Donna Buduson, RN, UM

Donna Buduson, RN, UM, is a dedicated nursing and Utilization Management professional whose career reflects a deep commitment to patient-centered care, clinical excellence, and the responsible delivery of healthcare services. With extensive experience spanning direct patient care, nursing supervision, utilization management, and clinical review, she brings a well-rounded perspective to every aspect of her work. Her professional objective is rooted in helping patients receive appropriate care throughout their healthcare journey while supporting quality outcomes and efficient healthcare operations. Through her years in nursing, Donna has developed a reputation for combining clinical knowledge with compassion, careful attention to detail, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Donna’s journey in nursing began with her Licensed Practical Nursing education at the Isabella Graham Hart School of Practical Nursing in 2007. Driven by a desire to expand her clinical knowledge and professional capabilities, she continued her education at Bryant & Stratton College in Rochester, New York, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing in April 2025 and successfully passing the NCLEX in May 2025. She holds Registered Nurse licenses in New York and Oregon, as well as Licensed Practical Nurse licenses in New York and Connecticut. Her additional certifications include Basic Life Support and IV Therapy, complementing her education in medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, pathophysiology, community health, geriatrics, mental health, and family and child nursing.

A significant part of Donna’s professional expertise lies in Utilization Management, where she has spent years evaluating healthcare services to help ensure patients receive medically appropriate and necessary care. In her current role as a Utilization Management Review RN with Toney HealthCare, she reviews medical records, evaluates treatment plans, assesses medications and procedures, and applies evidence-based clinical criteria to determine medical necessity and level of care. Her previous experience with Monroe Plan/YourCare Health Plan further strengthened her expertise in prior authorization, long-term services and supports, appeals and grievances, compliance, provider education, and healthcare fraud prevention. Her ability to collaborate effectively with physicians, nurses, providers, and other healthcare professionals allows her to bridge clinical care with the operational and regulatory needs of healthcare organizations.

Beyond Utilization Management, Donna has gained valuable hands-on experience in a variety of nursing environments. As an LPN and Nursing Supervisor with The Grand Healthcare System, she provided direct resident care, administered medications, managed IV therapy, supported staff, communicated with physicians, and helped address complex staffing and patient-care concerns. Earlier roles in senior living, internal medicine, and the operating room allowed her to develop expertise in medication administration, triage, clinical procedures, surgical support, staff training, and patient advocacy. One especially meaningful moment in her career occurred when she successfully participated in a life-saving CPR and AED response for a coworker experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, an effort that resulted in recognition from organizational leadership and highlighted her ability to respond with confidence and compassion in critical situations.

Donna’s passion for nursing extends beyond her professional responsibilities and into her commitment to serving her community. She currently supports organizations including the Jamieson Ritter Foundation and the A Story of Hope Pediatric Hospice Fundraiser, while also participating in breast cancer awareness fundraising efforts. These experiences reflect her belief that nursing is not simply a profession, but an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Whether advocating for appropriate healthcare services, supporting patients directly, mentoring fellow healthcare professionals, or contributing to community initiatives, Donna approaches her work with dedication, empathy, and integrity. Her continued pursuit of professional growth and her passion for improving the quality of care position her as a compassionate and knowledgeable healthcare professional committed to making a lasting impact.

• Bryant & Stratton College, Rochester, NY — Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Nursing, April 2025
• Isabella Graham Hart School of Practical Nursing, Rochester, NY — Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program, 2007

• Registered Nurse (RN) – New York and Oregon
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – New York and Connecticut
• BLS Certified
• IV Therapy Certification
• NCLEX Passed May 2025

• Special Recognition from the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Medical Director for leading a successful life-saving CPR/AED response for a coworker experiencing sudden cardiac arrest
• Featured in a local news report for her life-saving CPR/AED intervention and contribution to workplace emergency preparedness

• The Jamieson Ritter Foundation, Rochester, NY — 2024–Present
• A Story of Hope Pediatric Hospice Fundraiser, Rochester, NY — 2023–Present
• Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser — Volunteer/Community Support

Featured in a local news report regarding AEDs in the workplace following her successful CPR/AED response to a coworker experiencing sudden cardiac arrest