Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Yolanda Tapia

PEORIA,AZ

Summary

Dynamic clinical leader with a proven track record at Life Care Center of Scottsdale, enhancing patient care coordination and improving clinical quality outcomes. Skilled in quality improvement and team collaboration, I established rigorous quality assurance processes, significantly reducing hospital readmission rates while fostering a culture of continuous improvement among staff.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Clinical Services

Life Care Center of Scottsdale
01.2020 - 01.2025
  • Improved interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering strong working relationships among medical professionals for optimal patient outcomes.
  • Championed best practice sharing among departments, resulting in more consistent execution of patient care processes and improved outcomes.
  • Boosted staff morale with regular recognition for exceptional work performance and contributions to the team''s overall success.
  • Established rigorous quality assurance processes, monitoring key performance indicators closely to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality clinical services across all departments.
  • Streamlined clinical operations for improved efficiency through effective staff management and resource allocation.
  • Collaborated effectively with other organizational leaders on cross-functional projects, further improving overall service offerings available to patients and their families.
  • Spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing community outreach efforts, increasing visibility and reputation within the local market as well as beyond.
  • Reduced hospital readmission rates with the development of comprehensive discharge planning processes.
  • Conducted comprehensive audits to ensure clinical services adhered to established standards, maintaining a high level of accountability across the organization.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging staff input on process enhancements and best practices adoption.
  • Coached and trained newly hired employees so that each understood job responsibilities and requirements of positions.
  • Monitored, analyzed, and corrected staff performance and worked with nurse manager to raise standards of practice.
  • Developed, implemented, revised, and evaluated policies and procedures.
  • Worked with nurse manager to develop nursing staff through education, evaluation, performance management, and competency improvement.
  • Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
  • Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
  • Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
  • Interviewed and hired highly talented individuals bringing great skills and passion to daily jobs.
  • Provide ongoing case management to patients to implement appropriate treatment plan, adhere to quality models and maximize utilization of services needed to achieve optimal outcomes.

Infection Preventionist /Asst. Director of Nursing

Life Care Center of N Glendale
01.2017 - 12.2019
  • Provided comprehensive training for staff on proper hand hygiene, personal protective equipment usage, and other infection control practices to minimize risks.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for effective infection prevention strategies and policy development.
  • Served as a liaison between departments to facilitate communication regarding best practices in infection prevention and control.
  • Facilitated ongoing risk assessments for healthcare-associated infections by identifying potential vulnerabilities in current practices or systems and recommending strategies to address these concerns.
  • Developed targeted educational materials to raise awareness among patients, families, and visitors about the importance of infection prevention measures.
  • Investigated outbreaks and revamped control measures to prevent future incidents.
  • Supported quality improvement initiatives by analyzing data trends over time to identify areas for potential enhancements in infection prevention efforts.
  • Evaluated hospital-onset and healthcare-acquired infections by conducting root cause analysis.
  • Developed strong working relationships with public health officials to ensure timely notification of reportable communicable diseases within the community.
  • Identified and mitigated unnecessary infection risks through regular reviews and procedural assessments.
  • Oversaw committees, investigations and surveillance focused on preventing COVID-19 outbreaks.
  • Surveilled ongoing infections to verify adequate data collection, control procedures and current staff interventions.
  • Kept teams operating in accordance with latest epidemiological research and sound care practices.
  • Utilized surveillance software tools effectively for ongoing monitoring of infection rates and trends within the organization.
  • Developed strong relationships with community partners to facilitate continuity of care for patients transitioning between healthcare settings.

Assistant Director of Nursing

Bella Vita Health and Rehabilitation
02.2017 - 01.2018
  • Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
  • Collaborated with staff, management, and external groups to coordinate patient care.
  • Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents, and families.
  • Managed nursing schedules and budgets, streamlining processes for cost savings while maintaining high-quality patient care.
  • Coordinated with physicians on complex cases, ensuring seamless communication among healthcare professionals involved in patient care.
  • Established and monitored infection control programs to provide safe, sanitary environment to prevent transmission of disease and infection.
  • Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing overall service delivery within the facility.
  • Facilitated continuing education and training programs to drive staff competency and professional development.
  • Developed comprehensive care plans for patients, ensuring optimal health outcomes and patient satisfaction.
  • Established strong relationships with community partners to expand access to healthcare services beyond facility walls.
  • Created customized care plans, working with hospital staff and families to assess and meet individual needs.

Registered Nurse Unit Manager

Palm Valley Rehabilitation Center
02.2015 - 02.2017
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients with complex needs.
  • Improved patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and protocols.
  • Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
  • Streamlined patient admissions process, reducing wait times and improving overall satisfaction.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.

Charge Licensed Practical Nurse

Trillium Specialty Hospital
01.2005 - 02.2015
  • Improved patient outcomes by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and documenting relevant information.
  • Performed wound care management with meticulous attention to detail, minimizing the risk of complications or infections.
  • Facilitated seamless shift transitions by establishing clear handoff procedures between incoming and outgoing nursing staff members.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.
  • Promoted a positive work environment through effective conflict resolution strategies among nursing staff members when necessary.

Education

Associate of Science - Licensed Practical Nurse

Metro Tech
Phoenix, AZ

Associate of Science - Registered Nurse

ITT Technical Institute
Phoenix, AZ

Bachelor of Science - Nursing Science

University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ

Skills

  • Clinical leadership
  • Patient safety
  • Healthcare management
  • Quality improvement
  • Patient care coordination
  • Case management
  • Care review
  • Attention to detail
  • Organizational skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Team collaboration
  • Improving clinical quality outcomes

Certification

  • Wound Care Certification ( WCC) Wound and Healing Training - National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy ( NAWCO) 1991

Timeline

Director of Clinical Services

Life Care Center of Scottsdale
01.2020 - 01.2025

Assistant Director of Nursing

Bella Vita Health and Rehabilitation
02.2017 - 01.2018

Infection Preventionist /Asst. Director of Nursing

Life Care Center of N Glendale
01.2017 - 12.2019

Registered Nurse Unit Manager

Palm Valley Rehabilitation Center
02.2015 - 02.2017

Charge Licensed Practical Nurse

Trillium Specialty Hospital
01.2005 - 02.2015

Associate of Science - Licensed Practical Nurse

Metro Tech

Associate of Science - Registered Nurse

ITT Technical Institute

Bachelor of Science - Nursing Science

University of Phoenix