KATHERINE E. HAFER
Sunbury,PA
Summary
Results-driven healthcare leader with 15+ years of critical care experience and 8+ years of progressive operational leadership within a high-acuity Medical Intensive Care Unit. Proven expertise in workforce management, employee retention, quality improvement, patient safety, operational throughput, and staff development. Recognized for developing innovative programs that improve engagement, retention, and organizational performance across a multi-hospital critical care system.
Clinical professional with comprehensive experience in coordinating patient care and managing healthcare teams. Proven ability to foster collaboration, adapt to evolving situations, and prioritize patient outcomes. Strong skills in communication, problem-solving, and workflow optimization, ensuring efficient and effective care delivery. Known for reliability, flexibility, and results-driven approach in high-stakes environments.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Team Coordinator, Medical Intensive Care Unit
Geisinger Medical Center
11.2017 - Current
- Provide operational and clinical leadership for a high-acuity Medical Intensive Care Unit, supporting workforce management, quality initiatives, staffing operations, and employee development.
- Direct daily unit operations and supervise registered nurses and support staff.
- Facilitate multidisciplinary huddles to improve communication, coordination, and patient care delivery.
- Manage staffing adjustments, scheduling oversight, Kronos timekeeping, and payroll reconciliation.
- Participate in recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, coaching, and performance management activities.
- Serve as operational resource and charge nurse during complex staffing and patient care situations.
- Support patient experience initiatives through leadership rounding and family engagement.
- Operational Leadership
- Quality & Performance Improvement
- Workforce Development & Retention
- Administrative Leadership
Registered Nurse, Adult Intensive Care Unit
Geisinger Medical Center
06.2009 - Current
- Provide specialized care for critically ill patients within a tertiary academic medical center.
- Function as charge nurse, preceptor, and clinical resource.
- Manage advanced critical care therapies including Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT).
Clinician, Career Enhancement Program (CEP)
Geisinger Medical Center
11.2015 - 11.2017
- Served as mentor, educator, and resource for nursing staff.
- Led CLABSI prevention initiatives and compliance audits.
- Facilitated Unit Practice Council meetings.
- Developed and presented educational programs, journal clubs, and evidence-based practice initiatives.
Registered Nurse, Electronic ICU (eICU)
Geisinger Medical Center
12.2013 - 11.2014
- Monitored critically ill patients across multiple facilities using tele-critical care technology.
- Identified clinical deterioration through trend analysis and proactive intervention.
- Collaborated remotely with multidisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes.
Education
Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT01-2023
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT01-2016
Associate of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Thomas Jefferson University
Danville01-2009
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish
The College of Wooster
Wooster, OH01-2004
Skills
- Employee Engagement & Retention
- Workforce Management
- Quality Improvement/Patient Safety
- Critical Care Operations
- Staffing & Scheduling
- Team Development
- Regulatory Compliance/Joint Commission readiness
- Patient Experience
- Nurse Leadership Rounds
- Staff Evaluations, routine feedback & disciplinary actions
- Assist with interview process
- Kronos/Scheduling Changes
- Epic
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Clinical leadership/Charge nurse
- Mortality Reviews
- Chart Auditing
- Unit Mentor/Conflict Resolution
Accomplishments
Nurse Excellence
Employee of the Month
Affiliations
AACN
Gift of Life
ICU Liberation
HONORS & RECOGNITION
Nurse Excellence / Partners in Excellence Award Nominee (2021, 2022, 2026), Employee of the Month, Medical Intensive Care Unit, Geisinger Medical Center School of Nursing Alumni Award
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Certification
- Registered Nurse, Pennsylvania
- CCRN – Critical Care Registered Nurse
- ACLS – Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
- BLS – Basic Life Support
- FCCS – Fundamentals of Critical Care Support
- Member, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
Timeline
Clinical Team Coordinator, Medical Intensive Care Unit
Geisinger Medical Center
11.2017 - Current
Clinician, Career Enhancement Program (CEP)
Geisinger Medical Center
11.2015 - 11.2017
Registered Nurse, Electronic ICU (eICU)
Geisinger Medical Center
12.2013 - 11.2014
Registered Nurse, Adult Intensive Care Unit
Geisinger Medical Center
06.2009 - Current
Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Western Governors University
Associate of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Thomas Jefferson University
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish
The College of Wooster