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 * Leadership Solutions
   * Transitional Leadership
   * Project Management
   * Interim Leadership
   * Permanent Leadership
 * Magnet®
 * Pathway to Excellence®
 * Assessments
 * Resources
 * About
   * Careers
   * Our Team
 * Nurse Leader Careers

Client Portal Login


HEALTHLINX® PROVIDES HOSPITALS WITH NURSE LEADERS AT THE EXECUTIVE, DIRECTOR AND
MANAGER-LEVEL


—


HEALTHLINX IS THE #1 MAGNET® & PATHWAY TO EXCELLENCE® CONSULTANT


MED-SURG TRANSITIONAL LEADERSHIP

CASE STUDY

View Case Study


PARTNER ACHIEVES MAGNET® WITH DISTINCTION

LOYOLA MEDICINE MACNEAL

Learn More


LEARN ABOUT HEALTHLINX® AND OUR EXPERTISE

We are obsessed with transforming healthcare facilities into great places to
work that always deliver elite patient care. 


NURSE EXECUTIVES, DIRECTORS AND MANAGERS 



Our specialty is providing short or long-term Nurse Leadership to support our
healthcare clients’ needs. This often means placing leaders in underperforming
or leader-vacant hospital units to hardwire sustainable change and position the
department for permanent leader success.


NURSING EXCELLENCE CONSULTING



We help our clients utilize the framework of Magnet® & Pathway to Excellence® to
improve organizational and nursing performance, culture and outcomes not only to
achieve designation, but also to showcase significant financial benefits.

Transitional Leadership
View Interim Leaders
See our Magnet Solutions
See our Pathway Solutions


NURE EXECUTIVES, DIRECTORS AND MANAGERS



Our specialty is providing short or long-term Nurse Leadership to support our
healthcare clients’ needs. This often means placing leaders in underperforming
or leader-vacant hospital units to hardwire sustainable change and position the
department for permanent leader success.

View Interim Leaders
Transitional Leadership


NURSING EXCELLENCE CONSULTING



We help clients utilize the framework of Magnet® & Pathway to Excellence® to
improve nursing performance and outcomes not only to achieve
designation/redesignation, but also singificant financial benefits.

See our Magnet Solutions
See our Pathway Solutions


ARE YOU A NURSE LEADER?



HealthLinx® was built over 25 years ago on our ability to place leaders all over
the U.S.

View Open Positions


YOUR HEALTHLINX CLIENT PORTAL



Nursing Excellence clients have access to their own client portal site that
serves as a home-base for their journey.

It is a singular location in which to find assessments, monthly and quarterly
reports, project plans, and tools such as writing templates.




REQUEST A CLIENT PORTAL DEMO



“HealthLinx has been an awesome find for our organization. They have been
instrumental in providing us with an excellent CNO, Interim ED Director and a
new ED Director.”

– VP-HR


TESTIMONIALS

“There was very little time for hesitation, and [HealthLinx] ability to answer
my questions and ease concerns supported my ability to assist with the
preparation for a successful … re-designation.”

– Director of Professional Practice & Research and MPD


RESOURCES

MED-SURG TRANSITIONAL LEADERSHIP – VIDEO CASE STUDY #3082

Sep 4, 2024

A Transitional Leadership Project in a large Med-Surg unit reduced falls,
implemented LPNs and reduced Agency use saving $1 Million+

HEALTHLINX’ FIRST CLIENT TO ACHIEVE MAGNET WITH DISTINCTION: LOYOLA MEDICINE,
MACNEAL HOSPITAL

Aug 22, 2024

We are beyond proud to celebrate our partner, Loyola Medicine’s MacNeal Hospital
in their achievement of Magnet® with Distinction!

CONGRATULATING OUR PARTNERS ON DESIGNATION ACHIEVEMENTS!

Sep 4, 2024

HealthLinx is proud to help clients achieve nursing excellence designation and
would like to give a big congratulations to these recent designees!

NURSE MANAGER SPAN OF CONTROL

Aug 29, 2024

The Nurse Manager’s (NM) role has evolved over time. Their workload has
increased, as most are responsible for multiple departments.

MED-SURG TRANSITIONAL LEADERSHIP – VIDEO CASE STUDY #3082

Sep 4, 2024

A Transitional Leadership Project in a large Med-Surg unit reduced falls,
implemented LPNs and reduced Agency use saving $1 Million+

CONGRATULATING OUR PARTNERS ON DESIGNATION ACHIEVEMENTS!

Sep 4, 2024

HealthLinx is proud to help clients achieve nursing excellence designation and
would like to give a big congratulations to these recent designees!

NURSE MANAGER SPAN OF CONTROL

Aug 29, 2024

The Nurse Manager’s (NM) role has evolved over time. Their workload has
increased, as most are responsible for multiple departments.

HEALTHLINX’ FIRST CLIENT TO ACHIEVE MAGNET WITH DISTINCTION: LOYOLA MEDICINE,
MACNEAL HOSPITAL

Aug 22, 2024

We are beyond proud to celebrate our partner, Loyola Medicine’s MacNeal Hospital
in their achievement of Magnet® with Distinction!

View More


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© HealthLinx 2024

Magnet® and Pathway to Excellence® are registered trademarks of the American
Nurses Credentialing Center. The products and services of HealthLinx are neither
sponsored nor endorsed by ANCC.
All Rights Reserved.

×



JEANNE SCHUPPE

MSN, RN, CEN, AIM
VP OF ACCOUNTS & ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY

Small Rural & Large Urban Facility Experience

Passion for Capacity Management

Created a System Command Center

Learn More About Jeanne
Cheryl Bailey

Cheryl Bailey, MBA, BSN, RN is a Vice President of Accounts and Organizational
Strategy with HealthLinx. Cheryl’s goal is to provide positive change for
hospital leaders in quality, culture, patient satisfaction, process and
financial performance. Cheryl’s strong record of delivering results and building
relationships helps to ensure outcomes are met. In her 35-year nursing career
she has experienced a variety of cultures and situations in which she has been
successful in creating positive change.

Strengths
Cheryl’s strengths include building successful teams through exceptionally
strong communication and interpersonal skills. Her ability to see the big
picture has lead to success in all areas.

Background
Prior to joining HealthLinx, Cheryl served in various roles in a number of
facilities ranging from Critical Access Hospitals to large medical centers. Job
duties included Patient Care Tech, Staff RN, Charge Nurse, Director, Executive
Director, Chief Nursing Officer, Senior Vice President and Interim Chief
Executive Officer. Cheryl traveled for the past seven years assisting hospitals
as Interim CNO, Onsite Administrator and Performance Improvement Director.

Education
BSN, Auburn University
MBA, University of North Alabama

 

 

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Amy Shelton

Amy Shelton, MSN, RN, NEA-BC is a Vice President of Accounts and Operational
Strategy at Healthlinx. She received her MSN from the University of South
Alabama in Mobile.

Amy is a seasoned healthcare professional with over 30 years of experience in
nursing and hospital operations. She has demonstrated her leadership prowess in
various healthcare settings, including acute care community hospitals,
ambulatory surgery centers, and rural and critical access hospitals. Amy’s
commitment to her profession is evident through her active membership in the
American Nurses Association, Alabama Nurses Association, and her board
certification as a Nurse Executive- Advanced, with the ANCC. Her achievements
span across nursing excellence, healthcare quality improvement, serviceline
development and improvement, nurse recruitment and retention programs, ED and
hospital throughput improvement projects, and alternative staffing models,
showcasing her ability to drive positive change in the industry.

Selected Accomplishments

• Achieved CMS 5 Star hospital rating
• Achieved Leapfrog grade “A”
• Patient experience outcomes in the 90th percentile
• Expansion of cardiology service line with physician recruitment, project
management for new cardiac cath labs, cardiac imaging, and post-procedure
recovery unit.
• Transition of PPS to CAH
• Implementation of swing beds and 340B Federal Drug Pricing Program
• 34% reduction in primary C-section rates
• Operationalized a nine-bed OBED and OB Laborist program
• Operationalized critical care intensivist program, decreasing ICU LOS by 1.9
days
• Implemented Inpatient/ED throughput process resulting in a decrease in ED
boarding time

 

X
Gina Shelley

Gina Shelley, DNP, MS, RN, CENP, NPD-BC, is a Vice President Nursing Excellence,
Project Management with Healthlinx. Gina has 16 years of professional nursing
experience including direct care, project management, professional development,
specialty department management, and nursing practice. Gina served as the Magnet
Program Director and system Magnet leader. Gina holds two certifications:
executive nursing practice (CENP) through the American Organization of Nurse
Leaders (AONL) and nursing professional development (NPD-BC) through the
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

 

Gina’s Outcomes:

 * Led two Magnet® applications and site visits for successful re-designations
   (2018, 2023)
 * Mentored new Magnet Program Directors within the system for document writing
   and site visit preparation
 * Served as site coordinator for NDNQI® data collection
 * Collaborated with system leaders to create a standardized nursing shared
   governance council structure and orientation
 * Spearheaded a certification support program, increasing the certification
   rate among med-surg nurses
 * Primary investigator of a research study focused on patient experience and
   satisfaction
 * Managed vascular access and inpatient wound departments, improving CLABSI and
   HAPI quality metrics

 

Career Summary:

A nurse leader with extensive experience in practice and quality improvement,
project management, and shared governance. Gina is doctoral-prepared and is a
respected facilitator,  leader and mentor.

 

Professional Experience:

 * Vice President Nursing Excellence, Program Management, Healthlinx (present)
 * Nursing Practice Innovation Director, MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
   (2018-2024)
 * Magnet Program Director, MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center (2016-2014)
 * Professional Development Specialist, MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
   (2015-2019)
 * Clinical nurse med-surg and critical care (2008-2015)

 

Education:

 * Doctor of Nursing Practice, University of Maryland School of Nursing
 * Master of Science, Health Services Leadership & Management, University of
   Maryland School of Nursing
 * Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Villa Jullie College

 

Professional Memberships:

 * American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL)
 * Association of Nursing Professional Development (ANPD)
 * American Nurses Association (ANA)
 * Maryland Nurses Association (MNA)

 

 

X
Jeanne Schuppe

Jeanne brings over 30 years of clinical and leadership expertise in healthcare
with experience in small rural facilities as well as suburban and urban trauma
centers. She has a passion for capacity management and strategies to improve
patient access to care and decrease frustrations of caregivers that can lead to
burnout. She recognizes that caregivers who are more fulfilled at work improve
the quality, safety, and experience of care for patients.

Jeanne has experience in optimizing patient flow and throughput in individual
departments, individual hospitals, as well as across a healthcare system. She
has led teams to change culture by creating system standard work for patient
flow and a sense of urgency in getting patients to the right care at the right
time. She served as Operational Leader to create a Healthcare System Command
Center, while partnering with Clinical Informatics to develop Command Center
Dashboards to improve visibility and transparency across the health system. She
has been recognized by community and Healthcare Coalition leaders as being
highly collaborative in sharing expertise regarding capacity management
strategies, meaningful data, and in helping improve coordination among urban,
rural, and critical access hospitals. Moreover, Jeanne has promoted an
environment the focus and decisions are based on patients and improving access
to care.

Jeanne has a successful track record of supporting healthcare executives to
complete action planning related to regulatory deficiencies that align with CMS
standards while promoting cultural stability to ensure changes are sustained and
leaders are coached to monitor ongoing compliance.

Prior to HealthLinx, she started Jeanne Schuppe LLC, as an interim nurse
administrator, Jeanne reduced ED hold times by 92% by implementing demand
capacity matching throughout the hospital. Jeanne accomplished this by building
a team of hospital supervisors, charge nurses, therapy leaders, and
environmental services members who were focused on timely discharges, pulling
admissions out of the ED when beds were ready, and optimizing resources for
environmental services. Additionally, Jeanne successfully piloted and opened a
discharge lounge and Inpatient Hallway Bed Program to improve ED efficiency and
decrease walkout rates. Jeanne has a variety of experience leading other teams
in both inpatient and outpatient areas.

 

X
Hannah Cassell

As a Senior Leadership Consultant, Hannah has more than 10 years of progressive
experience working for some of the nation’s top healthcare recruitment and
consulting firms.  In her current role, she provides guidance, advocacy, and
transition support to nursing leaders throughout the country while demonstrating
an authentic approach to relationship building, leadership coaching, and project
management.

×
Amy Veit

Amy Veit, MSN, RN, CPHQ is a Vice President Nursing Excellence, Project
Management with HealthLinx. Amy has 27 years of professional nursing experience
including direct care, project management, healthcare quality, and leadership.
Amy most recently served as a Magnet Program Director and Performance
Improvement Advisor. She has been involved in the Magnet Designation process for
seven years, both as a writer as well as leading two successful Magnet
redesignations. Amy is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality and a
member of the National Association for Healthcare Quality.  

 

Amy’s Outcomes 

 * Led two successful Magnet redesignations for a four-time Magnet designated
   organization, both going directly to site visit (2018, 2023) 
 * Prepared the organization for two successful site visits 

 * Served as the site coordinator for NDNQI 
 * Led the shared governance structure, aligning the work of each council and
   individual unit-based councils with the organization’s strategic goals 
 * Served as the system liaison for the RN engagement surveys 

 

Other Outstanding Outcomes 

 * Clinical expert in nursing sensitive outcomes, patient satisfaction, and
   nurse satisfaction data analysis and improvement 

 * Served as an improvement advisor for a variety of improvement projects 
 * Project Manager for Nursing Annual Reports 
 * Skilled in data collection, interpretation and presentation 
 * Lead, educated and coached an organization through transformation to a Just
   Culture 

 

Career Summary 

A master’s-prepared and professionally certified nurse leader with project
management, performance improvement, shared decision making and nursing quality
expertise. Amy has extensive experience working with nursing and
interprofessional teams to achieve Magnet and drive other quality outcomes.  

 

Professional Experience 

 * Vice President Nursing Excellence Project Management, HealthLinx 
 * Magnet Program Director, UnityPoint Health, Cedar Rapids 
 * Performance Improvement Advisor, UnityPoint Health, Cedar Rapids 
 * Staff Nurse, Pre/Post Surgery, Surgery Center Cedar Rapids 
 * Staff Nurse, Inpatient Surgery and PACU, Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids 

 

Education 

 * Master of Science in Nursing, Mount Mercy University, Cedar Rapids, IA 
 * Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Mount Mercy College, Cedar Rapids, IA 

 

Professional Affiliations 

 * National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) 
 * Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) 

 

 

X
Katherine Riley

Katherine Riley, MSN, RN is the Senior Vice President Nursing Excellence,
Project Management with HealthLinx. Katherine has over 30 years of professional
nursing experience that includes direct care, leadership, and professional
development. She has served in a variety of nursing leadership positions
including senior director, ACNO, and Interim CNO. In these roles, she has guided
several organizations to successful Magnet® designation and re-designation.
Katherine is a nationally recognized expert and speaker on nursing excellence
and Magnet®. She is board certified as a Nurse Executive through the American
Nurses Credentialing Center and holds a Green Belt in Six Sigma. She is a member
of the American Nurses Association, Vermont Nurses Association, American
Organization of Nurse Executives, Vermont Organization of Nurse Leaders, and
Sigma Theta Tau International.

Katherine’s Outcomes
• Led successful Magnet® designations, both initial and re-designations
• Led successful initiative for the first hospital of fewer than 100 beds to
achieve Magnet® designation
• Authored several articles and white papers on Magnet® and the culture of
nursing excellence
• Lectured regionally and nationally on topics including the culture of Magnet®,
Magnet® designation in a small community hospital, shared decision-making, and
evidence-based practice
• Faculty member for RN to BSN nursing program

Other Outstanding Outcomes
• Led the redesign of a nursing department using Lean Six Sigma principles to
improve quality outcomes and efficiency, reduce expenses, and increase nursing
satisfaction
• Redesigned a shared governance model to streamline decision-making, improve
communication, increase efficiency and effectiveness, and increase nursing
satisfaction
• Established a Nursing Clinical Scholar program to provide clinical nurses with
compensated time and clinical expertise to develop and implement research and
evidence-based practice projects
• Developed and implemented a staff-driven, salary model of compensation for
clinical nurses on a Women’s and Children’s unit to increase nursing
satisfaction and decrease overtime

Career Summary
Katherine is a nurse leader with extensive experience in program development,
strategic planning, project management, and staff development. She is
master’s-prepared and board certified through the ANCC, and is a respected
coach, mentor and facilitator.

Professional Experience
• HealthLinx Senior VP Nursing Excellence, Project Management, Columbus, Ohio,
2022-Present
• HealthLinx VP Nursing Excellence, Project Management, Columbus, Ohio,
2012-2022
• 2010-2012 Saratoga Hospital, Director Professional Practice and Magnet®
Program Director
• 2012-present Chamberlain College of Nursing, Visiting Professor
• 2010-2012 Southern Vermont College, Adjunct Faculty
• 2009-2010 Independent Leadership Consultant
• 1985-2009 Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
o Interim CNO(2009)
o Assistant Vice President Nursing Performance Excellence (2005-2009)
o Director Integrated Clinical Services & Access Services (2003-2005); Magnet®
Program Director (2001-2009)
o Director Imaging Services (1999-2003)
o Director Radiation Oncology (1995-2003)
o Director Medical-Surgical Services (1992-1999)
o RN Med-Surg, PACU (1985-1992)

Education
• Master of Science in Nursing, University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Southern Vermont College, Bennington, VT
• Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, Maria College, Albany, NY

Professional Affiliations/Appointments
• 2012 ANCC Continuing Education Task Force: Abstract Review
• 2006-present Sigma Theta Tau, Tau Kappa Chapter
• 1998-present American Organization of Nurse Executives
• 2002-present American Nurses Association
• 1994-present Vermont Organization of Nurse Leaders
• Vermont Educational Loan Repayment Program for Nurses: Selection Committee
Member

Publications
• 2006 Shared Governance: A Practical Approach to Reshaping Professional Nursing
Practice. HCPro: Contribution Author
• Author of several published articles and white papers on ANCC Magnet®
Recognition Program

×
Brad Robinson

Brad Robinson is a Executive Vice President of Accounts & Organizational
Strategy with Healthlinx. In this role, Brad strives to provide hospital leaders
transformational improvements in culture, quality, patient satisfaction, process
and financial performance. Brad’s main goal is to collaborate with hospital
leaders to ensure improved quality and patient experience and create healthy
cultures. HealthLinx’ proven processes along with Brad’s many years of clinical
and operations experience provides the perfect solution to hospitals in need of
change and improvement. Brad understands the unique challenges hospital leaders
face today in balancing excellent clinical outcomes while managing tight margins
in this new era of healthcare reform.

 

Strengths

Brad’s strengths include an unrelenting passion for clinical excellence,
persistent operational successes, and an unforgiving dedication to patient
safety and satisfaction. He achieves top decile outcomes performance by leading
and engaging teams across all disciplines within organizations.

 

Background

Prior to joining HealthLinx, Brad served in clinical and leadership roles in a
number of facilities ranging from medium sized community based non-profit
hospitals to large urban academic medical centers, including:

 * Urban Level II Trauma Center, tertiary medical center with large neurological
   destination program.
 * Multi-hospital system in suburban setting, accredited in Trauma, Chest Pain,
   Stroke and Orthopedics.
 * Suburban Level II Trauma Center, top decile performance in Cardiovascular
   Services
 * Transitional Leadership across multiple facilities and service lines

 

Selected Accomplishments:

 * Successfully led CVICU to AACN Beacon Designation
 * CABG SCIP ACS of 100% for two straight years
 * Increased number of nationally certified nurses by 400%
 * Decreased LWOBS from 7.5% to >1.5%
 * Successfully led ICAEL & ICAVL reaccreditation
 * Managed multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement service line
   programs that were fully accredited and produced market share growth.
 * Employed team building initiatives that improved nursing engagement scores
   and reduced overall voluntary nursing turnover.
 * Successfully developed and executed merger of ultrasound and vascular
   sonography
 * Maintained financial operations within budgets and targets. Implemented a
   variety of expense reduction and productivity enhancement strategies.

 

Education

Ashford University, Masters Business Administration, Healthcare Administration

Methodist College of Nursing, Bachelors of Science, Nursing

×
Marilyn Morales

Dr. Marilyn Pearson Morales, PhD, RN-BC, FNP, is a Vice President Nursing
Excellence, Project Management with HealthLinx. She has over 40 years of
professional nursing experience, having served as Family Nurse Practitioner,
Director of Nursing Professional Development, Practice and Research; Director of
Education; and Assistant Professor of Nursing. Dr. Pearson Morales has been
responsible for several Magnet® designations, including several as co-author.
She has extensive experience as an executive for nursing education, professional
development, nursing practice, shared governance, evidence-based practice and
research, and authoring annual nursing reports. Dr. Pearson Morales has served
as faculty at three colleges and universities, as well as primary investigator
for four nursing studies, and co-authored a published paper on RN satisfaction
and NDNQI indicators. Marilyn is board certified through the American Nurses
Credentialing Center in Nursing Professional Development. She is also a member
of the Virginia Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, She is a
Certificate Holder Fundamentals of Magnet®.

Dr. Morales’ Outcomes
• Co-director and co-author of two successful Magnet® initiative documents
• Editor of nursing annual reports
• Development and implementation of nursing orientation, education and
professional development
• Design and implementation of staff clinical ladder to align with Magnet®
Sources of Evidence
• More than $1.3 million in grants to support nursing education, certification
and research
• Clinical expert in nursing practice, procedures and standards
• Faculty member for associate degree, bachelor’s and master’s-level nursing
programs
• Site visit prep team
• More than 30 professional nursing presentations

Other Outstanding Outcomes
• Management and leadership
• Budget management
• Patient education
• Nursing Continuing Education and Staff Development
• Shared governance
• Preceptor for nurse practitioner students
• Clinical care map development

Career Summary
Dr. Morales is an experienced nurse consultant who has led major nursing
initiatives, projects and grants. She is a PhD-prepared nurse executive who is
respected by nursing colleagues and has excellent communication and project
management skills.

Professional Experience
• Currently VP Nursing Excellence, Project Management HealthLinx, Columbus, Ohio
• Director of Nursing Professional Development, Practice and Research,
University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (2006-2012)
• Director of Corporate Education, INOVA Loudoun Hospital , Leesburg, Virginia
(2002-2005)
• Assistant Professor of Nursing, Northern Virginia Community College
(1997-2002)
• Nursing Case Manager, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington,
D.C. (1995-1997)
• Clinical Nurse Educator, Borgess Medical Center, Michigan (1986-1994)
• Staff Nurse, Borgess Medical Center, Michigan (1981-1986)
• Staff Nurse, Three Rivers Area Hospital, Michigan (1980-1981)

Education
• Doctor of Philosophy, Nursing, University of Virginia
• Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, Georgetown University
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Michigan

Professional Affiliations/Appointments
• North Carolina Organization of Nurse Executives Research Collaborative
(2009-2013)
• Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Vice President of
local chapter (2010-2013), member since 1985
Association of Nursing Professional Development
(1987-present)

×
Kristin Whitehead

DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC
30 years of healthcare experience in Prehospital-Emergency-Critical Care
Services, Inpatient Acute Care, Long-Term Acute Care, Administrative Nursing
Services, Magnet®, Baldrige Performance Excellence and executive leadership. Dr.
Whitehead is board certified as a Nurse Executive through the American Nurses
Credentialing Center, is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, and serves as a Baldrige
Performance Excellence Examiner.  She holds a Master of Business Administration
and a Doctor of Nursing Practice with a focus on Executive Nursing Leadership
from Texas Christian University.   

 

Kristin’s Outcomes

• Built strategic alliances with ED, Acute Care and Perioperative teams
resulting in 85th percentile patient satisfaction in ED, improved throughput
(reduced ED LOS by 20%), and implementation of change management concepts (rapid
cycle testing).

• Defined strategy/business plan for Wound Care/Ostomy Services resulting in
generation of revenue stream increase of 100% and increased volume by 50%.

• Engaged employees resulting in satisfaction of 90th percentile for 4
consecutive years.

• Achieved ANCC Beacon Award- Gold level in 2015 for performance excellence in
the Critical Care Unit (lead writer)

• Implemented sepsis program in collaboration with Joint Commission Centers for
Transforming Healthcare (CTH), won “Quality and Innovation Award” in 2014 and
realized a 24% reduction in mortality rate equating to 38 lives saved in one
year.

• Oversaw nursing quality as the NDNQI Site Coordinator leading to outcomes in
CAUTI, CLABSI, HAPU, and falls that outperform the Magnet® mean by more than
50%.

• Led Trauma Program to increase in patient census by 29%.

• Implemented Concussion Program/Clinic that quadrupled initial volume
projections.

• Created “DART” (Discharge, Admission, Resource, and Transport) team that has
been nationally recognized for best practices around admissions, medication
reconciliation, and throughput.

 

Career Summary
Kristin has extensive knowledge and experience as a Magnet® Program Director and
in clinical/business operations including performance improvement, customer
satisfaction, revenue/productivity enhancement, cost reduction, executive
leadership, throughput/patient flow, and human resources. She is a proven leader
with intense focus on building positive physician relationships, cultivating
staff engagement, and leading change.

 

Experience

• Currently: Executive Vice President Performance Excellence, Healthlinx,
Columbus, Ohio

• 2015: Chief Nursing Officer, Select Specialty Hospital, Plano, Texas

• 2002-2015: Associate CNO (2013-2015), Director ED/EMS
Services/ICU/Trauma/Central Monitoring Unit/Concussion/Clinical Decision
Unit/Wound and Ostomy (2010-2015), Director Nursing Administration (2010-2015),
Magnet® Program Director (2008-2015), Manager Acute Care Services (2007-2008),
Manager Trauma Services/Emergency Services Educator (2002-2007)

• 1997-2002: Emergency Services Charge Nurse

• 1994-1997: Emergency Services Staff Nurse

• 1990-1994: Paramedic

 

Education

• 2017: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Texas Christian University

• 1997: Masters of Science in Nursing &Masters of Business Administration,
University of Phoenix

• 1994: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Texas at Austin

• 1990: Associate of Paramedicine

 

Professional Affiliations/Appointments/Honors

• 2017: Sigma Theta Tau Member

• 2015: Golden Key International Honor Society, Texas Christian University

• 2014-2015: Magnet® Program content reviewer/subject matter expert for
podium/poster submissions

• 2010: Great 100 Nurse, Texas

 

Publications/Research

• Research Principle Investigator, January 2015: Humpty Dumpty Sat on the Wall:
Identifying Why our Low Risk Patients Fall.

• Research Co-investigator, November 2014: Research study of nurses at Texas
Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano: A Re

• Evaluation of Interruptions and Distractions during Medication Preparation and
Administration.

• Research Co-investigator, March 2012: Research study of nurses at Texas Health
Presbyterian Hospital Plano: Evaluation of Interruptions and Distractions during
Medication Preparation and Administration.

• Lead writer/editor for Texas Award for Performance Excellence (2008), Malcolm
Baldrige Quality Award (2008), & Magnet® Designation Applications (2010 & 2014)

 

 

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Jason Koleber

Jason serves as a Vice President, Analyst Outcome at HealthLinx. In this role he
partners with the executive teams of hospitals to achieve excellence in clinical
and process outcomes. Jason provides partnered consultation, best practice
strategies, and customized solutions to help hospitals improve outcomes and the
quality of patient care by optimizing their leadership and programs.  Jason has
the unique opportunity to bring his experience in both analytics and case
management in the private sector, and direct patient care in the emergency
department and ICU at multiple hospitals to help his clients improve patient
care.  He excels in leading positive change in healthcare organizations.

Jason brings more than 10 years of experience both in healthcare and
nonhealthcare settings. He has deep understanding of Employee Engagement,
Service Excellence with a keen understanding of HCAHPS, Process Improvement,
Hospital Throughput, Large-scale Project Management, and Positive Change
Management. He is an expert in cultivating productive relationships with both
decision makers and executive leaders and has a stellar reputation for
delivering innovative, sound strategies along with proven tactics for achieving
positive results. With excellent business sense and a strong understanding of
healthcare, Jason is prepared to deliver positive outcomes.

 

Education, Training & Certifications

 * Master of Business Administration
 * Bachelor of Science in Nursing
 * Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
 * Certified Crisis Prevention Intervention instructor

 

 

×
Kathleen Ebert

Kathleen Ebert, MS, BSN, RN-BC, NEA-BC is a Vice President Nursing Excellence,
Analytic Framework with HealthLinx. She has more than 24 years of professional
nursing experience that includes direct care, emergency/trauma care, inpatient
acute care, education, professional development, patient experience and
director-level positions. Kathleen has served as a Nursing Manager, Clinical
Educator, Manager of Nursing Practice, Research and Innovation, System Director
of Customer Experience and Magnet Program Director. She has provided oversight
for Magnet® at two different organizations. She is board certified in
Professional Development and Advanced Nurse Executive through the American
Nurses Credentialing Center.

Kathleen’s Outcomes
• Oversight to system nursing data- submission and dissemination
• Development and implementation of nursing education and orientation
• Lead system fall campaign that drove falls reduction
• System Site Coordinator NDNQI
• Led Emergency Department to exemplary changes that results in case study
feature for Experience vendor
• National Quality Conference presenter
• Successful Primary Investigator on RCT that drove system change of practice
• Professional nursing presentations, national publications, and research
activities
• Developed strategic partnerships with Healthcare Executives to drive
performance outcomes

Career Summary
Kathleen is an experienced nurse leader who has led major nursing initiatives
and projects. She is a Master’s-prepared nurse executive who is respected by
nursing colleagues and has excellent communication and project management
skills. Kathleen has extensive knowledge and experience as a Magnet® Program
Director and in clinical/business operations including performance improvement,
patient experience, revenue/productivity improvement, cost reduction, executive
leadership, throughput/patient flow, and human resources. She is a proven leader
with cultivating staff engagement/development, and leading change.

Professional Experience
• Currently Vice President Nursing Excellence, Analyst Framework, HealthLinx,
Columbus, Ohio
• Director of Patient Experience, OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio
• Magnet Program Director. OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio
• Coordinator of Professional Practice, Clinical Educator, Nurse Administrator
•Emergency/Trauma Care- Detroit Medical Center/Botsford/Beaumont
Education
• Master of Science in Administration, Mount Carmel College of Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Walsh University

Publications/Research
• Research- Co Principal Investigator- Cooling Effects Post Lumbar Fusion
• Research-team member “The Impact of Nursing Work and Engagement on Patient
Falls”- JONA November 2019 V 49 N 11 pp 531-537

 

 

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Stephanie Zabel

Stephanie serves as a Vice President, Outcomes Improvement at HealthLinx. In
this role she partners with the executive teams of hospitals to achieve
excellence in clinical and process outcomes. Stephanie provides partnered
consultation, best practice strategies, and customized solutions to help
hospitals improve outcomes and the quality of patient care by optimizing their
leadership and programs.  Stephanie has the unique opportunity to bring her
experience in hospital administration to help her clients improve patient care. 
She excels in leading positive change in healthcare organizations.

Stephanie brings more than 30 years of leadership experience both in healthcare
and nonhealthcare settings. She has deep understanding of Employee Engagement,
Service Excellence with a keen understanding of HCAHPS, Process Improvement,
Hospital Throughput, Large-scale Project Management, and Positive Change
Management. She is an expert in cultivating productive relationships with both
decision makers and executive leaders and has a stellar reputation for
delivering innovative, sound strategies along with proven tactics for achieving
positive results. With excellent business sense and a strong understanding of
healthcare, Stephanie is prepared to deliver positive outcomes.

 

Organizational / Leadership Development

 * Assessed department effectiveness by interviewing staff and management,
   developing recommendations for improvement, and serving as a resource for
   following through on action plans.
 * Co-Chaired Standards, Rewards and Recognition Committee and facilitated the
   redesign of the employee recognition program.
 * Selected as an employee coach for a facility to assist with mediating
   conflicts, developing action plans & performance improvement.
 * Recognized by executive leadership as the content expert in finance and
   budgeting. Served as an instructor to other leaders on how to analyze their
   data, develop budgets and create action plans to address discrepancies.

 

Administration

 * Served as a CNO for a 60-bed facility. Facilitated negotiations with
   ambulance services and lab companies for better pricing, resulting in 15%
   reduction in costs. Achieved 80% overall score on HCAHPS (up from 60% year
   prior). Developed lines-out program, reducing infection rates by
   approximately 20% facility
 * Managed a Level II Trauma Emergency Department. Achieved greater than 90% for
   overall score on HCAHPS. Reduced supply costs by approximately $100,000
   annually. Implemented throughput project, increasing ED volumes and patient
   satisfaction while decreasing ED boarding and length of stay. Opened express
   care area in emergency department, increasing low acuity volume by 40%.
   Established Medical Admission and Clinical Decision Unit
 * Served as a Board Member for a Community Clinic

 

Project Management / Process Improvement

 * Hand-picked to lead a newly developed program to implement a Discharge,
   Admissions, Resource, Transport Team. Selected and hired 7 core team members.
   The team functioned throughout the hospital.
 * Implemented new web-based staff scheduling system
 * Facilitated negotiations with ambulance services and lab companies for better
   pricing, resulting in 15% reduction in costs
 * Achieved 80% overall score on HCAHPS (up from 60% year prior)
 * Developed lines-out program, reducing infection rates by approximately 20%

 

Education, Training & Certifications

 * Master’s degree in Nursing
 * ANCC Nurse Executive (NE-BC)
 * Certified Medical Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)

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Melinda Gevaart

Melinda Gevaart, MSN, RN, NE-BC is a Vice President Nursing Excellence, Project
Management with Healthlinx. She has 35 years of healthcare experience including
the specialty areas of cardiovascular services, education, project management,
nursing quality, and leadership. Melinda most recently served as the Magnet
Program Director and System Manager for Nursing Quality. She has extensive
experience with shared governance and authoring annual nursing reports. Melinda
is board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Nurse
Executive. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, American
Organization of Nurse Executives, and Sigma Theta Tau International.

 

Melinda’s Outcomes

 * Served as lead for two Magnet® applications that led straight to site visits
   and successful re-designation (2014, 2018)
 * Prepared organization for two successful Magnet® site visits motivating,
   encouraging and engaging staff
 * Served as the system site coordinator for NDNQI®
 * Conducted a Magnet® gap analysis for a hospital in the organization’s system
   and collaborated with nursing leaders to create an action plan to address
   deficiencies
 * Established appropriate goals for the division of nursing on annual basis

 

Other Outstanding Outcomes

 * Mentored shared governance council and nursing leaders
 * Mentored leaders, clinical nurses and nursing students in multiple quality
   improvement, evidenced-based practice and research projects
 * Served as long-standing member of the Nursing Research Council
 * Served as organizational deployment leader for quality improvement
 * Served as nursing leader responsible for mentoring and guiding the work of
   the Clinical Quality Council (a sub-council of organizational shared
   governance)
 * Primary author/editor for Nursing Annual report (8 years)
 * Budget management
 * Preceptor for nursing leadership students
 * Collaborated with performance improvement departments to ensure accreditation
   and regulatory compliance
 * Provided input into organizational level policy and procedures to ensure
   adherence to Magnet® standards

 

Career Summary

A master’s-prepared and board-certified nurse leader with project management,
project implementation, shared leadership and nursing quality expertise. Melinda
has extensive experience working with nursing and interprofessional teams to
obtain Magnet®, quality and positive financial outcomes. She is a role model for
accountability, caring, professionalism, empathy, life-long learning, and
nursing excellence.

 

Professional Experience

 * Vice President Nursing Excellence, Project Management, Healthlinx (present)
 * Bronson Healthcare Group (1989-2019)
   * Magnet Program Director, System Manager Nursing Quality (2012-2019)
   * Cardiovascular Services – variety of roles including cardiac
     catheterization lab nurse, unit coordinator and manager (2004-2012)
   * Cardiac catheterization lab technologist (1989-2004)

 

Education

 * Master of Science – Nursing Education, Western Michigan University
 * Bachelor of Science – Nursing, Western Michigan University
 * Bachelor of Science – Health Studies, Western Michigan University

 

Professional Memberships

 * American Nurses Association
 * American Nurses Association-Michigan
 * American Organization of Nurse Executives
 * Sigma Theta Tau International

 

Publications

Silkworth, A. L., Baker, J., Ferrara, J., Wagner, M., Gevaart, M., & Morin, K.
(2016). Nursing Staff Develop a Video to Prevent Falls. Journal of Nursing Care
Quality, 31(1), 40-45. doi:10.1097/ncq.0000000000000135

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Cassie Wang

As Senior Vice President of Leadership Excellence – Permanent Leadership
Acquisition at HealthLinx, Cassie is responsible for ensuring effective
processes are deployed to client hospitals related to managing and mitigating
threats that could stand in the way of acquiring the right Permanent Leader
within a defined timeframe. Further, Cassie’s purpose as a member of the
HealthLinx Executive Leadership Team is essential in keeping HealthLinx at the
top of industry performance in the sectors of hospital recruitment, retention,
project management, and in improving sustainable long-term position outcomes.

Under Cassie’s leadership, the HealthLinx Permanent Leadership Acquisition team
has transitioned to a completely new project management-based delivery model
that reduced overall project days for permanent leadership acquisition from an
average of 200+ days to less than 120 days, and she successfully led her team in
achieving a 90% success rate for client retention.

Since joining HealthLinx in 2004, Cassie has been a leader on her team in
progressive roles as Leadership Consultant, Associate Client Consultant, Sr.
Client Consultant and Associate Vice President, and she was promoted to her
current role in 2012. With Cassie’s progressive experience throughout HealthLinx
and her sales-focused background prior to joining the company, she brings to the
table more than 15 years of expertise in the critical areas of leadership,
complex sales, executive healthcare recruitment, hospital project management,
and healthcare leadership and C-Suite consulting.

Cassie earned her MBA with a concentration in leadership at Ohio Dominican
University, and her Bachelor of Science in Business Management at The University
of Findlay. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management at The
University of Findlay.

×
Paul Ferrell

Paul utilizes his 20 years in Emergency Services to directly impact and offer
innovative solutions to hospitals throughout the nation.

Strengths
Paul’s strengths include his dynamic leadership and team building skills, with
an emphasis in Emergency and Trauma Services. Paul is also proficient in a wide
range of services in demand by healthcare organizations including: lean systems
principles; quality measures performance improvement; recruitment and retention
of talent; margin enhancement; and improving patient, team member, and physician
satisfaction.

Background
Prior to joining HealthLinx, Paul served health care organizations ranging from
150 to 500 beds in university and multiple-facility health systems.

Facilities(including but not limited to)

 * University Trauma Center with mixed urban and rural patient volume
 * University-based air medical, pediatric, and neonatal transport program
 * Regional Medical Center in a rural setting with 10-county catchment area
 * Community-based, multi-aircraft air medical program
 * Multi-hospital enterprise anchored by world-renowned transplant center
 * Multi-hospital enterprise accredited Chest Pain Center & Primary Stroke
   Center

Accomplishments (including but not limited to)

 * Improved patient satisfaction to 93rd percentile within 6 months
 * Successfully led system wide Chest Pain Center Accreditation within 6 months
 * Developed and implemented effective strategies for managing patient
   throughput issues in the Emergency Department and Inpatient Areas
 * Developed and implemented effective ED margin enhancement initiatives
   including increasing collections at time of service by 300%
 * Developed multi base air medical program
 * Major event medical management, planning, coordination, and supervision for
   large venues (NCAA Athletics, Indy Racing League, NASCAR, and Equestrian
   Events)

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Heather Darling

Heather Darling is the Executive Vice President of Clients Insights & Engagement
at HealthLinx. In this role she aligns the struggles experienced by hospitals
with the value delivered by HealthLinx and its proven processes for outcomes
improvement through high-performing nurse leaders and culture. She focuses on
the use of technology and digital media to develop strategies and processes for
increasing marketing engagement and comprehensive client understanding. Heather
joined HealthLinx in 2014 as Web Marketing Strategist and was promoted to Senior
Vice President, Marketing in 2016 and then Executive VP of Client Insights &
Engagement in early 2019.

Heather brings to HealthLinx over 15 years of experience in marketing and
project management. She has presented on the topic of social media marketing at
national non-profit industry conferences, and her fingerprints can be seen on
the websites, email campaigns, and social media campaigns of companies in the
healthcare, foodservice, construction, and non-profit industries. She embraces
her label as a tech-geek and is constantly searching for the latest and greatest
digital channels to add to her marketing arsenal. Heather is a graduate of The
Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

×
Mary Clarke

Dr. Mary F. Clarke, PhD, RN, NE-BC is a Vice President Nursing Excellence,
Analytics with HealthLinx. She has more than 34 years of professional nursing
experience that includes direct care, advanced practice, and director-level
positions. Dr. Clarke has served as an Informatics Nurse Specialist, Director of
Nursing Clinical & Professional Development, Director of Nursing Practice,
Research and Innovation, and Magnet Program Director. She has provided oversight
for two successful Magnet® designations at two different organizations. She is
board certified in Informatics and Nurse Executive through the American Nurses
Credentialing Center. Dr. Clarke is also a member of the American Organization
of Nurse Executives (AONE), Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of
Nursing, and the American Nurses Association. She also teaches online BSN
completion and graduate-level programs.

Dr. Clarke’s Outcomes
• Successfully submitted electronic evidence, completed a three-day intense site
visit and received Magnet® re-designation
• Development and implementation of nursing education, orientation, and
residency programs
• Extensive experience with electronic health record implementation
• Adjunct faculty positions
• Numerous professional nursing presentations, publications, and research
activities

Other Outstanding Outcomes
• Department of Health & Human Services, Health Resources and Administration
(HRSA) grant reviewer
• Fellow of the Advisory Board (FABC), Washington DC
• Mount Mercy University Alumni Professional Achievement Award
• Fellow to the Center for Nursing Classification and Clinical Effectiveness
• Selected as one of the 100 Great Iowa Nurses
• Recipient of the Edith Ruppert award for significant contributions to the
improvement of Nursing

Career Summary
Dr. Clarke is an experienced nurse consultant who has led major nursing
initiatives, projects, and research grants. She is a PhD-prepared nurse
executive who is respected by nursing colleagues and has excellent communication
and project management skills.

Professional Experience
• Currently Vice President Nursing Excellence, Analytics, HealthLinx, Columbus,
Ohio
• Director of Clinical and Professional Development/Magnet Program Director.
Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque, IA
• Director of Practice, research & Innovation/Magnet Program Director. Genesis
Medical Center, Davenport IA
• Informatics Nursing Specialist. Genesis Medical Center, Davenport IA

Education
• Doctor of Philosophy, Nursing Informatics, The University of Iowa
• Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Administration, The University of Iowa
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Mount Mercy University

Professional Affiliations/Appointments
• American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE)
• Iowa Organization of Nurse Leaders (IONL)
• Sigma Theta Tau
• Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)
• American Nurses Association (ANA) & Iowa Nurses Association (INA)
• Previous member of the IONL Board of Directors

Research Activities
• Program Director: Partners Investing in Nursing’s Future (PIN) grant.
Foundation of the Great River Bend Collaborative funded in part by Robert Wood
Johnson and Northwest Healthcare Foundations
• Doctoral Dissertation. “Exploration of Nursing Intensity in a Sample of Acute
Care Cardiovascular patients using the Nursing Interventions Classification
(NIC).”
• Co PI: St Ambrose University and Genesis Medical Center. Health Resources and
Services Administration (HRSA) Grant # D66HP05408Entitled “Enhancing Critical
Thinking Skills to Increase Retention”

×
Vicki Haag

Vicki Haag, DHA, MS, RN is a Vice President Nursing Excellence, Project
Management with HealthLinx. She has more than 35 years of professional nursing
experience in the specialty areas of obstetrics, perioperative services,
education, project management, and leadership. Vicki has served as a director
and coordinator for the Magnet Recognition® Journey for eight years and is a
Certificate Holder in the Fundamentals of Magnet®. She is a member of the
American Nurses Association, American Nurses Association-Illinois, American
Organization of Nurse Executives, Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders,
International Association of Nurses, and Sigma Theta Tau International.

Vicki’s Outcomes
• Led her organization to Magnet® designation as a Magnet Program Director
• Co-authored and co-edited her organization’s Magnet® designation document that
was accepted without request for further information
• Extensive experience with electronic health record implementation
• Prepared her organization for a successful Magnet® site visit
• Co-edited a second organization’s Magnet® document that led to a successful
site visit
• Presented regionally, state-wide, and nationally on topics including Magnet®
designation and re-designation, shared governance, nursing preceptor models,
nursing professional development, quality improvement, and parent-infant
relationships
• Served as her organization’s NDNQI® Site and Survey Coordinator

Other Outstanding Outcomes
• Led the development and implementation of foundational structures and
processes for professional nursing such as the Professional Practice Model, the
Care Delivery Model, shared governance, nursing strategic plan, evidence-based
practice, and peer review
• Facilitated and chaired multiple interprofessional shared governance councils
and committees
• Mentored shared governance council and nursing leaders
• Mentored leaders, clinical nurses, and nursing students in multiple quality
improvement, evidence-based practice, and research projects
• Led the development and implementation of a hospital-based nursing research
fund and process for peer-reviewed project approval
• Chaired a hospital-based nursing research council
• Served as a member of a hospital institutional review board
• Served as Principal Investigator for a research study on nursing expertise
development
• Served as Co-Investigator in five nursing research studies
• Led the development, implementation, and management of a $1.4 million nursing
scholarship program
• Co-authored and served as administrator for a $273,00 ARRA grant for graduate
nursing degree programs, partnering with four schools of nursing and 40 nurses
• Served as a member on multiple Advisory Boards for academic nursing programs
• Coordinated faculty and student clinical placements for multiple
interprofessional academic programs
• Served as a member of the American Nurses Association-Illinois’ Health Policy
and Practice Committee

Career Summary
A nurse leader with extensive experience in project development, project
implementation, nursing education, development and training, shared governance,
and peer review, Vicki has worked with all levels of nurses in multiple settings
and teams to achieve Magnet® designation.

Professional Experience
o 2014- Present HealthLinx: Vice President Nursing Excellence, Project
Management, Columbus, Ohio
o 1995-2014 Riverside Medical Center: Director of Professional Practice/Magnet
Program Director/Coordinator (2007-2014); Clinical Coordinator, Educational
Services (1997-2007); Education Coordinator, Womens’ and Childrens’ Services
(1995-1996); Staff Nurse, Obstetrics/Gynecology (1989-1994)
o 2011 ITT Technical Institute, Breckenridge School of Nursing: Adjunct Faculty
o 1996-1998 Olivet Nazarene University, Department of Nursing: Adjunct Faculty
o 1993-1994 Livingston County Public Health Department: RN Case Manager,
Illinois Healthy Moms/Healthy Kids Program
o 1987-1989 Fairbury Hospital, Staff Nurse, Obstetrics
o 1978-1987 Central Community Hospital, Staff Nurse, Perioperative Services
(1985-1987, 1979-1981); Medical Surgical Unit (1978-1979)

Education
o 2012 Doctor of Health Administration, University of Phoenix, Phoenix Arizona
o 1995 Master of Science Degree in Nursing, Governors State University,
University Park Illinois
o 1993 Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Olivet Nazarene University, Kankakee
Illinois
o 1978 Mennonite Hospital School of Nursing, Bloomington Illinois

Honors
o1995 Governors State University National Collegiate Nursing Award
o 1994-1995 Governors State University Nursing Academic Excellence Award
o 1994 Governors State University Collegiate Scholastic All-American Award
o 1992 Sigma Theta Tau International

Publications
o Haag, V. (2013). How one hospital helps staff nurses pay for advanced academic
degrees. American Nurse Today, 8(1), 63-65.

Professional Memberships
o American Nurses Association
o American Nurses Association-Illinois
o American Organization of Nurse Executives
o Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders
o International Association of Nurses
o Sigma Theta Tau International Association

×
Holli Roberts

Dr. Holli Roberts, DNP, RN is a Vice President Nursing Excellence Project
Management with HelathLinx. She has more than 30 years of professional nursing
experience that includes direct care, education, management and leadership
positions. Dr. Roberts has been involved with the Magnet® designation process
for over 9 years. She also served as a Pathway to Excellence® lead appraiser.
Dr. Roberts is adjunct faculty at two universities. She has extensive experience
in benchmarking, evaluating and interpreting healthcare quality data as compared
to national, state and local databases including NDNQI, Press Ganey and National
Healthcare Safety Network. She is a member of the American Nurses Association,
Kentucky Nurses Association, National Association for Healthcare Quality,
Kentucky Organization of Nursing Leaders and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor
Society.

Holli’s Outcomes

 * Contributed as a writer for successful 2008 Magnet® designation and
   co-authored document for successful Magnet® re-designation in 2014
 * Prepared her organization for a successful Magnet® site visit
 * Author of nursing annual reports
 * Individually gave more than 15 professional nursing presentations, including
   a podium presentation at the 2013 ANA National Quality Conference in Atlanta,
   GA on Engaging the bedside nurse in quality improvement. Facilitated
   presentations for multiple conferences, including the 2016 ANCC Magnet
   Conference, 2015 Sigma Theta Tau International Conference, 2015 International
   Conference for PeriAnaesthesia Nurses in Copenhagen, Denmark and the 2011 and
   2013 Press Ganey Conferences

Other Outstanding Outcomes

 * Coordinated the ANCC Magnet® designation program, including administration
   and authoring of written document, DDCT submission and data management for
   empirical outcomes
 * Facilitated Magnet® strategic planning and writers’ groups
 * Mentored shared governance council leaders
 * Developed peer review program for nursing leaders
 * Established and facilitated Magnet® monthly publication for her organization
 * Served as site and survey coordinator for NDNQI database. Facilitated
   analysis, synthesis, reporting, graphic display and comprehension of nursing
   sensitive indicators for all levels of nursing staff and administration
 * Developed an Outcomes Report program to engage staff level nurses in quality
   improvement at the unit level
 * Created the Nursing Project Proposal to support primary investigators in
   project completion. Served in a leadership role in multiple research,
   evidence-based practice and performance improvement projects. Mentored nurse
   researchers in preparing documentation for Institutional Review Board
   approval, publication and presentation at national conferences.

Career Summary

A nurse leader with extensive experience in project development, performance
improvement, evidence-based practice, research, nursing education and management
of nurse sensitive indicators. Holli is a doctoral-prepared nurse who is
respected by her colleagues as a coach, mentor and facilitator with excellent
project management skills.

Professional Experience

2017 Vice President Nursing Excellence Project Management, HealthLinx, Columbus,
Ohio.

2008-2017 Nursing Magnet-Quality Coordinator, Baptist Health Louisville,
Louisville, KY

2015-2017 Lead Appraiser, Pathway to Excellence®, American Nurses Credentialing
Center

2014-2017 Adjunct BSN Instructor, Bellarmine University and Spalding University-
Schools of Nursing, Louisville, KY

2004-2008 Nurse Manager, Baptist Hospital East, Louisville KY

1998-2004 Charge Nurse- Pain Management Clinic and Acute Pain Program,
University of Louisville Healthcare, Louisville, KY

1993-1998 Trauma Surgery Team Leader, University of Louisville Healthcare,
Louisville, KY

1987-1993 Staff Nurse (Critical Care/ Burn, Surgery, Perioperative units),
University of Louisville Healthcare, Louisville, KY

1986-1987 Staff Nurse (Burn, Neonatal Intensive care units),
Norton-Kosair-Children’s Hospital, Louisville, KY

Education

2017 Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Leadership, Bellarmine University,
Louisville, KY

2007 Master of Science in Nursing Administration, Bellarmine University,
Louisville, KY

1986 Bachelors of Science in Nursing, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY

Honors

2016 Nurse Excellence Award, Baptist Health Louisville

2014 Kentucky Organization of Nursing Leaders Graduate Scholar

2007 Bellarmine Graduate Faculty Merit Award

2004 University Healthcare Nurse of the Quarter

Professional Affiliations

2014-present  National Association for Healthcare Quality

2011-present  American Nurses Association

2011-present Kentucky Nurses Association

2006-present  Kentucky Organization of Nursing Leaders

2006-present  Sigma Theta Tau International

2004-2010        Kentucky Board of Nursing Nurses Day Recognition Committee

Publications

A descriptive study of nursing peer review programs in U.S. Magnet
hospitals, Journal of Nursing Administration, April 2017.

Effects of controlled breathing, with or without aromatherapy, in the treatment
of postoperative nausea, Journal of Per-Anesthesia, Oct 2015.

Co-author of Two-tiered approach improves quality of care in palliative setting
through staff empowerment, chapter in 2013 NDNQI Monograph.

×
Michelle Trautman

Michelle Trautman, MSN, RN is a Vice President Nursing Excellence, Project
Management with Healthlinx.  Michelle has 24 years of professional nursing
experience including direct care, education, leadership and professional
development.  She has been involved in the Magnet® Designation process for over
10 years and has training as a Magnet® appraiser.  She has been responsible for
multiple Magnet® designations including leading a successful initial designation
and co-authoring several successful redesignations for both individual hospitals
and a system.  Michelle is a member of the American Nurses Association, the
Arizona Nurses Association, the American Organization of Nurse Executives, and
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She is a certificate
holder in the Fundamentals of Magnet® through the American Nurses Credentialing
Center.

Michelle’s Outcomes
• Led successful Magnet® designation, both initial and re-designations for
individual hospitals and a system.
• Prepared multiple organizations for site visits.
• Redesigned and led a professional development/clinical ladder program and
acted as a mentor to clinical nurses in the program.
• Led the development and implementation of professional practice model.
• Led the development, implementation and redesign of shared governance models.

Other Outstanding Outcomes
• Mentored several shared governance council leaders.
• Served as site coordinator for hospitals’ NDNQI database for nursing quality
indicators and nurse satisfaction surveys
• Clinical expert in nursing sensitive outcomes, patient satisfaction, and
nursing satisfaction data analysis and improvement.
• Responsible for nursing continuous improvement activities.
• Developed, implemented and led orientation and training programs. Led the AORN
Periop 101 curriculum for nurses new to the operating room.
• Led multiple nursing recognition and rewards programs.

Career Summary
A nurse leader with extensive experience in performance improvement, program
development, project management and shared governance.  Michelle is
master’s-prepared and is a respected group facilitator and mentor.

Professional Experience
• Currently Vice President Nursing Excellence, Project Management, Healthlinx
• Magnet Program Manager, HonorHealth , Arizona
• Magnet Program Manager, John C. Lincoln, Arizona
• Magnet Quality Management Coordinator, John C. Lincoln, Arizona
• Surgical Specialty Coordinator, John C. Lincoln, Arizona
• Clinical Nurse Educator, John C. Lincoln, Arizona
• Staff nurse circulator, John C. Lincoln, Arizona
• Staff nurse Circulator, MeritCare, North Dakota
• Staff nurse, MeritCare, North Dakota
• Staff nurse, Villa Maria Nursing Home, North Dakota

Education
• Master of Science in Nursing-Leadership, Grand Canyon University
• Bachelor of Arts in Nursing, University of Jamestown

Professional Affiliations
• American Nurses Association (ANA)
• Arizona Nurses Association (AzNA)
• American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE)

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

×
Ethan Kosmider

Ethan Kosmider, PhD utilizes his 12 years of writing and editing experience to
ensure that Magnet documents are focused, organized and professional in their
writing and appearance. Ethan has worked on several successful Magnet documents,
helping writers clearly and accurately express nurses’ accomplishments.

×
Chad Burgel

Chad brings almost 20 years of business analysis, management, leadership, and
business development experience to the position of VP of Leadership Service
Delivery with HealthLinx. In this role, Chad’s primary focus is to lead teams of
experienced Senior Leadership Consultants and Leader Representatives to find the
best leadership solutions in Healthcare. Seeking to find Transitional and
Permanent solutions to our client’s leadership needs through utilization of our
teams extensive network of relationships with Nurse Managers, Service Line
Directors, and C-suite Executives. Chad began his career with HealthLinx as an
Operations Consultant, then as a Senior Leadership Consultant, and grew into his
current role where he provides leadership to multiple teams and associates.

Prior to joining HealthLinx, Chad spent three years as an academic advisor in
higher education and, previous to that, nine years as Director of Operations for
a real estate development company in Columbus, Ohio. Chad earned his MBA from
Ohio Dominican University and Bachelor of Education degree from Bowling Green
State University.

×
Darlene Smuke

Darlene serves as a Vice President, Leadership Excellence at HealthLinx. In this
consultative role she uses a collaborative approach to Healthcare Project
Management, inspiring partnerships with healthcare executives and organizations
across the nation. Her ability to cultivate effective operational relationships
with key decision makers and professional leaders provides considerable value to
the success of healthcare organizations and ultimately to the delivery of safe,
quality patient care.

Background
Darlene brings over 25 years of nursing experience in direct patient care,
clinical instruction, and administrative leadership. A rich clinical background
in Critical Care and Surgical Services led Darlene to Nursing Leadership and
Hospital Operations, and complements her current role to most effectively offer
customized strategies and solutions to enhance organizational leadership and
performance.

Strengths
With a passion for patient safety and ambition for quality outcomes, Darlene
possesses the focus, drive, and expertise to identify leadership gaps, recommend
best practice strategies, and advocate the execution of a plan to optimize
healthcare leadership and programs/service lines.

Education
Kent State University MSN
Penn State University BSN

×
Elliot Berry

Elliot Berry, Senior Leadership Consultant with HealthLinx, brings to this
position over 17 years of recruitment and market analysis experience and
hundreds of successful career matches for nurse leaders with healthcare systems.
Since joining HealthLinx in 1999, Elliot’s primary focus has been to foster a
connection between the desires of experienced healthcare leaders and the needs
of our hospital clients for Permanent and Transitional Leadership solutions.

Originally focused on Women’s and Children’s Services leaders, Elliot brings a
vast amount of knowledge and experience to the process of assisting leaders find
the ideal job in their nursing leadership specialty. His mission is to ensure
that leaders:

• Are aware of all potential promotional opportunities available nationally
• Have the assistance they deserve to outline and articulate their unique
talents and outcomes
• Are supported throughout the interview process, salary negotiations, and
on-boarding in their new role
• Have continued support throughout their tenure at their new organization

Contact Elliot today if you’re keeping your options open and ready to explore a
new role in nursing leadership.

×
Kelly Ruggiero

As a consultant across many service lines and specialties in Healthcare, Kelly
is able to provide customized, permanent and transitional leadership solutions
and Nursing Operational Excellence consulting for hospitals nationwide. Through
daily communication with an extensive network of healthcare leaders, Magnet
Program Directors and Chief Nursing Officers nationwide, Kelly is able to
identify the top talent and cultural excellence changes needed to achieve the
specific goals of your organization whether that be for Leadership Solutions or
Magnet®/Pathway® designation.

• Nursing Excellence Assessment – a comprehensive organizational assessment to
support the organization’s effort in achieving their mission of effective
patient care with the right resources while preserving precious resources.

• Designation Consulting – Identifying potential consulting support solutions
that utilize a Strategic Designation Process to provide hospitals with
consulting services on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® and also Pathway to
Excellence.

• Electronic Submission Solutions for the Magnet ® designation/re-designation
document submission requirements, saving the organization time, money,
resources, and effort.

• Transitional Leadership solutions that utilize an Outcomes Driven-Deliverables
Process to fulfill immediate leadership needs. An experienced leader to set the
stage for the long-term permanent leader solution.

• Executive Search solutions that utilizes a Best Conditions for Employment
Process to provide an experienced permanent leader that can achieve the
organization’s long-term goal.

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Rebecca Allard

Rebecca Allard serves as a Vice President of Leadership Excellence at
HealthLinx. In this role, her primary responsibility is to fully assess and
diagnose a client’s leadership challenges and outcomes risks, then customize the
most strategic, efficient, and effective plan for acquiring a permanent leader.
She has over 18 years of executive-level leadership, executive-level
recruitment, sales, client strategy, and complex project management experience,
primarily in the field of healthcare. Rebecca joined HealthLinx in 2006 where
she has served in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility, ranging from
executive leadership consultant; to leading the specialized Leadership
Acquisition Divisions in Oncology and Radiology; to performing on-site
Diagnostic Assessments and managing challenging Leader Acquisition projects in
all Hospital/Healthcare services; to her current role as the company’s most
tenured Vice President of Leadership Excellence.

• The fastest turnaround times in the market;
• The greatest outcomes;
• The best long-term retention; and
• The highest positive financial impact on their investment.

Prior to coming to HealthLinx Rebecca started her career in operational
leadership, where she progressed quickly to an executive level. Rebecca holds a
bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and majored in Consumer Affairs
/ Business.

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Melissa Adams

Melissa Adams is the Senior Vice President of Enterprise Logistics at
HealthLinx. In the wide-ranging scope of this role she oversees all
leadership-related functions, project coordination, Human Resources, and
Administrative support. Melissa is dedicated to the mission and vision of
HealthLinx, knowing that by creating better outcomes through high-performing
leadership and culture, we can help improve healthcare delivery in facilities
across the nation. Her detail-oriented, proactive approach helps to drive the
organization to success. Melissa joined HealthLinx in 2005 and worked in roles
of increasing responsibility within the organization, including Operations
Consultant, Operations Manager, Director of Operations, and AVP. Her experience
in project management, data analysis, and creating and standardizing processes
serves her teams and the organization as a whole.

Along with a degree in Multi-Skilled Health Technology, Melissa earned a Massage
Therapy Certification from Lakeland Community College to further her
understanding of healthcare.

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Matt Berry

Matt joined HealthLinx as a Board Member in 1997, and in 2001 he was hired in
his current capacity as COO.

His driving focus is simple: improved outcomes for client facilities through
high-performing leaders and culture.

“Every day my goal is to set the standard for performance in our market. That
means we provide the best leaders [both Transitional and Permanent] faster than
any other organization. Our numbers tell the story. Currently, our Leadership
Excellence Solution produces well over one million dollars in Positive Financial
Impact and we complete these projects in 120 days. That’s unheard of. Most
competitors are in facilities for 3 to 4 times as long.

“Further, when a facility pursues Magnet® or Pathway to Excellence® designation,
we make sure they receive designation 100% of the time.

“When a facility has a great culture and great leaders, they possess a
competitive advantage unmatched by their competitors.”

Matt holds a Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School, a Masters of
Business Administration from Capital University, and a Bachelor of Science in
Business Administration from The Ohio State University.

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Julie Berry

Julie Berry, founder and CEO of HealthLinx Executive Search, has specialized in
healthcare executive search for over 20 years. Since the company’s founding in
1997, HealthLinx has grown into a healthcare solutions firm focused on
mitigating risks and improving hospital outcomes through high-performing
leadership and culture – and ultimately improving hospital financial performance
and quality of patient care. What began out of the basement of her apartment has
evolved into the nation’s top Nursing & Leadership Excellence partner.
HealthLinx is the only firm in the world which offers Executive Search,
Transitional Leadership, and Nursing Excellence consultation for both Magnet®
and Pathway to Excellence® designations.

Julie has personally partnered with hospitals of all sizes on hundreds of
successful searches, and she has overseen nearly one thousand completed searches
in hospitals all over the country.

Julie holds a Juris Doctorate degree from Capital University Law School and a
Bachelor of Arts degree in English from The Ohio State University. As a lawyer
and an expert in her field, Julie is considered a valuable resource to both her
clients and candidates, and a valuable consultant to her peers.

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