Sandra Garcia
Scotts Valley,CA
Summary
Dynamic career professional with over 20 years of extensive experience in acute and subacute settings, including 12 years in supervisory roles and 5 years in leadership positions. A values-driven leader committed to excellence, consistently delivering results that align with organizational goals and uphold ethical standards. Expertise in team collaboration, operational efficiency, and achieving measurable outcomes, complemented by strong strategic planning and process improvement skills. Recognized for adaptability and a proven track record of meeting evolving organizational needs while fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager, ICU & RRT
Dominican Hospital, Santa Cruz
12.2021 - Current
- Responsible for managing 24/7 operations. Assist in staff training, development, and competency. Measure performance of 89 direct reports. Active participation in collaborative quality improvement projects.
- Hands-on leadership, assisted with direct patient care, break relief, and performed charge nurse duties as needed
- Supported and assisted clinical nurse educator in development of new graduate nurse and RN transition to critical care training programs
- Medication Administration Safety- Increased BCMA to 97% from non-compliance through collaboration with IT, pharmacy, and frontline staff
- Participation in Leapfrog Performance Improvement to achieve A Grade- Collaboration with Quality and Medical Staff to improve physician call response time to less than 5 min
Assistant Manager, ICU
Dominican Hospital, Santa Cruz
09.2020 - 12.2021
- Ensure nursing staff schedules are balanced and able to meet patient needs on a daily basis. Maintain accurate timekeeping practices. Coaching staff and communicating important information at daily shift huddles. Participate in quality improvement initiatives.
- VAE, CAUTI, CLBSI performance improvement projects- no events for 1.5 years
- Hand Hygiene Compliance- Increased to 88% from non-compliance
Charge Nurse, ICU
Dominican Hospital, Santa Cruz
04.2015 - 09.2020
- Ensure safe staffing assignments in a 16-bed ICU. Provide break relief for staff. Perform real time chart audits for documentation accuracy and completeness. Engage in conflict resolution as needed. Mentorship of new graduate nurses.
- Supervised daily operations of ICU, ensuring adherence to protocols and patient safety standards.
Staff Nurse/ Relief Charge Nurse, ICU
St Bernardine Medical Center, San Bernardino
08.2006 - 01.2015
- Direct care of one or two patients in a mixed medical-surgical ICU. Mentorship of new graduate nurses and precept new nurses to bedside, including open heart recovery training. Relief charge as needed.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
Staff Nurse, SICU (PT)
Riverside Community Hospital, Riverside
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Direct care of one or two patients in a surgical trauma ICU.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes and enhance care delivery processes.
- Mentored junior nursing staff on best practices for patient management and clinical procedures.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication during challenging times.
Charge Nurse & House Supervisor (PD)
Kindred Hospital, Ontario
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Ensure safe staffing levels with coordination and oversight of throughput.
- Supervised nursing staff to ensure adherence to best practices and hospital policies.
- Coordinated daily operations, optimizing workflow in patient care delivery.
Education
Certificate in Nurse Leadership - Organizational Leadership
Duke Corporate Education
Online Program02.2025
Masters of Science Nursing -
University of Phoenix
Online Program01.2024
Bachelor of Science Nursing -
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ12.2021
ADN -
Riverside Community College
Riverside, CA06.2004
Skills
- Communication
- Teamwork and Team Leadership
- Collaboration
- Adaptability
- Decision-making
- Staff training and development
- Goal setting
- Performance management
- Policy implementation
Affiliations
- ACNL - Association of California Nurse Leaders
- AACN - American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
Certification
- CA RN 640545
- ACLS/BLS/NIHSS
- CCRN
Licensure And Certification
- CA RN, 640545
- ACLS
- BLS
- NIHSS
- CCRN
Core Values
- Integrity
- Equity
- Accountability
- Respect
- Advocacy
Clinical Expertise
- Advanced cardiovascular ICU: ECMO, Impella, IABP.
- Neuro and trauma ICU: craniotomy, ICP monitoring, EVD.
- Medical Surgical ICU: Vasoactive infusions, CRRT, mechanical ventilation, sedation, paralytics, proning.
Professional References
- Babs Kingsley, MS RN, (775) 742-3673, Director of Emergency Services
- Michele Fahrner, MSN RNC-NIC, (831) 462-7510, Director of Maternal/Child Health
- Patrick King, RN, (318) 355-3635, Interim Director Cardiovascular Services
- Andrea Ling, MD, (650) 455-7248, Critical Care Medical Director
Timeline
Manager, ICU & RRT
Dominican Hospital, Santa Cruz
12.2021 - Current
Assistant Manager, ICU
Dominican Hospital, Santa Cruz
09.2020 - 12.2021
Charge Nurse, ICU
Dominican Hospital, Santa Cruz
04.2015 - 09.2020
Staff Nurse, SICU (PT)
Riverside Community Hospital, Riverside
01.2010 - 01.2011
Charge Nurse & House Supervisor (PD)
Kindred Hospital, Ontario
01.2010 - 01.2011
Staff Nurse/ Relief Charge Nurse, ICU
St Bernardine Medical Center, San Bernardino
08.2006 - 01.2015
Certificate in Nurse Leadership - Organizational Leadership
Duke Corporate Education
Masters of Science Nursing -
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science Nursing -
Arizona State University
ADN -
Riverside Community College