Heather Killen
Springfield
Summary
Dedicated Nurse Manager with strong leadership and communication skills, experienced in overseeing compliance with healthcare protocols and enhancing staff performance. Focused on delivering high-quality patient care through effective team engagement and operational efficiency.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nurse Manager, Baylis Day Surgery
Springfield Memorial Hospital
Springfield,Il
09.2022 - Current
- Collaborated with healthcare team to ensure adherence to safety protocols.
- 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.
- Participated in training sessions to enhance clinical skills and knowledge.
- Facilitated communication between departments to streamline patient care processes.
- Established and continuously optimized unit schedules and individual work assignments.
Manager, Sterile Processing
Springfield Memorial Hospital
Springfield, Il
05.2019 - 09.2022
- Oversaw compliance with healthcare regulations and quality assurance protocols.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement through regular team meetings and feedback sessions.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
Staff Nurse, Orthopedic Surgeon's Office
Springfield Clinic
Springfield,Il
02.2014 - 05.2019
- Monitored patient vital signs, assessing health status and reporting changes to medical staff promptly.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Demonstrated excellent time management skills while juggling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Educated patients on self-care management, empowering them to take an active role in their overall health and wellbeing.
- Acted as a patient advocate, ensuring their needs were met and their rights protected throughout their healthcare journey.
- Mentored new nursing staff, supporting their professional growth and development.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Main Operating Room Charge Nurse
Springfield Memorial Hospital
Springfield, IL
05.2011 - 02.2014
- Supervised daily operations of surgical team, ensuring optimal patient care and safety protocols.
- Coordinated scheduling and staffing for surgical procedures to maximize efficiency and resource utilization.
- Facilitated communication between surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff to streamline workflow during surgeries.
- Established a culture of open feedback among team members which led to improved collaboration and patient care.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in perioperative care techniques.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Operating Room Registered Nurse
Springfield Memorial Hospital
Springfield, IL
06.2002 - 05.2011
- Collaborated with surgical teams to ensure seamless operation flow and patient care.
- Trained junior nursing staff on operating room procedures and equipment usage.
- Coordinated with surgeons and staff to deliver safe patient care during operations.
- Utilized sterile techniques and infection-control guidelines to maintain clean and safe environment.
- Implemented time-out protocols before starting surgeries, verifying correct patient identification and procedural details.
- Prepared equipment and supplies necessary for each surgical procedure, ensuring availability when needed by surgeons.
- Assisted physicians in operating room by providing necessary supplies and equipment.
- Performed pre-operative assessments to prepare patients for surgery.
- Prepped operating rooms to comply with environmental asepsis standards.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Collected, labeled, and transported specimens and delivered to lab for testing.
- Assisted in complex surgeries with precise execution of tasks, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
- Sanitized, selected and organizing instruments, equipment and supplies according to surgeon preferences.
- Provided high-quality care for diverse patient populations, addressing individual needs and concerns.
- Served as a liaison between the surgical team and family members, providing timely updates on patient progress.
- Provided instruction to patients and family members before and after surgical procedures.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Illinois College
Jacksonville, IL05-2022
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Lincoln Land Community College
Springfield, Illinois, IL05-2002
Skills
- Staff supervision
- Critical thinking
- Quality improvement
- Department management
- Staff leadership
- Hiring and terminations
- Staff coaching and mentoring
- Task delegation
- Staff assignments
- Multitasking and organization
Certification
CNOR - December 2025
Timeline
Nurse Manager, Baylis Day Surgery
Springfield Memorial Hospital
09.2022 - Current
Manager, Sterile Processing
Springfield Memorial Hospital
05.2019 - 09.2022
Staff Nurse, Orthopedic Surgeon's Office
Springfield Clinic
02.2014 - 05.2019
Main Operating Room Charge Nurse
Springfield Memorial Hospital
05.2011 - 02.2014
Operating Room Registered Nurse
Springfield Memorial Hospital
06.2002 - 05.2011
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Illinois College
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Lincoln Land Community College