Kathleen Carpenter
SELBYVILLE
Summary
Professional nurse with strong background in clinical care and leadership. Adept in managing healthcare teams, improving patient outcomes, and implementing efficient care protocols. Strong focus on team collaboration, reliability, and adapting to changing needs. Skilled in patient assessment, critical care, and staff training, with results-driven approach.
In addition, very detail oriented, compassionate with exceptional communication skills and committed to driving quality improvements and optimizing patient care delivery.
Overview
51
51
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Director
National Institutes of Health, NIH
Bethesda, Maryland
07.2011 - 04.2023
- Procured 50 to 75 float pool nurses, 150 to 250 contract nurses, 25 Patient Care Technicians, and 20 sitters
- Provided onboarding, orientation, continual education, mentoring, and evaluation for the individuals hired above
- In addition, I was the oversight person for the nurse scheduling system, patient acuity system, development, implementation, and monitoring of the nursing department's budget
- Supervised 7 Nursing Supervisors who were responsible for the functioning of the hospital during the off-shifts
- In addition, I was directly responsible for approximately 15 to 220 professional nurses and ancillary personnel who were responsible for staffing and workforce planning on a day to day basis
Nurse Manager
National Institutes of Health, NIH
Bethesda, Maryland
06.2010 - 07.2011
- Twenty-four hour accountability for 4 outpatient clinics and 1 diagnostic area
- Directed daily nursing operations to ensure high-quality patient care and compliance with healthcare standards.
- Interviewed, hired, oriented and evaluated approximately 40 professional nurses and ancillary personnel
- Developed staffing and performance plans, while coaching and counseling personnel as needed
- Developed and implemented staff training programs to enhance clinical skills and knowledge retention.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams across 17 institutes to optimize patient treatment plans and enhance health outcomes
- Evaluated staffing needs, schedules, and budgets to maintain efficient department operations and resource allocation.
- Educated other nurse managers across all clinics in the utilization of data management tools, measurements, report findings, and corrective action plans to achieve a successful accreditation process
- Participated in numerous nursing department committees such as the Clinical Practice Committee, Recruitment and Retention Committee to name a few
- Developed, edited, and evaluation numerous policies and procedures, utilizing evidence based practice for the nurses to follow
Clinical Nursing Liaison (Nursing Supervisor)
Washington Hospital Center
Washington, DC
05.2008 - 06.2008
- Covered 42 nursing units in a 907 bed, acute care, Level 1 Trauma Center
- Had direct line supervision for approximately 275 nursing personnel and indirect responsibility for over 200 ancillary personnel
- Facilitated communication between medical staff and patients to enhance service delivery and patient satisfaction.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary meetings to align departmental goals and improve collaboration across teams.
- Streamlined referral processes, enhancing efficiency in patient management workflows.
- Interviewed, assisted in hiring, evaluating performance, and provided disciplinary action when needed
- Developed training materials for new staff, ensuring consistent understanding of policies and procedures.
- Projected and allocated resources, rounded on patients and families, audited documentation, collaborated with physicians, and provided conflict resolution when needed
- Directed Code Blues and Rapid Responses
- Personal contributions outside my duties and responsibilities were the organization of the staffing office; development of policies and procedures for nursing; created action plans to increase the satisfaction of the physicians and patients; and I participated in hospital committees such as the Pain Management Committee, Capacity Management Committee, and the Wound Management Committee
Head Nurse (Nurse Manager)
Washington Hospital Center
Washington, DC
04.2006 - 05.2008
- Twenty four hour accountability for a 34 bed, medical/surgical unit that included over 35 professional nurses with various expertise
- Led nursing teams to enhance patient care quality and safety standards.
- Devised and implemented staffing plans to provide optimum care
- Developed and implemented evidence-based protocols to improve clinical outcomes.
- Mentored junior nurses, fostering professional growth and skill development.
- Developed and implemented a shared governance model for clinical practice which improved staff accountability for improved patient outcomes
- Designed and implemented a new reporting system for the unit that decreased nursing response time, decreased patient complaints, and increased physician satisfaction
- Participated in numerous hospital committees such as Pain Management, Restraints, Wound Care, and Documentation
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to streamline patient management processes.
- I decreased the length of stay for patients through the implementation of interdisciplinary plannings meetings
- I was adept at problem solving, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention in this position. I received a commendation from the corporate office for increasing both staff and physician satisfaction and morale
Director of Admissions
Washington Hospital Center
Washington, DC
03.2001 - 04.2006
- Directed the administrative and clinical operations for over 3000 inpatient visits and over 6000 outpatient ambulatory care visits per year
- Led cross-functional teams to streamline admissions workflows and improve operational efficiency.
- Analyzed admission trends and data to inform policy adjustments and decision-making.
- Developed and implemented numerous policies and procedures that increased insurance verification and financial clearance thus generating increased revenue for the hospital
- In addition, I was responsible for the bed placement of patients
- Researched and developed standards for the registrars and financial counselors, increasing performance and revenue for the hospital
- In addition, I developed monitoring systems to track productivity, errors in registration, and the efficiency of bed placement
- Reviewed, selected, and implemented new technology for both the registration process and capacity management that increased the efficiency of other systems within the hospital
- I received a $5000.00 monetary bonus for my collaboration with the medical staff, as well as my ability to streamline the registration process and efficiently increase revenue
Clinical Specialist
Washington Hospital Center
Washington, DC
10.1991 - 03.2001
- Led clinical training programs, enhancing staff competencies in patient care protocols.
- Implemented quality assurance measures, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.
- Developed patient education materials, improving understanding of treatment options and procedures.
- Developed nursing policies and procedures; Quality Assurance Program to prepare for regulatory inspections
- Lectured on a variety of topics to enhance clinical care both in the hospital and at numerous conferences and seminars throughout the United States; I also lectured for Wythe Laboratories on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus
- Formally evaluated nursing staff for nursing and clinical competency
- Participate on several hospital committees such as Pharmacy, Quality Assurance, Documentation, and the Joint Commission Prep to name a few
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize care plans for diverse patient populations.
Nurse Consultant
Prince Georges County Health Department
Cheverly, Maryland
01.1987 - 06.1997
- Led strategic health initiatives to enhance community wellness and disease prevention programs, specifically the development of a Nursing Data Base
- Created, educated, and implemented Nursing Diagnoses and "SOAP" documentation format
- Developed a training manual or the above
- Developed patient education materials
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to implement evidence-based practices in patient care.
- Performed the simultaneously while performing my Nurse Manager role at NIH
Clinical Nursing Supervisor
Washington Hospital Center
Washington, DC
09.1990 - 10.1991
- Responsible for approximately 150 direct personnel and 200 indirect personnel in the General Surgery/Shock Trauma Nursing Division on the evening shift (15 nursing units)
- Oversaw nursing staff to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and quality standards.
- Implemented patient care protocols that enhanced safety and improved clinical outcomes.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary team meetings to promote collaboration and communication among healthcare providers.
- Developed training programs for nursing staff, improving skills and fostering professional growth.
- Developed a Clinical nursing Supervisor's orientation manual
Nurse Manager
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, Maryland
09.1986 - 12.1990
- Directed daily nursing operations to ensure high-quality patient care and compliance with healthcare standards.
- Developed patient care and nursing standards for the Heart, lung, and blood and the Critical Care Service. These standards were utilized as the basic structure for the Nursing Department's Quality Assurance program
- Devised a committee structure for the unit that led to self governance, thus increasing unit morale
- Created operating guidelines and mechanisms for incorporating research protocols into nursing practice
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient treatment plans and enhance health outcomes.
- Collaborated and negotiated with physicians and scientists in the determination of the clinical ramifications, research impact, and safety issues for targeted patient populations
- Evaluated staffing needs, schedules, and budgets to maintain efficient department operations and resource allocation.
- Identified and provided learning opportunities for staff development and professional growth - serval staff members became public speakers and published under my tenure
- Precepted graduate students from several universities for their practicum in the field of Nursing Management
- I developed a Nurse Manager orientation manual for the nursing division
- Frequently preformed the role of Chief Executive Officer when she was away
- Taught several topics in the Critical Care Course
- Led quality assurance initiatives that improved patient safety protocols and reduced adverse events in the unit.
- Personal contributions were lecturing throughout the United States at various conferences and publishing during my time in this position
Weekend Home Health Care Supervisor
Colonial Health Care
Washington, DC
12.1984 - 11.1986
- Supervised daily operations to ensure compliance with health care regulations and standards.
- Conducted patient care visits performing patient assessments, monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and performed procedures prescribed by physicians such as dressing changes, respiratory treatments, and patient education
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced operational efficiency within the team.
- Coordinated scheduling and staffing to maintain optimal coverage during peak hours.
- I performed these duties on the weekends while I was a Nursing Instructor
Clinical Nurse Instructor
Suburban Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland
08.1984 - 09.1986
- Provided staff orientation
- Developed and implemented educational programs for nurses continual education enhancing clinical competencies.
- Facilitated hands-on training sessions
- Provided numerous lectures in the Critical Care internship program
- Developed, tested, and perfected a computerized Patient Classification System
- Created a position description for the Clinical Nursing Instructors
- Developed training manual for the Emergency Room Receptionists
- I was the Cardio-Pulmonary Instructor for the hospital
- Evaluated performance through assessments, ensuring alignment with clinical standards.
Evening Nursing Supervisor
Suburban Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland
10.1981 - 08.1984
- Managed the evening shift for a 365 bed, acute community hospital
- Allocation and reallocation of staff to meet patient needs
- Supervised nursing staff to ensure quality patient care during evening shifts.
- Coordinated emergency response protocols, enhancing patient safety and staff preparedness.
- Monitored patient conditions, identifying critical changes and escalating issues promptly.
- Conducted performance evaluations, providing feedback to improve team effectiveness and morale.
- Drafted press releases for the media when needed
- Personal contributions included the development of an Emergency Weather and a Patient Search and Seizure Policy and Procedure for the hospital; Developed job descriptions for the Nursing Supervisors; developed a Clinical/Management orientation manual for new supervisors
Acting Clinical Director for Critical Care
Suburban Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland
02.1982 - 04.1982
- Led clinical operations to enhance patient care quality and safety standards for 6 Critical Care Units (ICU, CCU, Progressive Care, Emergency Room, Operating Room, and the Recovery Room
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to improve departmental efficiency.
- Mentored and guided multidisciplinary teams to achieve optimal performance outcomes.
- Analyzed clinical data to inform decision-making and drive process improvements.
- Personal contributions during this time were the development of a Trauma Protocol for the hospital
- Acted as a liaison between the Intensive Care Physician's committee, the Director of Nurses, and the CEO
Medical/Surgical Head Nurse
Suburban Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland
11.1980 - 10.1981
- Directed nursing staff to ensure high-quality patient care and adherence to hospital protocols on a 33 bed unit
- Implemented evidence-based practices to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary team meetings to optimize patient treatment plans and foster collaboration.
- Mentored nursing staff, providing guidance on best practices and professional development opportunities.
- Since this was a time during a nursing shortage, approximately 50% of my time was providing patient care
Critical Care Staff Nurse/Charge Nurse
Suburban Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland
05.1978 - 11.1980
- Administered critical care treatments and medications per established protocols.
- Monitored patient vital signs, identifying changes and responding promptly to emergencies.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized patient care plans.
- Educated patients and families on post-discharge care, enhancing understanding and compliance.
- Created Staffing Assignments and Filled Call-ins as needed
Retail Sales Associate
The Hecht Company
Silver Spring & Bethesda, Maryland
06.1972 - 08.1978
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving issues efficiently.
- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring accurate stock levels and timely replenishment.
- Maintained visual merchandising standards, enhancing product displays to attract customers.
- Processed transactions quickly and accurately, contributing to smooth sales operations.
- I performed these duties and responsibilities throughout high school and in the summer months of my college years
Education
Master of Arts - Health Care Management
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI1984
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Clemson University
Clemson, SC05-1978
Skills
- Clinical leadership
- Disaster planning
- Compassionate care
- Patient care planning
- Published
- Lectured
Timeline
Program Director
National Institutes of Health, NIH
07.2011 - 04.2023
Nurse Manager
National Institutes of Health, NIH
06.2010 - 07.2011
Clinical Nursing Liaison (Nursing Supervisor)
Washington Hospital Center
05.2008 - 06.2008
Head Nurse (Nurse Manager)
Washington Hospital Center
04.2006 - 05.2008
Director of Admissions
Washington Hospital Center
03.2001 - 04.2006
Clinical Specialist
Washington Hospital Center
10.1991 - 03.2001
Clinical Nursing Supervisor
Washington Hospital Center
09.1990 - 10.1991
Nurse Consultant
Prince Georges County Health Department
01.1987 - 06.1997
Nurse Manager
National Institutes of Health
09.1986 - 12.1990
Weekend Home Health Care Supervisor
Colonial Health Care
12.1984 - 11.1986
Clinical Nurse Instructor
Suburban Hospital
08.1984 - 09.1986
Acting Clinical Director for Critical Care
Suburban Hospital
02.1982 - 04.1982
Evening Nursing Supervisor
Suburban Hospital
10.1981 - 08.1984
Medical/Surgical Head Nurse
Suburban Hospital
11.1980 - 10.1981
Critical Care Staff Nurse/Charge Nurse
Suburban Hospital
05.1978 - 11.1980
Retail Sales Associate
The Hecht Company
06.1972 - 08.1978
Master of Arts - Health Care Management
Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Clemson University
Professional Publications
The Gastrointestinal Chapters 19 and 2o. Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice. Fifth Edition, 1991.
Litzenberger, R., Marden, S., Jacobs, K., Bray, S., "Hyperlipidemia Patient: A Case Study of a Young Adult." Cardiovascular Nursing Journal. January, 1981.
Litzenberger, R., Marden, S., Jacobs, K., Bray., "The Hyperlipidemia Patient." Nursing, 1990