Tessa Clarkson is an experienced nursing leader with a strong background in emergency care and
healthcare operations. Currently serving as Interim Nurse Manager at UT Southwestern’s William P.
Clements Jr. University Hospital Emergency Department, she oversees a 63-bed, high-acuity unit and
manages a team of over 270 staff members. Tessa has extensive expertise in staff development,
performance evaluation, compliance, and process improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient-
centered care and operational efficiency.
Her career began as a Registered Nurse in the same department, where she provided critical
care to diverse patient populations. She advanced to Assistant Nurse Manager before assuming her
current leadership position. Tessa earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Baylor University
Louise Herrington School of Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Business
Administration from Baylor University.
Tessa has driven numerous process improvement initiatives, including the development of a
predictive staffing model that significantly reduced incentive pay costs and eliminated staffing

deficits. She actively participates in multidisciplinary committees focused on patient outcomes,
workflow optimization, and staff development. Her leadership and research contributions have been
recognized through multiple poster presentations and awards for excellence in patient safety and
emergency care innovation.
Dedicated to advancing emergency care delivery, Tessa combines clinical expertise with
strategic leadership to foster innovation, improve operational efficiency, and enhance both patient and
staff experiences.

Upcoming Conferences