Regional Stroke Program Manager- Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital-Lakela

Position Summary

Opening Summer 2026 at 4000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, FL.

The Orlando Health System of Care includes award-winning hospitals and ERs, specialty institutes, urgent care centers, primary care practices and outpatient facilities that span Florida’s east to west coasts, Central Alabama and Puerto Rico. Collectively, our dedicated team members honor our over 100-year legacy by providing professional and compassionate care to the patients, families and communities we serve. Join us!

Combining the collective strengths of two powerhouse organizations, Orlando Health and the high-quality physicians at Watson Clinic are expanding access to award-winning specialty care for patients in Polk County and beyond.

Opening in summer 2026,
Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital – a state-of-the-art, seven-story, multi-specialty hospital – will serve as a vital 550,000 square-foot healthcare hub offering:

• 300+ inpatient beds and 69 emergency and observation beds
• 11 operating rooms and four cardiac interventional suites
• Dedicated labor and delivery services – including a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that will debut shortly after the hospital opens
• Comprehensive cardiovascular, neurology, and oncology services
• Advanced surgical procedures

Join us in shaping the future of healthcare in Polk County as part of the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital opening team and share in the privilege of saying you were there from the very beginning.

Orlando Health is committed to providing you with benefits that go beyond the expected, with career‑growing FREE education programs and well‑being services to support you and your family through every stage of life. We begin your benefits on day one and offer flexibility wherever possible, so that you can be present for your passions. “Orlando Health Is Your Best Place to Work” is not just something we say, it’s our promise to you.

• Benefits that begin on Day 1
• Four (4) weeks paid parental leave
• Debt‑free degrees through our Preferred Education Program
• Tuition reimbursement and loan repayment programs
• Back‑up childcare and elder care
• Fertility benefits and adoption assistance
• NCLEX reimbursement
• Free NCPDs for RN license
• Free Kaplan review courses
• Dedicated RN career counselor and GN Coordinators to develop you
• Specialty certifications reimbursement
• And more!

• Creates a climate of empowerment and trust in team members, supports participative leadership, and can work comfortably in large and small team settings as a facilitator.
• Administers and coordinates operational activities and projects as assigned by the Corporate Stroke Program Director.
• Develops and implements plans with cooperation with the nursing and hospital leadership which addresses specific stroke related metrics and goals.
• Effectively influences others who do not report to him/her. Demonstrates excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Monitors quality and regulatory standards, while achieving hospital and corporate goals.
• Develops and maintains effective partnerships with national, state, and local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and community partners in collaboration with the Orlando Health External Affairs team.
• Serves as a liaison for the hospital nursing leadership council and representative for Corporate Stroke Program on Orlando Health multidisciplinary councils and committees.
• Establishes and maintains an open and positive working relationship with administrators, medical staff, managers and team members.
• Assumes day‑to‑day responsibility for process and performance improvement activities as they relate to nursing and allied health team members. Assists the Stroke Medical Director in carrying out the same function for the physicians.
• Coordinates the continuum of stroke care, which includes the planning and implementation of clinical protocols and practice management guidelines, monitoring care of in‑hospital patients, and serving as a resource for clinical practice.
• Participates in case review, implements practice guidelines, and directs community stroke education and prevention programs.
• Monitors clinical processes,…