Open to opportunities

Sarah Stonehouse

@sarahstonehouse

Message

Executive Director of Nursing delivering patient safety and evidence-based program improvements.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to lead nursing operations where policy, patient safety, and evidence-based education drive measurable performance improvement, strong team readiness, and compliant, high-quality care.

I’m a results-oriented Executive Director of Nursing with over 15+ years of experience in nursing management, leading teams of nurses across behavioral and physical health hospitals. I drive patient care excellence by implementing effective nursing strategies, performance improvement initiatives, and evidence-based management focused on real outcomes.

I specialize in policy development, patient safety initiatives, and building innovative education and training programs for nursing leaders and staff. From my work coordinating nursing professional standards through Veterans Affairs to leading mental health nursing services—managing operations, staffing, readiness, accreditation reviews, and budget-related priorities—I translate organizational needs into stronger processes and sustainable change.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Nursing Standards Board Coordinator

Current

Veterans Affairs Hospital

Oct 2017 - Present (8 years 8 months)

Collaborated with executive leadership and faculty to improve nursing program processes and resolve emerging issues. Developed and taught leadership education for Title 38 nurses and supported accreditation reviews and nursing professional standards.

Program Management Stakeholder Management Accreditation Support Change Management VA Title 38 Processes

Director of Nursing (UHS)

UHS

Nov 2015 - Oct 2017 (1 year 11 months)

Returned to lead the nursing department, overseeing staffing, leave approval, and operational collaboration with executive leadership. Directed orientation and clinical education efforts to ensure consistent training and patient care standards.

Nurse Operations Staffing Leave Management Nursing Orientation Program Development Clinical Education Training People Management Quality Improvement Clinical Care Standards

Director of Nursing (Ocean's)

Ocean's Behavioral Hospital

Feb 2015 - Nov 2015 (9 months)

Directed nursing staff to deliver high-quality patient care by implementing policies and procedures focused on safety and well-being. Managed staffing levels, recruitment and retention, and partnered with leadership on budget management and compliance with state and federal regulations.

Staffing Patient Safety Budget Management Recruitment Regulatory Compliance

Director of Nursing (UHS)

UHS

Jan 2010 - Feb 2015 (5 years 1 month)

Managed nursing department operations, ensuring fiscal and budget needs were met while streamlining processes to improve effectiveness. Recruited and onboarded nursing staff, developed department policies and procedures, and supported high-performance care teams.

Nurse Operations Budget Management People Management Quality Improvement Healthcare Compliance Patient Care Coordination

Charge RN & Mental Health Tech

Terrell State Hospital

Jan 2002 - Jan 2012 (10 years)

Managed daily floor assignments, staffing adjustments, and patient outcome monitoring to align care delivery with accepted standards. Performed patient assessments, medication passes, admissions/discharges, and developed treatment plans in collaboration with clinicians.

patient assessment Vitals Monitoring Treatment Planning Admissions & Discharges Patient Care Coordination