Katie Hellema
Launching Place
Summary
Strategic and values-driven operations leader with experience in the public health sector, currently serving as the Interim Director of Operations. Proven ability to lead complex service delivery across multi-disciplinary teams with a strong focus on performance, work planning and financial stewardship. Recognised for relational leadership, high - level communication skills, and integrity driven decision making. Demonstrated success in driving system improvements, enhancing patient outcomes, and aligning operational priorities with organisational strategy. Passionate about fostering collaboration, accountability and sustainable change in health service delivery.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Acting Director Operations
Eastern Health
05.2025 - Current
- Assisted in developing strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
- Supported project management efforts through research and data analysis.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline communication processes.
- Contributed to the preparation of presentations for stakeholder meetings.
Deputy Director Operations - Emergency Services
Eastern Health
03.2024 - Current
- Assisted in development and implementation of strategic initiatives to improve operational efficiency.
- Coordinated cross-departmental projects to enhance communication and workflow processes.
- Supported data analysis efforts to inform decision-making and strategic planning activities.
- Contributed to preparation of reports and presentations for senior leadership reviews.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to align departmental goals with overall organizational objectives.
- Fostered a positive work environment by promoting collaboration, transparency, and open communication among team members.
- Monitored performance metrics, analyzing trends to identify areas requiring attention or improvement.
Associate Program Director - Acute and Aged Med
Eastern Health
02.2023 - 02.2024
- Supported cross-functional communication between departments to streamline project workflows and enhance collaboration.
- Implemented process improvements that increased program delivery speed while maintaining service quality standards.
- Monitored compliance with organizational policies and procedures, ensuring adherence in all program activities.
- Developed resource allocation strategies that optimized team performance and reduced operational bottlenecks.
- Maintained open communication channels with participants, addressing concerns and providing ongoing support throughout the program duration.
Associate Director of Nursing
Eastern Health
01.2018 - 02.2023
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and standardize clinical practice guidelines.
- Assisted in developing annual budgets for the nursing department by analyzing resources allocation based on historical data.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging open communication and collaboration among team members.
- Improved patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and protocols.
- Managed staffing schedules, optimizing nurse-to-patient ratios for operational efficiency.
- Oversaw patient assessments, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and best practices.
- Mentored nursing staff, fostering professional development and improving team performance.
Director of Clinical Services
Alexandra District Health
06.2021 - 01.2022
- Led clinical program development, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards and best practices across the Acute Ward, Urgent Care Centre, Operating Theatres and Primary Health Service.
- Oversaw implementation of electronic health record systems to enhance patient care delivery.
- Directed multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration to improve service efficiency and patient outcomes.
- Coordinated community outreach efforts, promoting health education and increasing access to services for underserved populations.
- Managed budget allocations for clinical operations, optimizing resource utilization while maintaining high-quality care standards.
- Championed best practice sharing among departments, resulting in more consistent execution of patient care processes and improved outcomes.
Emergency Department Nurse Manager
Eastern Health
02.2017 - 02.2018
- Directed emergency department operations, ensuring efficient patient flow and optimal resource allocation.
- Implemented evidence-based protocols to enhance patient care quality and safety standards.
- Mentored nursing staff, fostering professional growth and improving team performance in high-stress environments.
- Developed and executed training programs for new recruits, reinforcing best practices and compliance with regulations.
- Oversaw budget management, optimizing departmental resources while maintaining high-quality patient care standards.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for complex patients.
- Increased staff retention rates through supportive leadership and professional development opportunities.
- Established strong relationships with external stakeholders, including Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police.
- Reduced medication errors by introducing a standardized medication administration system.
Associate Nurse Manager Emergency Department
Eastern Health
03.2015 - 02.2018
- Led nursing staff in delivering high-quality patient care, ensuring adherence to best practices and protocols.
- Mentored junior nurses, providing guidance on clinical procedures and professional development opportunities.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to devise patient care plans that address complex health needs.
- Managed resource allocation effectively, optimizing staffing levels to meet fluctuating patient demands.
- Established a positive work environment that fosters open communication, collaboration and respect among nursing staff and interdisciplinary team members.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the department by addressing concerns promptly and implementing corrective actions when necessary.
- Served as a mentor and resource for nursing staff, fostering professional growth and career development opportunities.
Hospital Nurse Coordinator
Goulburn Valley Health
03.2010 - 12.2013
- Educated patients and families on health management, fostering understanding of treatment protocols.
- Promoted a positive work culture within the nursing team by demonstrating strong leadership qualities and effective conflict resolution skills.
- Continuously updated clinical knowledge and skills through participation in professional development opportunities, enhancing patient care quality.
- Facilitated seamless transitions between shifts by creating thorough handover reports for incoming nurses, ensuring continuity of care for patients.
- Managed critical incidents calmly under pressure while coordinating rapid response teams to provide immediate assistance when required.
- Coordinated patient access processes to optimize service delivery and enhance customer experience.
- Provided exceptional customer service to patients, families, and referring providers, fostering positive relationships.
Associate Nurse Manager, Emergency Department
Goulburn Valley Health
03.2007 - 12.2013
- Supervised daily nursing operations to ensure high-quality patient care and adherence to safety protocols.
- Developed and implemented staff training programs to enhance clinical skills and improve patient outcomes.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary team meetings to streamline communication and foster collaborative care planning.
- Evaluated patient care processes, identifying areas for improvement and implementing evidence-based practices.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Melbourne, VIC12-2002
Post Graduate Diploma - Critical Care - Emergency/ICU Stream
University of Melbourne
Parkville, VIC11-2006
Post Graduate Certificate - Health Services Management
University of Technology
Sydney, NSW10-2022
Master of Health Administration - Health Services Management - Deferred
University of Technology Sydney
Sydney, NSW10-2026
Skills
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- People management
- Operations management
- Strategies and goals
- Employee development
- Budget management
- Change management
- Issues resolution
- Contract and vendor management
- Hiring and retention
- Financial reporting
- Charismatic leader
Timeline
Acting Director Operations
Eastern Health
05.2025 - Current
Deputy Director Operations - Emergency Services
Eastern Health
03.2024 - Current
Associate Program Director - Acute and Aged Med
Eastern Health
02.2023 - 02.2024
Director of Clinical Services
Alexandra District Health
06.2021 - 01.2022
Associate Director of Nursing
Eastern Health
01.2018 - 02.2023
Emergency Department Nurse Manager
Eastern Health
02.2017 - 02.2018
Associate Nurse Manager Emergency Department
Eastern Health
03.2015 - 02.2018
Hospital Nurse Coordinator
Goulburn Valley Health
03.2010 - 12.2013
Associate Nurse Manager, Emergency Department
Goulburn Valley Health
03.2007 - 12.2013
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Post Graduate Diploma - Critical Care - Emergency/ICU Stream
University of Melbourne
Post Graduate Certificate - Health Services Management
University of Technology
Master of Health Administration - Health Services Management - Deferred
University of Technology Sydney
Similar Profiles
Kadija AhmedKadija Ahmed
Personal Care Attendant at Eastern HealthPersonal Care Attendant at Eastern Health
Chad MercerChad Mercer
Registered Nurse at Eastern HealthRegistered Nurse at Eastern Health
Merrybeth Delos reyesMerrybeth Delos reyes
Domestic Helper at Eastern HealthDomestic Helper at Eastern Health
Michael BrownMichael Brown
Leading Hand Concreter at Parkcon ConcretingLeading Hand Concreter at Parkcon Concreting
THE PHUONG NGUYENTHE PHUONG NGUYEN
Supervisor at Carrawah NurserySupervisor at Carrawah Nursery