Mary Lou Renaerts
Sherwood Park,Canada
Summary
Strategic healthcare leader with over 30 years of progressive clinical and operational leadership experience within Alberta’s acute care system. Proven ability to lead complex medicine and emergency programs, improve patient flow and access, advance quality and safety initiatives, and foster high-performing, engaged teams. Known for collaborative leadership, mission-driven decision-making, and building partnerships across departments and regions to deliver patient-centered care aligned with the values and vision of Covenant Health. Experienced in managing large multidisciplinary teams, overseeing budgets and operational performance, and leading system improvements that enhance patient outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Manager, Medicine Program (RN)
Grey Nuns Community Hospital
01.2016 - Current
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Medicine Program, ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care aligned with Covenant Health’s mission and strategic priorities.
- Key Contributions & Responsibilities
- Provide program oversight including operations, staffing, quality, safety, and fiscal accountability
- Lead patient flow and access strategies to optimize capacity and improve care transitions
- Collaborate across departments and specialty units to support system integration and coordinated care delivery
- Foster a culture of staff engagement, professional development, and team excellence
- Address patient concerns and improve patient experience through responsive leadership
- Partner with senior leadership to align program performance with organizational priorities
- Lead quality improvement initiatives to enhance outcomes and service delivery
Program Manager, Emergency Services (RN)
Misericordia Community Hospital
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Directed operational and strategic functions of a high-volume Emergency Department within a regional care network.
- Key Contributions
- Led regional initiatives to improve emergency patient flow and access
- Managed staffing, budgets, and operational performance
- Collaborated with hospital departments and regional partners to improve system responsiveness
- Strengthened staff engagement and team resilience in a high-acuity environment
Unit Manager, Surgical Services (RN)
Royal Alexandra Hospital
01.2006 - 01.2010
- Managed orthopedic and surgical units while supporting regional surgical initiatives.
- Key Contributions
- Managed operations of multiple orthopedic surgery units
- Supported Edmonton’s Regional Arthroplasty Program and planning for the Orthopaedic Centre
- Improved patient flow, reduced length of stay, and enhanced patient experience
- Oversaw staffing, budgeting, and family/patient relations
Registered Nurse – Surgical Float Pool
Royal Alexandra Hospital
01.2002 - 01.2006
- Provided comprehensive nursing care across multiple surgical specialties and served as charge nurse.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Post-RN
University of Alberta
Leaders in Care Certificate - undefined
MacEwan University
Diploma of Nursing - undefined
Royal Alexandra School of Nursing
Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing Certificate - undefined
Mount Royal College
Skills
- Budget & Operational Management
- Quality Improvement & LEAN Methodology
- Microsoft Office Suite
- CPR Certification (Current)
- Neonatal Advanced Life Support (renewal required)
- Process improvement
- Team leadership and direction
- Data analysis
- Problem-solving
- Project management
- Detail-oriented
- Strategic planning
Certification
- Core Leadership & Values Training – Brivia Consulting (2025)
- Leadership Essentials Courses (2010–2025)
- Leadership Challenge Project: Connecting to a Shared Vision (2018–2019)
- Catholic Foundations (2015)
- Disclosure of Adverse Events Training (2014)
- LEAN Training (2012)
Timeline
Program Manager, Medicine Program (RN)
Grey Nuns Community Hospital
01.2016 - Current
Program Manager, Emergency Services (RN)
Misericordia Community Hospital
01.2010 - 01.2015
Unit Manager, Surgical Services (RN)
Royal Alexandra Hospital
01.2006 - 01.2010
Registered Nurse – Surgical Float Pool
Royal Alexandra Hospital
01.2002 - 01.2006
Leaders in Care Certificate - undefined
MacEwan University
Diploma of Nursing - undefined
Royal Alexandra School of Nursing
Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing Certificate - undefined
Mount Royal College
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Post-RN
University of Alberta
COMMUNITY & MISSION-BASED LEADERSHIP
- Youth mentorship and family support programs
- Workshop facilitator and teacher
- Worship music leadership and community event coordination
- Children’s programming and outreach initiatives
- Co-pastoral leadership and faith-based community service