Katherine Hillburn, RN, MHA

Kathy Hillburn, RN, MHA, is a seasoned healthcare leader with nearly 30 years of experience in surgical nursing and perioperative services. She is the founder and Director of Surgical Services at Insight Legal Nurse and Surgical Services Consulting, where she leverages her extensive clinical and administrative expertise to provide consultation on surgical operations, regulatory compliance, patient safety, and legal nurse consulting for cases including malpractice, injuries, insurance claims, and Worker’s Compensation. Kathy’s career spans all phases of surgical care, from preoperative assessment to post-anesthesia recovery and sterile processing, with a focus on ensuring safe, efficient, and patient-centered care.

Throughout her career, Kathy has held key leadership positions, including Director of Perioperative Services at Ascension St. John Medical Center and Interim Director roles at multiple healthcare institutions across the United States. In these roles, she oversaw large multidisciplinary teams, managing over 300 employees across five departments, including pre-admission, surgical services, post-surgical care, and central/sterile supply. She is known for her hands-on leadership style—walking through departments, meeting with managers, streamlining processes, and ensuring surgeons and staff have the resources they need for optimal outcomes. Her commitment to patient-focused, efficient operations has made her a sought-after consultant for hospitals aiming to enhance their perioperative services.

Kathy holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix. She is also a Nurse Executive Fellow of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, an honor given to only 40 professionals globally for intensive leadership training. Beyond her administrative and clinical expertise, Kathy is passionate about mentorship, leadership development, and advancing nursing practices through innovation and operational excellence, making her a transformative force in healthcare.

• University of Phoenix - MHA

• RN