Ashley Schaff
Kitchener,ON
Summary
Skilled in compliance with regulatory guidelines and conflict resolution, I championed initiatives that elevated patient care and quality standards, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence. Possess versatile skills in project management, problem-solving, and collaboration. Proficient in conducting data analysis to close gaps and improve outcomes. Recognized for adaptability and proactive approach in delivering effective solutions.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Clinical Services
Sanguen Health Centre
06.2021 - 03.2025
- Improved interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering strong working relationships among medical professionals for optimal patient outcomes.
- Championed best practice sharing among departments, resulting in more consistent execution of patient care processes and improved outcomes.
- Spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing community outreach efforts, increasing visibility and reputation within the local market as well as beyond.
- Established rigorous quality assurance processes, monitoring key performance indicators closely to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality clinical services across all departments.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging staff input on process enhancements and best practices adoption.
- Collaborated effectively with other organizational leaders on cross-functional projects, further improving overall service offerings available to patients and their families.
- Achieved accreditation compliance by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of healthcare regulations and ensuring adherence to industry standards.
- Developed strategic plans for the growth and expansion of clinical services, ensuring long-term organizational success.
- Increased staff retention rates through effective leadership, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
- Evaluated program performance regularly, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes in a timely manner.
- Managed financial resources efficiently, optimizing budgets for maximum service delivery without compromising patient care quality.
- Conducted comprehensive audits to ensure clinical services adhered to established standards, maintaining a high level of accountability across the organization.
- Monitored, analyzed, and corrected staff performance and worked with nurse manager to raise standards of practice.
- Developed, implemented, revised, and evaluated policies and procedures.
- Worked with nurse manager to develop nursing staff through education, evaluation, performance management, and competency improvement.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
Charge Nurse
Schlegel Villages
09.2015 - 03.2020
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
- Conducted daily shift briefs to inform staff of changes in patient care assignments.
- Mentored and supervised junior nurses, fostering a supportive and professional work environment.
- Optimized patient satisfaction through timely response to concerns and effective communication among staff members.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to provide quality patient care.
- Served as a liaison between nursing staff, physicians, and management, fostering open communication channels among all parties involved in patient care.
- Championed a positive work culture by recognizing exemplary performance from team members and addressing conflicts promptly when they arose.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient information, enabling informed decision-making among the healthcare team members.
- Contributed significantly towards Joint Commission accreditation compliance through regular audits, staff education and process improvement recommendations.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives, contributing to the development of best practices within the department.
- Facilitated ongoing education for nursing staff through in-service training sessions and workshops on relevant topics.
- Facilitated cross-departmental communication, enhancing efficiency of patient care coordination.
- Led community health initiatives, improving public health awareness and promoting preventive healthcare practices.
- Coordinated daily nursing activities to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, significantly reducing risk of non-compliance.
- Enhanced emergency response times by organizing and leading drills, preparing team for actual emergencies.
- Conducted regular audits of nursing practices, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, leading to adoption of innovative nursing practices.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
Education
No Degree - Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Healthcare
Six Sigma Global Institute
05-2025
Master of Public Health - Public Health
University of Waterloo
Waterloo04-2023
No Degree - Leadership in Long Term Care & Retirement
Conestoga College Institute of Technology And Advanced Learning
Kitchener06-2018
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Mcmaster University
Hamilton04-2013
Skills
- Clinical leadership
- Exemplary communication skills
- Records management
- Case management
- Clinical research
- Improving clinical quality outcomes
- Compliance with regulatory guidelines
- Analytical thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Quality control
Accomplishments
Kolla, G, Lewis, JL, Guta, A, Schaff, A, Boyle, M, King, K, Strike, C, Karamouzian, M. Reduced risk of overdose among clients of a safer opioid supply program in Southwestern Ontario. Submitted to: International Journal of Drug Policy.
Michaud, L, Guta, A, Perri, M, Schaff, A, Boyle, M, King, K, Strike, C, Kolla, G. (2025) "With this you're not chained down to something": Contrasting experiences of Opioid Agonist Treatment and Safer Supply Program participation among people receiving prescribed safer supply. Submitted to: Harm Reduction Journal.
Certification
- Comprehensive Advanced Palliative Care Education (CAPCE), HPC Consultation Services, 2017
Timeline
Director of Clinical Services
Sanguen Health Centre
06.2021 - 03.2025
Charge Nurse
Schlegel Villages
09.2015 - 03.2020
No Degree - Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Healthcare
Six Sigma Global Institute
Master of Public Health - Public Health
University of Waterloo
No Degree - Leadership in Long Term Care & Retirement
Conestoga College Institute of Technology And Advanced Learning
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Mcmaster University