Shena Patel
Yorba Linda
Summary
Dynamic Executive Nursing and Healthcare Operations Leader with over 15 years of experience directing complex healthcare programs across correctional health, public health, and clinical operations. Expertise in strategic leadership, regulatory compliance, and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, particularly with behavioral and mental health teams. Achievements include successful program development, quality improvement initiatives, and legal oversight, along with the launch of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs serving over 800 patients. Proficient in creating Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) for NCCHC accreditation and optimizing patient flow across multi-facility systems to enhance operational efficiency and patient care outcomes.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Operations
Correctional Healthcare Services
Riverside, CA
08.2023 - Current
- Serve as (PMK) for custody legal cases, collaborating with the Prison Law Office and correctional healthcare teams to produce high-quality legal and operational reports.
- Developed and executed Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) for NCCHC accreditation across multiple facilities, ensuring compliance with state, federal, and accreditation standards.
- Founded and scaled MAT program, now serving 800+ incarcerated patients, improving engagement, outcomes, and continuity of care post-release.
- Lead multi-disciplinary teams across correctional facilities, county hospital units, and behavioral health providers to coordinate care for high-acuity and mental health patients.
- Oversee departmental operations, budget planning, and performance metrics, improving efficiency, patient safety, and staff productivity.
Supervising Institutional Nurse
Riverside, CA
10.2021 - 08.2023
- Directed Senior Nurses, Nurse Educators, CQI staff, and Health Information teams across multiple facilities.
- Partnered with Behavioral Health and Emergency Services leadership to optimize care for patients with chronic and acute mental health conditions.
- Led NCCHC accreditation readiness, audit preparation, and policy/procedure updates across facilities.
- Coordinated quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and staff compliance with standards.
Senior Nurse / Program Manager
Riverside, CA
05.2020 - 10.2021
- Managed 40+ personnel across multiple facilities, ensuring safe and effective patient care.
- Developed and deployed county-wide COVID-19 vaccination program for incarcerated populations.
- Coordinated with hospital correctional units and behavioral health staff to improve patient transitions and clinical outcomes.
Nurse Educator & Trainer
Riverside, CA
06.2017 - 05.2020
- Developed and delivered education programs and CEU projects for 200+ nurses across 8 county facilities.
- Created state-adopted training programs for correctional nurses, enhancing compliance and standardization.
- Collaborated with medical directors to implement updated clinical protocols and improve patient care quality.
Senior Public Health Nurse
Riverside County Dept. of Public Health
01.2011 - 06.2017
- Managed foster care case programs and guided social workers and courts in clinical decision-making.
- Implemented electronic charting systems (Persimmony) and maintained program audits.
- Served as Subject Matter Expert (SME) in public health initiatives, ensuring high-quality outcomes for children in foster care.
- Produced reports and newsletters with data-driven insights for stakeholders.
Case Manager / Per Diem
Glendora / Hemet, CA
- Managed 12–15 cases per day in hospitals and hospice settings.
- Advocated for patient quality of life and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams.
RN / Charge Nurse
Inter-Community Hospital
West Covina, CA
- Managed Med-Surg unit staffing, patient flow, and quality initiatives including wound care and discharge planning.
- Precepted new nurses and led residency programs.
Education
MSN.ED - Nursing & Education
University of Phoenix
Ontario, CANo Degree - Nursing
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA06-2007
BS - Biochemistry & Economics
University of California
Riverside12-2004
Skills
- Strategic Clinical & Operational Leadership
- Program Development & Expansion (MAT, NCCHC CAPs)
- Behavioral & Mental Health Collaboration
- Legal & Custody Case Management (PMK)
- Multi-Site Healthcare Oversight & Staff Leadership
- Quality Improvement & Risk Management
- Case Management & Patient Flow Optimization
- Electronic Health Records (EPIC, TechCare, Persimmony)
- Accreditation & Regulatory Compliance (NCCHC, HIPAA)
Certification
- Registered Nurse (RN), California License #704249
- Public Health Nurse (PHN), California License #704249
- Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP)
- LEAN Training; Crucial Conversations; 6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team
Timeline
Director of Operations
Correctional Healthcare Services
08.2023 - Current
Supervising Institutional Nurse
10.2021 - 08.2023
Senior Nurse / Program Manager
05.2020 - 10.2021
Nurse Educator & Trainer
06.2017 - 05.2020
Senior Public Health Nurse
Riverside County Dept. of Public Health
01.2011 - 06.2017
Case Manager / Per Diem
RN / Charge Nurse
Inter-Community Hospital
MSN.ED - Nursing & Education
University of Phoenix
No Degree - Nursing
Azusa Pacific University
BS - Biochemistry & Economics
University of California
Professional Development
- LEAN Training
- Crucial Conversations Series
- 6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team