Perioperative nurse with over three decades of delivering the highest level of clinical care.

• Furthered the field by serving as an educator and mentor to future generations of perioperative professionals

• Researched and developed Best Practices for staff development

• Expanded personal nursing practice in the fields of Legal Nurse Consulting, Quality Improvement, Advocacy, and Case Management

• Extensive experience in curriculum development and project management within the operating room

• Direct involvement in community organizations to support future healthcare practitioners

• Successfully built strong relationships within the Medical Device Industry providing a variety of services as requested to meet client needs

• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills

• Committed to the implementation of nursing theory and concepts in clinical practice

• Dedicated to values of education and lifelong learning.

• Faculty of the Year; University of Phoenix - San Francisco Bay Area Campuses
  Student-awarded recognition for outstanding instruction: 1996 and 1998

• Clinical Ladder Designation / Staff Nurse IV
  Alta Bates Summit Medical Center- Oakland, CA: 2014-present

• University of San Francisco: Master of Science Nursing, San Francisco, CA - 1991

• San Francisco State University: Bachelor of Science Nursing, San Francisco, CA - 1984

• CCM: Certified Case Manager / Commission for Case Management Certification: 2009- present

• Certificate of Mastery in Education / Completed pre-Expo CCI course- Denver, CO: 2017

• CNOR: Certified Nurse in the Operating Room / Competency and Credentialing Institute: 1993-present

• PEP: Parent Educator Program / Certified by the Center for Human Development- Contra Costa County, CA: 1997- present
  This is a volunteer in a program for elementary school-age children focusing on health promotion, building self-esteem, and encouraging positive life choices.

• PHN: Public Health Nurse / Certified by the California Board of Registered Nursing: 1984- present

• “The Peri-Operative Nurse Entrepreneur” - Under development for publication submission

• American Nurses Association (ANA) National Affiliate Member: 2008- present

• American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC): 2006-2009

• Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) - Omicron Delta Chapter: 2003-present

• California Nurses Association (CNA): 1991- present

• Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) - Chapter #0512 AORN of The SF Bay Area, member # 131348: 1986-present

• 2022 - AORN Spring Education Workshop: Presenter - The Nurse Entrepreneur, May 7, 2022

• 2019 - Sutter Health Annual Nursing Symposium: Presenter - Prevention of SSIs, June 28, 2019

• 2018 - Sutter Health Annual Nursing Symposium: Presenter - Best Practices for Patient Positioning, June 2 and Sep. 15, 2018

• AORN Chapter Co-President: 2021-2022

• Poster Co-Presenter (Adriene Clark-Wilkerson) AORN Surgical Conference & Expo: Poster #133 “Impact of Perioperative Transition in Practice Programs on Nursing Retention and Return on Investment”: 2020

• AORN Chapter Co-President: 2017-2018
  Utilized well-established industry partner relationships to support monthly and annual chapter education events including but not limited to Stryker (Kevin Lobo- Chairman & CEO), Ethicon, Medtronic, Xodus, Encision, Edwards Lifesciences, Covidien etc.

• Chapter Delegate to AORN Surgical Conference & Expo: 2017-2022

• Competency & Credentialing Institute CCI- CNOR coach: 2016-present
  Using CCI Instructor Kit conducted 4-day review class for staff resulting in 10 newly certified staff nurses. Proposed and received Alta Bates Summit Medical Center administration approval for purchase of CCI plaque to acknowledge CNOR nurses in the department. This was expanded to include recognition plaques for certified Surgical and Anesthesia Technologists.

• Chairperson for AORN Chapter Annual Education Event: 2017-2022
  * 2017- Rosenblum Cellars Winery- Oakland, CA. - Secured vendor support to meet budget requirements yielding 100% profit for the chapter from maximum (65) attendee registration
  * 2018- Meritage Resort and Spa- Napa, CA. - Secured multiple Medical and Nursing Experts as presenters including Linda Groah. Again, captured full vendor support to meet budget requirements yielding 100% profit for the chapter from maximum (150) attendee registration in this California Destination location
  * 2019- Meritage Resort and Spa- Napa, CA. - With committee collaboration, successfully planned and implemented education event at the Meritage Resort and Spa. Attended by AORN CEO/Executive Director Linda Groah and multiple Board Members Missi Merlino, Holly Ervine (also a presenter), and Liz Pincus

• Attendee AORN Surgical Conference & Expo: 2014- 2022

• Customer Experience Certificate Program Advisory Board Member
  California State University East Bay: 2021-2022

• Mentor-Mentee Program Volunteer
  University of San Francisco Office of Alumni Engagement: School of Nursing: 2020 / Acting in the mentor role, as a seasoned professional, the University partnered me with a graduate nursing student to serve as their mentor in preparation for the NCLEX and guidance in securing employment.

• Surgical Technology Advisory Board Committee Member
  Mount Diablo Adult Education Program- Concord, CA: 2018- present

• Surgical Technology Advisory Board Committee Member
  Skyline Community College- San Bruno, CA: 2017-present

• “Art Appreciation Program” Parent Volunteer
  Mount Diablo Unified School District; Walnut Creek, CA: 1997-2005

Educator

*Sutter Health University (SHU) - Sacramento, CA: 2016-2022

• Instructor for implementation of AORN’s Peri-op #101 curriculum for the SHU RN Transition in Practice (TIP) Program.
  Subject matter expert and developer for curriculum redesign/update for TIP Program
  Instructor for SHU Preceptor Foundation Course, a two-day course providing the concepts and Best Practices for preceptors as they prepare to precept/orient new employees.

*Alta Bates Summit Medical Center- Oakland, CA: 2012- present

• Acted as liaison between Samuel Merritt University(SMU), AORN and Sutter Health to reintegrate a perioperative elective course within the SMU BSN curriculum (removed over 50 years ago)

• Creation and implementation of training and education plan for new Hybrid OR with scheduled opening for mid-September 2020. Staff includes OR and Cath Lab personnel.

• Responsibilities include but are not limited to, creating/conducting Learning Needs Assessments, content determination specific to basic skills, identifying teaching and evaluation methodologies, vendor coordination, establishing training timeline, meeting project management timeline goals, and tracking staff completion of training materials.

• Responsible for planning and implementing weekly in-services for all shifts; securing 8-12 free contact hours annually.

• Created all training and ongoing resource materials for staff as the department transitioned to the Electronic Health Record format.

• Determined annual required competencies utilizing Donna Wright’s model. Created appropriate training materials for those not in attendance at the primary presentation.

• Revised Senior Technologist Application (a parallel clinical ladder process for ORT’s) to reflect current standards of practice and clinical advancements.

• Participated in multidisciplinary committee to generate Standard Work (SW) for multiple processes involving all OR team members utilizing LEAN principles.

• Created and implemented training plan for all OR staff (RN’s, Surgical and Anesthesia Technologists, and ancillary personnel).

• Conducted ongoing audits to monitor adherence to SW.

• Created standardized orientation materials for all OR team member positions

• Curriculum development and initiation of a peri-operative capstone clinical rotation for BSN and Accelerated BSN nursing students for our associated school of nursing (Samuel Merritt University-SMU). This is an application-based program. I serve as the liaison with the clinical coordinators at SMU. Since its inception in 2016 we have offered a 240 hour/14-week clinical experience to 20 students. I remain in contact with all 20 students and 6 have secured employment as peri-operative nurses and 2 more with interviews pending July 2020.

• Created curriculum for a 1-day Robotics Orientation and Training program incorporating measurable competency skills evaluation tools.

• Serve as the “Go Clear” point person to promote a smoke free surgical environment. With Administrative and Supply Chain support have initiated a 3-vendor trial program with outcome expectation of smoke evacuation bovie for all surgical procedures.

• After collaboration with Medical and Anesthesia Staff wrote a detailed step-by-step protocol from case scheduling to extubation of Covid 19 positive/PUI surgical patient. Included was full staff training of the process, donning/doffing, and procurement of required PPE and process supportive supplies.

• Participate in multi-affiliate committees to create policies specific to prevention of Retained Surgical Items, fire safety, and Universal Protocol.

• Past Member/Chairperson of Quality Improvement/CQI Committee for Surgical Services.

• Facilitator for the Continuous Learning Center teaching courses focused on customer service and diversity

• Acted as liaison between Samuel Merritt University(SMU), AORN and Sutter Health to reintegrate a perioperative elective course within the SMU BSN curriculum (removed over 50 years ago)

• Creation and implementation of training and education plan for new Hybrid OR with scheduled opening for mid-September 2020. Staff includes OR and Cath Lab personnel.

• Responsibilities include but are not limited to, creating/conducting Learning Needs Assessments, content determination specific to basic skills, identifying teaching and evaluation methodologies, vendor coordination, establishing training timeline, meeting project management timeline goals, and tracking staff completion of training materials.

• Responsible for planning and implementing weekly in-services for all shifts; securing 8-12 free contact hours annually.

• Created all training and ongoing resource materials for staff as the department transitioned to the Electronic Health Record format.

• Determined annual required competencies utilizing Donna Wright’s model. Created appropriate training materials for those not in attendance at the primary presentation.

• Revised Senior Technologist Application (a parallel clinical ladder process for ORT’s) to reflect current standards of practice and clinical advancements.

• Participated in multidisciplinary committee to generate Standard Work (SW) for multiple processes involving all OR team members utilizing LEAN principles.

• Created and implemented training plan for all OR staff (RN’s, Surgical and Anesthesia Technologists, and ancillary personnel).

• Conducted ongoing audits to monitor adherence to SW.

• Created standardized orientation materials for all OR team member positions

• Curriculum development and initiation of a peri-operative capstone clinical rotation for BSN and Accelerated BSN nursing students for our associated school of nursing (Samuel Merritt University-SMU). This is an application-based program. I serve as the liaison with the clinical coordinators at SMU. Since its inception in 2016 we have offered a 240 hour/14-week clinical experience to 20 students. I remain in contact with all 20 students and 6 have secured employment as peri-operative nurses and 2 more with interviews pending July 2020.

• Created curriculum for a 1-day Robotics Orientation and Training program incorporating measurable competency skills evaluation tools.

• Serve as the “Go Clear” point person to promote a smoke-free surgical environment. With Administrative and Supply Chain support have initiated a 3-vendor trial program with outcome expectation of smoke evacuation bovie for all surgical procedures.

• After collaboration with Medical and Anesthesia Staff wrote a detailed step-by-step protocol from case scheduling to extubation of Covid 19 positive/PUI surgical patient. Included was full staff training of the process, donning/doffing, and procurement of required PPE and process supportive supplies.

• Participate in multi-affiliate committees to create policies specific to prevention of Retained Surgical Items, fire safety, and Universal Protocol.

• Past Member/Chairperson of Quality Improvement/CQI Committee for Surgical Services.

• Facilitator for the Continuous Learning Center teaching courses focused on customer service and diversity

*Holy Names College, Oakland, CA: 2003-2004

• Clinical Coordinator; Responsible for securing clinical placements for all BSN students throughout the state
  Instructor; clinical component of the Nursing Leadership Course

*Hospital Consortium, Burlingame, CA: 2000-2003

• Continuing Education Instructor; Seminar facilitator for multiple continuing education courses geared toward the professional healthcare worker.

*Kaiser Hospital; Hayward, CA: 1996-1997

• Consultant for curriculum development and implementation of a pilot program for a new patient care delivery model.

*University of Phoenix; San Francisco Bay Area Campuses: 1995-2003

• Faculty Member School of Nursing for BSN and MSN programs 1995-2003

• Interim Department Chair- School of Nursing and Health Service Programs: 2002-2003

*Insight Out; Waltham, MA: 1991-2001

• Education Consultant; contract seminar leader for courses specific to the operation room and geared toward employees of medical product industry partners.

Clinical Experience

*Alta Bates Summit Medical Center; Oakland, CA: 1991-present

• Staff Nurse II then IV; Responsible for total patient care in both the scrub and circulator roles across multiple service lines.

• Charge Nurse and Relief Charge Nurse

*Chinese Hospital; San Francisco, CA: 1985-1990

• Staff Nurse II Perioperative and Post Anesthesia Care Units; direct patient care (1986-1990)

• Staff Nurse II Medical Surgical Unit; direct patient care (1985-1986)

• Medical Device Industry Education and Training Consultant: 2021-present (self-employed)

  • Peri-operative and Education expert to advise private industry and provide tools/materials for training, in-house education, and support of sales strategies/marketing team

• Legal Nurse Consultant: 2006-present (self-employed)

  • Extensive experience in medical record review, participating as expert witness at trial, depositions, and interpretation of discovery.

• Leiff, Cabraser, Heimann, & Bernstein, LLP; San Francisco, CA: 2005-2006

  • Responsible for complete medical record review, assessment, analysis, and summary of findings. Extensive research, communication, computer, and critical thinking skills were utilized. Required self-motivated and detail-oriented work ethic. Implementation of expert knowledge in conjunction with a high degree of accuracy achieved.

• Liberty Mutual Insurance Group; Dover NH: 2006-2009

  • Medical Disabilities Nurse Case Manager (Territory- Monterey to Napa, CA): At the insurance carrier level, provided medical and disability case management for injured workers employed by insured accounts. Injuries ranged from minor to catastrophic, including death. Required implementation of all phases of the Nursing Process at mastery level. Regularly interfaced with customers, claims department, injured workers, and medical providers. Position required excellent written, computer, and verbal communication skills Within 3 months of hire met and/or exceeded production parameters and performance criteria.