Jerome Cruz

About Jerome Cruz

With over 14 years of nursing experience across the Philippines, United Arab Emirates, and multiple care settings—from coronary care to pediatric long-term and intensive care—I have built a career defined by clinical excellence, leadership innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement.My journey began at the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center in Manila, where I honed my skills in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) and advanced to Charge Nurse, leading a team of staff nurses in delivering safe, timely, and compassionate care. That foundation in acute cardiac care shaped my approach to leadership—anchored on teamwork, accountability, and evidence-based practice.For nearly a decade in the United Arab Emirates, I expanded my leadership footprint in healthcare, progressing from bedside care to Clinical Nurse Lead and ultimately Nurse Manager for the Pediatric Department. I managed a team of more than 120 nurses and 9 Clinical Nurse Leads, overseeing the care of children with complex, long-term, and ventilator-dependent conditions.Throughout my tenure, I led and co-led several key initiatives that strengthened operational efficiency, quality, and sustainability:Restructured nursing leadership into a streamlined model that improved communication, workflow, and staff engagement.Pioneered digitalization and automation projects, reducing redundant processes —a project recognized with a Gold Initiative Award at the Arab Health Conference.Contributed to JCI and CARF accreditations, integrating sustainability practices to be commended for environmental efficiency.Collaborated in developing the AHA-accredited International Training Center, enabling in-house delivery of life-support courses such as BLS, ACLS, PALS, and Heartsaver programs.Beyond operations, I focused on cultivating a just and transparent culture—one that encouraged learning from mistakes, valued accountability, and celebrated professional growth. I mentored junior leaders, guided staff through performance reviews, and designed education programs to ensure continuous competence and confidence at the bedside.My work has been recognized among the Top 100 Filipino Healthcare Professionals in the Middle East, a testament to the dedication and leadership values I bring to every role.Today, I remain deeply passionate about building empowered teams, driving sustainable healthcare innovation, and elevating nursing leadership to meet the evolving needs of patients and organizations alike.

Experience

1. Registered Nurse - Tcv Icu

   UVA Health

   Jan 2026 — Present · Charlottesville, VA, US

Education

• Manila Central University

  Bachelor of Science in Nursing , Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse

  2005 — 2009

• University of the Philippines

  Master of Arts - MA, Nursing Administration

  2018 — 2022