MELISSA BUSHNELL

Healthcare Consultant

With over 25 years of experience as a healthcare executive and registered nurse, I bring extensive expertise in healthcare strategy, program development, ASC development, and regulatory and accreditation preparation. My background includes medical and operational planning, project management, and a deep understanding of operating and interventional services in both ambulatory surgery and hospital settings. I excel in providing strategic insights into healthcare operations and planning, engaging multidisciplinary teams to enhance care models and develop innovative programs. As an expert facilitator, I work closely with stakeholders at all levels to identify clinical and administrative needs, streamline workflows, optimize capacity, and improve efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Key Skills

  • Healthcare Strategy Development

  • Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Development

  • Regulatory and Accreditation Preparation

  • Medical and Operational Planning

  • Project Management

  • Interventional Services Management

  • Multidisciplinary Team Leadership

  • Workflow Optimization

  • Capacity Utilization

  • Efficiency Improvement

  • Patient Satisfaction Enhancement

  • Change Management

  • Facilities Optimization

  • Clinical and Administrative Needs Assessment

  • Expert Facilitation and Stakeholder Engagement

Career Highlights

JENSEN PARTNERS | CA

June 2022 - August 2024

At Jefferson Health in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I spearheaded the strategic operational planning for a new ambulatory building, integrating technology and best practices across specialties. My work involved developing lean programming, future care workflows, and addressing gaps in operational models while managing change for a new Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) and system-wide ambulatory operations. I also reconfigured interventional services to boost system integration and support growth, and led a facilities optimization project to guide strategic initiatives. At Scripps Health in San Diego, California, I evaluated an ambulatory surgery facility, analyzing workflows, operations, and clinical programs to provide recommendations for improving performance and meeting industry benchmarks.

UNITED SURGICAL PARTNERS INC | NJ

September 2021 - June 2022

I led the Northeast New Jersey region's nine surgery centers, managing ASC facility administrators to ensure optimal operational and financial performance. I was responsible for driving growth in case volume and EBITDA, spearheading physician recruitment, and maintaining existing partnerships. I collaborated with surgery center leadership to develop annual and long-term business plans while working with health system partners to align strategic goals. My achievements included the successful management of multiple ASCs, implementing key relationships for a DeNovo ASC, and leading staffing retention and recruitment strategies. I also directed the COVID-19 operational response plan for the region. My responsibilities involved presenting quarterly updates to Governing Boards, ensuring regulatory and accreditation compliance, providing leadership for transactions and acquisitions, developing strategic growth plans, and mentoring new Regional Vice Presidents.

ATLANTICARE | NJ

July 2014 - September 2021

I provided strategic, operational, and financial management for a regional ambulatory surgery network consisting of four multi-specialty ASCs located in Egg Harbor Township, Cape May Court House, and Little Egg Harbor, NJ. I oversaw the Centers' Quality and Safety programs and led new business growth and development. The surgery centers, which served approximately 22,000 patients annually, consistently achieved top ratings for customer experience and exceeded national benchmarks for quality and safety.

My professional accomplishments included managing the ASC regional network with an annual net revenue of $30 million, performing 22,000 cases, and maintaining a 32% operating margin. I oversaw the construction of a new 25,000 square-foot ASC, completed on budget at $25 million in January 2020, and managed all aspects of licensure, certification, and accreditation surveys. Additionally, I led a successful COVID-19 response plan, including the rapid closure of the ASCs, integration of staff and supplies for response to Atlanticare hospitals, and reopening operations in accordance with State and Federal mandates.

My responsibilities involved developing financial operating and capital budgets for the ASC network, overseeing recruitment and personnel management, negotiating contracts for services and supplies, managing payer relationships and reimbursements, and coordinating the implementation of a new electronic medical record system. I was also responsible for planning and executing all quality and performance improvement initiatives.

WILLS EYE HOSPITAL | PA

March 2011 - July 2014

As Chief Nursing Officer at Wills Eye Hospital, I provided daily operational oversight of all nursing and clinical operations, ensuring adherence to clinical standards and regulatory compliance. I developed and managed key hospital committees, including Quality, Patient Safety, Medical Records, Infection Control, Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Nursing, and Environment of Care. Notable accomplishments include the successful completion of an $8 million construction project, which involved building an inpatient unit and converting the ambulatory license of the Wills Eye Surgery Center to a specialty ophthalmology hospital in Pennsylvania, delivered on time and within budget. I also spearheaded a continuous improvement program for "On Time Starts," increasing the rate from 19% to over 63% within three months. My responsibilities encompassed developing and implementing the strategic plan that secured hospital licensure in 2013, overseeing recruitment and personnel management, creating a Nursing Orientation program and ongoing education initiatives, and managing financial operating and capital budgets. Additionally, I led the implementation of a new electronic medical record system and drove quality and performance improvement initiatives aligned with strategic goals.