served on the child advocacy board for the City of North Platte and Lincoln County.
- Worked as part of the sexual assault response team in North Platte, including Rape and Domestic, law enforcement, and the District Attorney.
- Helped develop the Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy program in North Platte.
- Oversaw and developed the sexual assault program at Great Plains, the second in the State of Nebraska.
- Went to hospitals to educate on the collection of a rape kit and evaluation of the sexual assault patient.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting fundamental rights, values, and beliefs.
Oncology Staff Registered Nurse
GREAT PLAINS
NORTH PLATTE, NE
03.2004 - 08.2006
- Promoted a kind, compassionate environment, utilizing active listening and effective communication skills for cancer patients receiving treatment.
- Administered chemotherapy to patients as indicated by the chart instructions given by each physician.
- Provided patients with information on a range of subjects, not limited to side effects from chemotherapy and benefits of proper nutrition during treatment.
- Expertly explained diagnoses to patients and discussed next steps for treatment and care in easy-to-understand terminology.
- Wrote detailed notes regarding patient discussions in patient charts.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable in challenging, stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors, and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
- Coordinated with the healthcare team to establish, enact, and evaluate patient care plans.
Registered Nurse, ER
GREAT PLAINS
NORTH PLATTE, NEBRASKA
05.1996 - 06.2006
- Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
- Cared for cardiac, trauma, burn, cardiopulmonary arrest, trauma codes, cath lab procedures, pediatric burn, and trauma patients. Patients requiring critical care.
- Monitored and managed various treatment and care interventions.
- Collected lab specimens, ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests and lab results.
- Obtained certification in emergency nursing (CEN).
- Instructor for ACLS, PALS, ENPC, and TNCC.
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress, and medication side effects.
- Maintained thorough, accurate, and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies, and standards of care.
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications, and coordinated treatment with other critical care team members.
- Counseled patients and caregivers, providing emotional, psychological, and spiritual support.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows, and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- Collaborated with doctors to plan post-treatment home care and prevent return hospitalization.
- Acted as patient advocate and implemented total patient care through the team nursing process.
Trauma Coordinator
GREAT PLAINS
NORTH PLATTE, NE
10.1998 - 05.2006
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall patient care and response times.
- State of Nebraska Trauma Board, Education Community, Designation Community, Telehealth Community. Assisted in the development of the State of Nebraska Trauma system.
- Trauma Designation visits to the hospital in the State of Nebraska.
- Sat on the Regional Trauma Boards.
- Started the first EMS run review in North Platte. The state of Nebraska recognized the run review, and we were instrumental in helping other hospitals to develop theirs.
- Obtained the first trauma designation for Great Plains.
- Entered data into the state-wide information systems.
- Course Director for TNCC and ENPC.
- Traveled to a community hospital to teach trauma classes.
- Provided care to trauma patients.
- Oversight of all trauma patients in the ER, ICU, and floors.
- Developed a PI trauma team to improve patient care.
- Brought guest speakers for the region to educate providers, RN, EMS, and other disciplines. Developed a yearly trauma symposium.
- Developed policies and procedures for the advancement of trauma care.
- Established solid relations with leadership and staff by attending board meetings and coordinating interdepartmental information exchanges.
- Managed changes in integrated healthcare delivery systems and technological innovations while focusing on the quality of care.
- Developed medical programs that promoted community health and research.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing
Excelsior College
Albany, NY01-2015
BSN -
Excelsior College
Albany, NY05.2012
Associate of Science - Nursing
Mid Plains Community College
North Platte, United States05.1996
Skills
- Patient population management
- Critical thinking
- Multi-tasking
- Triage and patient assessment
- Clinical interventions
- Quality program management
- Regulatory affairs expertise
- Risk management strategies
- Six Sigma green belt training
- Experience in JCAHO-accredited hospitals
- Regulatory compliance knowledge
- Sepsis program development and leadership
- Residency program establishment
- Quality certification pursuit
- Leadership capabilities
- Communication proficiency
- Budget management skills
- Employee relations expertise
- Multi-unit operations management
- Customer-focused approach
- Team development
- Project oversight
- Staffing coordination
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Business operations organization
- Quality improvement initiatives
- Departmental operations management experience
- Quality assurance proficiency
- Operational monitoring strategies
- Emergency preparedness planning
Languages
English, Professional
Timeline
Registered Nurse Care Manager
Veteran Administration
06.2023 - 09.2025
Registered Nurse in Skilled and Memory support, promoted to Director of Health Care Services
Vetter Senior Living
01.2023 - Current
Director of Education and Environmental Support
Gothenburg Health
09.2022 - 06.2023
Director of Nursing
Gothenburg Health
05.2019 - 09.2022
Staff Nurse/House Supervisor
CATHOLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES Hospital
11.2018 - 05.2019
Director of Emergency. House Supervisor
FAITH REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICES
03.2017 - 11.2018
Nurse Consultant -Department Director /FED director
NORTHWEST TEXAS HOSPITAL
07.2016 - 03.2017
Nurse Consultant
BE SMITH
06.2016 - 03.2017
Nursing Director
Great Plains Health
10.2006 - 05.2016
Oncology Staff Registered Nurse
GREAT PLAINS
03.2004 - 08.2006
Trauma Coordinator
GREAT PLAINS
10.1998 - 05.2006
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
GREAT PLAINS
08.1998 - 01.2016
Registered Nurse, ER
GREAT PLAINS
05.1996 - 06.2006
Master of Science - Nursing
Excelsior College
BSN -
Excelsior College
Associate of Science - Nursing
Mid Plains Community College