Deborah Anne Merza
West Dundee,Illinois
Summary
Nurse leader with over 15 years of experience in nursing through various clinical settings, including critical care, telemetry, medical surgical, and orthopedics. Currently held a Master's degree in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner specialty with a Board certification in Critical Care and Progressive Care. Nurse Clinical Manager at Ascension St. Francis Hospital managing a total of 60 direct reports and while pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in Healthcare Systems Leadership, with the goal of enhancing knowledge and skills in healthcare management, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice to provide superior, patient-centered, and comprehensive nursing care, while cooperating with interdisciplinary teams, mentoring novice nurses, and committed to driving positive patient outcomes and fostering collaborative team environment.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Nurse Manager
Ascension St. Francis Hospital
355 North Ridge Avenue, Evanston Illinois
01.2024 - Current
- Responsible for planning and monitoring adult medical-surgical/telemetry unit and managing everyday staffing, associate development and performance reviews, payroll and scheduling, quality patient outcomes and budgeting.
- Consistently maintaining above 100% productivity
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to support professional growth of nursing staff members.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Managed budgets and controlled costs, achieving financial targets without compromising patient care quality.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients with complex needs.
- Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses earned time off.
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
- Developed and implemented quality improvement initiatives to provide best possible patient care and identify and address areas of concern.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by maintaining accurate records and staying up-to-date on industry standards.
- Served as a key point of contact between nursing staff, physicians, administration, and other healthcare professionals.
- Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise.
- Improved patient satisfaction scores by fostering a team-oriented environment among nursing staff.
- Managed 40 nurses, 20 CNAs, 20 Hemodialysis nurses and nursing activities for 44 -bed capacity unit in hospital by providing comprehensive nursing guidance and maintaining outstanding patient satisfaction and care standards.
- Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
Assistant Clinical Manager 3N/3W Orthopedic and Observation Unit
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
450 IL-22, Barrington, Illinois
04.2023 - Current
- Managed 60 employees with various personalities and from different cultures for large 30+ physician practice.
- In collaboration with the clinical manager, managing patient care delivery to optimize patient outcomes, customer satisfaction, and resource management
- Utilized appropriate computer systems to effectively manage staffing, scheduling, payroll, supply management, and budget reports to optimize patient outcomes while maintaining judicious use of resources
- Enforced policies and procedures to produce positive patient outcomes, delivered timely feedback, and utilized the corrective action process as necessary
- Provided support and orientation to staff as well as charge nurse
- Accountable for all initiatives that improve patient satisfaction, including hourly rounding and service recovery
- Held staff accountable for all initiatives that improve patient safety and health outcomes
- Fostered a Shared Governance environment by supporting staff engagement via attendance at meetings or facilitating time for project work
- Promotion and support of an environment that is conducive to staff growth development and autonomy
- Promoted the STEPs program by identifying RN's who may be potential STEP's candidates and providing support to RN's who have applied for STEPs promotion, in collaboration with the Clinical Manager and APN/Educator
- Participated in developing the strategic plan, direction for the unit, and utilizing CQI techniques, in collaboration with the Clinical Manager and others
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory agency standards (i.e
- Federal, state, Accrediting Organization, IDPH) and all hospital policies and procedures
- Assisted with the achievement and established benchmarks, including NDNQI
- Collaborated with physicians and residents to facilitate compliance with regulatory and documentation requirements
- In the absence of the clinical manager, assumes the responsibility of the clinical manager role, in collaboration with the Nursing Director
- Implement short and long-term staffing plans to include position management and staff selection, in conjunction with the clinical manager
- Conducted assigned performance reviews
- Identified opportunities to facilitate Evidence-Based Practice
Assistant Clinical Manager 3N/3W Orthopedic and Ob
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
450 IL-22, Barrington, Illinois
11.2022 - 01.2024
- Promoted the mission, vision, and values of the organization
- Assessed patient care requirements on each unit, by making rounds in the Emergency Department (ED), and all other areas of the hospital (according to departmental need/activity)
- Assess the acuity of care required by the patient
- Developed and implemented shift staffing plans based on patient acuity, patient census, and available staff
- Served as a resource to staff for solving clinical problems
- Assisted staff in efficiently utilizing staffing resources to meet patient care requirements and other professional responsibilities
- Provided immediate follow-up, documentation, and communication of incidents to the appropriate manager and director
- Respond to emergency situations (RRT, Code Blue) and assist as necessary
- Acted as a resource in identifying and/or solving administrative/operational problems
- Anticipated actual/potential problems that may occur on their shift and set shift priorities accordingly
- Worked collaboratively with nursing and ancillary staff to solve problems fairly and consistently
- Contacted representatives of departments not presently in the hospital for assistance with problem-solving in a timely and appropriate
- Assisted staff in interpreting change in a positive manner
- Assisted staff in providing a safe work environment for patient care
Charge Nurse Medical - Surgical/Telemetry Staff Nurse Float Team
University of Chicago
5841 S Maryland Avenue, Chicago Illinois
12.2020 - Current
- Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care plans
- Prepares and administers (orally, subcutaneously, through an IV) and records prescribed medications
- Reports adverse reactions to medications or treatments in accordance with the policy regarding the administration of medications by a licensed registered nurse
- Educates patients on surgical procedures
- Records patients' medical information and vital signs
- Monitors and adjusts specialized equipment used on patients and interprets and records electronic displays
- Initiates corrective action whenever the patient displays adverse symptomatology surgery patients
- Provides bedside care for a wide variety of medical patients, including pre-and post-surgical
- Initiates patient education plan as prescribed by the physician
- Teaches patients and significant others how to manage their illness/injury by explaining: post-treatment home care needs
- Changes dressings, insert catheters and starts IVs
- Prepares equipment and aids physicians during the examination and treatment of a patient
- Responds to life-saving situations based on nursing standards and protocol
- Participates in discharge planning
- Records all care information concisely, accurately, and completely, on time, in the appropriate format, and on the appropriate forms
Charge Nurse Cardiac Care Registered Nurse II
Swedish Covenant Hospital
5140 North California Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
10.2016 - 11.2018
- Initiated IV therapy including cardiac drips and titrating and monitored blood transfusion
- Maintaining central line activity - redressing subclavian, porta Cath, PICC and other central lines utilizing sterile techniques
- Worked under supervision of cardiologist in treating critically ill cardiovascular patients including those recovering from pacemaker or angioplasty heart surgery
- Delivered high quality patient care in a number of different clinical settings including telemetry and post-surgical
- Monitored Cardio and vascular readings for patients
- Setting up rooms and prepared patients for Cardioversions, Bubble study and TEE; Assisted physician with these procedures
- Provided Recovery Care for Cardiac Patients Providing safe patient care on cardiac telemetry floor including specialty drips, sheaths from Cath lab, post-stroke patients from ICU
- Provided close monitoring of adults for arrhythmias, Post STEMI patients, patients who are under TPA cardiac and post peripheral diagnostic and intervention procedures
- Monitored IABP post procedure
Registered Nurse Staff II Stroke/Cardiac Tele Unit
Swedish Covenant Hospital
5140 North California Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
04.2014 - 11.2016
- Evaluated patient care needs, prioritized treatment, and maintained patient flow
- Assisted doctors with surgeries and non-invasive procedures
- Authorized drug refills and provided detailed prescription information to pharmacies
Registered Nurse Staff II Cardiac Care Unit (CCU)
Swedish Covenant Hospital
5140 North California Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
04.2014 - 11.2016
- Initiated IV therapy to include; antibiotic therapy with cardiac drips and monitored blood transfusion
- Maintained central line activity; redressing subclavian, porta Cath, PICC and other central lines utilizing sterile techniques
- Delivered high quality patient care in a number of different clinical settings including telemetry and post-surgical
- Setting up room and prepared patients for Cardioversions and TEE; Assisted physician with these procedures
- Provided safe patient care on cardiac telemetry floor including specialty drips, sheaths from Cath lab and post-stroke patients from ICU
- Provided acute and close monitoring of adults, acute and chronic disease for arrhythmias, cardiac and peripheral diagnostic procedures and interventions
Monitor Technician
Swedish Covenant Hospital
5140 North California Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
04.2013 - 03.2014
- Interprets patients heart rhythm
- Calling nurses in regards with patient's rhythm abnormalities
- Monitored patients heart rhythm hourly
- Making sure telemetry boxes numbers are up to date and counted properly
CNA and Unit Secretary at Cardiac Care Unit
Swedish Covenant Hospital
04.2013 - 03.2014
- Maintained accurate records of patient care, condition, progress and concerns
- Helped patients move in and out of beds, baths, wheelchairs and automobiles
- Assisted with patient transfer and ambulation
- Performed clerical duties, such as word processing, data entry, answering phones and filing
- Answered call lights and aided in patient comfort and safety by adjusting beds, lights, bed rails, pillows, patients' clothing and bedside tables/equipment
- Member in good standing with Nurse Aide Registry
Nurse Clinical Instructor Operating Room
Lyceum Northwestern University
Dagupan City, Philippines
12.2006 - 10.2010
- Maintained sterile field by selecting and handling sterile instruments and supplies used for the operation
- Directs and assist sterile members includes surgeons and assistants
Nurse Educator and Nurse Clinical Instructor
Lyceum Northwestern University
Dagupan City, Philippines
12.2006 - 10.2010
- Directs, manages and evaluates student learning in the clinical setting
- Prepared clinical teacher assistants and preceptors for their teaching activities and approaches specific to the level of the learner and course's outcomes
- Assisted the student in integration of theory and practice, specific to the course's learning activities and level of the learner
- Is available at all times the student is in the clinical setting
- Directly observes and guides students' learning activities with clients Evaluates students in clinical as related to the Program outcomes
- Participated as a member of the course team in the course's development and evaluation activities with the lead faculty
- Provided feedback to the lead faculty (or to clinical faculty coordinator) regarding the clinical setting's effectiveness in supporting student accomplishment of the course and program outcomes
- Collaborated with the unit manager and staff so that the presence of students and their activities are supportive of the unit's goals and needs
- Provided feedback to the lead teacher or to clinical faculty regarding the clinical setting's effectiveness in supporting student accomplishment of the course and program outcomes
- Served as a liaison between the clinical agency and school of nursing
Education
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Healthcare System Leadership
Chamberlain University
1221 N Swift Rd, Addison Illinois 6010110.2026
Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner
Chamberlain University
1221 N Swift Rd, Addison Illinois 6010105.2021
Master of Arts - Nursing
Lyceum Northwestern University
Philippines10.2010
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Lyceum Northwestern University
Philippines03.2006
Skills
- Department management
- Staff leadership
- Hiring and terminations
- Patient education and advocacy
- Compliance oversight
- Utilization management
- Quality controls
- Multidisciplinary care coordination
- Nursing team oversight
- Policy optimization
- Quality Improvement
- Utilization review
- Staff assignments
Professional Affiliations and Membership
- Student Member, AANP American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 04/01/22, Present
- Ambassador, AACN American Association of Critical Care Nurses, 12/01/18, Present
- Member, AACN American Association of Critical Care Nurses, 12/01/18, Present
- Member, American Nurses Association, 02/01/22
Additional Skills Training
- Daisy Award (2017) nominee
- Unit Based Council Active Member
- Magnet Champ/Ambassador University of Chicago
- Planning and Coordination
- Charge Nurse
Credentials
- MSN
- CCRN
- PCCN
Licensure and certification
- Registered Nurse (RN), NCSBN Illinois Board of Nursing, 05/31/26
- Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN), AACN
- Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN), AACN
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), CPR Associates, 04/01/26
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Basic Life Support, American Heart Association, 04/01/26
Timeline
Nurse Manager
Ascension St. Francis Hospital
01.2024 - Current
Assistant Clinical Manager 3N/3W Orthopedic and Observation Unit
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
04.2023 - Current
Assistant Clinical Manager 3N/3W Orthopedic and Ob
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
11.2022 - 01.2024
Charge Nurse Medical - Surgical/Telemetry Staff Nurse Float Team
University of Chicago
12.2020 - Current
Charge Nurse Cardiac Care Registered Nurse II
Swedish Covenant Hospital
10.2016 - 11.2018
Registered Nurse Staff II Stroke/Cardiac Tele Unit
Swedish Covenant Hospital
04.2014 - 11.2016
Registered Nurse Staff II Cardiac Care Unit (CCU)
Swedish Covenant Hospital
04.2014 - 11.2016
Monitor Technician
Swedish Covenant Hospital
04.2013 - 03.2014
CNA and Unit Secretary at Cardiac Care Unit
Swedish Covenant Hospital
04.2013 - 03.2014
Nurse Clinical Instructor Operating Room
Lyceum Northwestern University
12.2006 - 10.2010
Nurse Educator and Nurse Clinical Instructor
Lyceum Northwestern University
12.2006 - 10.2010
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Healthcare System Leadership
Chamberlain University
Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner
Chamberlain University
Master of Arts - Nursing
Lyceum Northwestern University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Lyceum Northwestern University