Kari Pessarra
Richmond
Summary
Dynamic healthcare leader with over 15 years of experience in directing operations within urgent care settings. Known for effective communication and problem-solving skills, driving quality assurance initiatives and fostering staff development to optimize operational performance. Sole non-nurse director within the organization, selected to mentor and train new directors for the past decade. Assumed responsibility for scheduling, evaluating, and hiring float staff for the Richmond area.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Director of Medical Support
Patient First Urgent Care Center
Midlothian
01.2011 - Current
- Direct daily operations of the urgent care clinic to ensure efficient patient flow.
- Manage staff schedules to optimize coverage and enhance team productivity.
- Collaborate with medical teams to improve service quality and compliance standards.
- Evaluate performance metrics to identify areas for process improvement and staff development.
- Recruited, hired, trained, mentored, coached, evaluated, and terminated staff as necessary.
- Supervise organization's daily activities, ensuring alignment with necessary legal and regulatory requirements.
- Identify opportunities for improvement in operational performance metrics.
- Partner with staff to create professional development plans to support personal and business growth.
- Provide excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Train new directors and nurse supervisors on company policies and operational procedures.
- Oversee scheduling of staff shifts to ensure adequate coverage at all times.
- Organize team meetings to discuss goals, challenges, and operational updates.
- Resolve customer complaints in a timely manner while ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Maintain accurate records of employee performance, attendance, leave requests, and disciplinary actions.
Radiologic Technologist Supervisor
Patient First Urgent Care Center
Richmond
04.1996 - 12.2010
- Ensured patient safety and comfort during imaging processes.
- Assisted in training new staff on imaging techniques and procedures.
- Processed digital images using PACS system for storage, retrieval and transmission purposes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members such as nurses and physicians to provide excellent patient care services.
- Maintained a safe environment by adhering to radiation safety protocols and guidelines.
- Supervised daily operations of radiology department to ensure efficient workflow.
- Coordinated staff schedules to optimize coverage and resource allocation.
- Trained new personnel on departmental protocols and safety procedures.
- Assisted with hiring, training, and evaluating staff members within the radiology department.
- Conducted monthly safety inspections of diagnostic imaging equipment.
- Monitored workflow in the radiology department to improve efficiency.
Radiologic Technologist
Patient First Urgent Care Center
Richmond
10.1993 - 03.1996
- Prepared and maintained radiologic equipment for daily use.
- Followed safety protocols to ensure patient and staff protection.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to support patient care needs.
- Maintained accurate patient records and imaging documentation.
- Learned operation of digital imaging systems and software tools.
- Maintained a safe environment by adhering to radiation safety protocols and guidelines.
- Processed digital images using PACS system for storage, retrieval and transmission purposes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members such as nurses and physicians to provide excellent patient care services.
- Delivered comprehensive training to students and new technologists on equipment, imaging processing, patient relations and best practices.
- Reviewed medical histories and prepared patients for exams by positioning them appropriately on the exam table.
- Adhered to strict HIPAA guidelines to maintain patient and medical record confidentiality.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Averett University
Danville, VA12-2010
Associate of Science - Radiological Technology
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia, VA05-1996
Skills
- Patient management
- Operational compliance
- Staff recruitment
- Performance evaluation
- Quality assurance
- Customer relationship management
- Adaptability to change
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Leading meetings
- Employee training
Certification
ARRT (Radiography) - Active
Timeline
Director of Medical Support
Patient First Urgent Care Center
01.2011 - Current
Radiologic Technologist Supervisor
Patient First Urgent Care Center
04.1996 - 12.2010
Radiologic Technologist
Patient First Urgent Care Center
10.1993 - 03.1996
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Averett University
Associate of Science - Radiological Technology
Virginia Commonwealth University