Macdaly Owens, FNP, is a highly accomplished Family Nurse Practitioner at Optum, delivering comprehensive, evidence-based primary care to patients across the lifespan—from adolescents navigating early health challenges to older adults managing complex chronic conditions. In her role, she performs full-scope primary care services, including the evaluation and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing and managing medications, coordinating specialty referrals, and collaborating within interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless, patient-centered care.

Macdaly’s clinical practice is grounded in preventive healthcare, chronic disease management, and holistic patient education. She has extensive experience managing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, COPD, asthma, hyperlipidemia, thyroid disorders, women’s health concerns, and cardiovascular disease. Her approach emphasizes early intervention, lifestyle modification, and empowering patients to become active partners in their health decisions—values that have shaped her reputation as a trusted and compassionate clinician.

With more than 20 years of nursing experience and over a decade as a frontline provider, Macdaly brings deep and varied clinical expertise to her practice. Her background spans medical-surgical care, post-operative recovery, ICU care, orthopedics, vascular surgery, gastrointestinal care, neurology, cardiology, and women’s health. This breadth allows her to approach diagnoses with a multidisciplinary lens and provide well-rounded, high-quality care to diverse patient populations.

Before joining Optum, Macdaly served as a senior nurse clinician and educator at NYU Langone Medical Center, where she played a pivotal role in staff development and clinical education. She designed and delivered in-house training programs, served as a clinical resource to both new and experienced nurses, and presented on specialized topics including craniofacial reconstructive surgical care. Her leadership in clinical education continues to inform her role today, where she not only cares for patients but also mentors colleagues and contributes to a collaborative, learning‑focused clinical environment.

Educationally, Macdaly earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with honors from Long Island University in 2003 and her Master of Science in Nursing, also with honors, from Pace University in 2014. Deeply committed to lifelong learning and the integration of mental and physical health in primary care, she is currently exploring doctoral studies in psychology to broaden her scope of clinical insight and enhance her ability to support patient well‑being on multiple levels.

Compassionate, dedicated, and deeply committed to excellence in care, Macdaly strives to be a reliable, knowledgeable resource for her patients. She is devoted to helping individuals achieve long-term health, navigate complex medical needs with confidence, and feel genuinely supported at every stage of their healthcare journey.

• Bachelor's degree, Long Island University, 2003 (graduated with honors)
• Masters degree, Pace University, 2014 (graduated with honors)

• MSN, BSN, APRN, FNP-BC

• National honor society of nursing, Zeta Omega Chapter, 2013
• Sigma Theta, Tau, 2003

• NYS Nurse Practitioner Association

• Giving back to the community has always been an essential part of my life and my identity as a healthcare professional. I am deeply committed to service, and I view philanthropy as an extension of my work in medicine—a way to uplift others, promote well‑being, and contribute to causes that make a meaningful difference. Over the years, I have dedicated my time to a variety of community‑centered initiatives that support individuals and families in need. This includes participating in health education events, community wellness programs, and charitable efforts that address disparities in access to care. I am passionate about empowering underserved communities with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to improve their health and quality of life. Beyond healthcare-related service, I also support charitable organizations focused on children, families, and social support networks. I believe strongly in the power of generosity, connection, and collective action. Whether volunteering my time, contributing to fundraising efforts, or offering hands‑on support to those experiencing hardship, I am committed to making a positive impact wherever I can. Philanthropy not only enriches the lives of others—it also enriches my own. It reinforces my belief in compassion, strengthens my sense of purpose, and continually reminds me that even small acts of kindness can create lasting change. Through both my professional work and my volunteer efforts, I hope to continue being a source of support, encouragement, and hope for the communities I serve.

Craniofacial Reconstructive Surgeries: In‑House In‑Service Overview

Prepared for Clinical Staff Education & Professional Development

Introduction

Craniofacial reconstructive surgery is a highly specialized area of plastic and reconstructive surgery focused on the correction of congenital, traumatic, and oncologic abnormalities involving the skull, face, and jaw. These procedures require close interdisciplinary collaboration and meticulous perioperative care. This in‑service is designed to enhance staff understanding of the conditions, surgical principles, and nursing considerations essential for safe, high‑quality patient care.

1. Common Indications for Craniofacial Reconstruction

Congenital Conditions

• Cleft lip and cleft palate
• Craniosynostosis (e.g., sagittal, coronal, metopic suture abnormalities)
• Hemifacial microsomia
• Treacher Collins syndrome
• Pierre Robin sequence

Traumatic Injuries

• Complex facial fractures
• Orbital blowout fractures
• Soft‑tissue avulsions
• Skull base trauma

Oncologic & Post‑Tumor Resection Reconstruction

• Mandibular reconstruction
• Maxillofacial defects post-cancer surgery
• Soft‑tissue flaps for facial contour restoration

Understanding these conditions helps staff anticipate patient needs throughout their surgical and recovery journey.

2. Key Surgical Principles

A. Multidisciplinary Planning

Most craniofacial surgeries involve collaboration between:

• Plastic surgeons
• Neurosurgery
• Otolaryngology
• Ophthalmology
• Oral & maxillofacial surgery
• Anesthesiology
• Nursing, child life, SLP, and nutrition teams

B. Functional and Aesthetic Goals

Procedures aim to:

• Restore normal facial symmetry
• Protect airway and brain structures
• Correct skull shape to allow normal brain growth
• Improve feeding, speech, and breathing
• Optimize psychosocial development

C. Techniques Commonly Used

• Bone grafting and remodeling
• Distraction osteogenesis
• Orthognathic (jaw) surgery
• Soft‑tissue flap reconstruction
• Orbital reconstruction
• 3D imaging and surgical navigation technologies

3. Nursing Roles and Clinical Considerations

Preoperative Responsibilities

• Comprehensive assessment including airway concerns
• Reviewing imaging, lab work, and interdisciplinary notes
• Family education about surgical expectations
• Psychosocial support, especially for pediatric patients
• Pre‑op skin prep and infection‑prevention protocols

Intraoperative Awareness (for perioperative staff)

• Anticipate significant blood loss (especially in craniosynostosis cases)
• Ensure proper positioning to avoid pressure injuries
• Familiarity with craniofacial instrumentation and navigation tools

Postoperative Care

Critical priorities include:

• Airway monitoring (swelling, obstruction risk)
• Neurological checks
• Pain management
• Monitoring drains and wound sites
• Managing edema (head elevation, cold therapy if appropriate)
• Oral care and feeding protocols
• Early coordination with PT/OT/SLP if needed

Family Support

Families often experience heightened anxiety—education, reassurance, and clear communication are essential components of recovery support.

4. Potential Complications and Early Recognition

• Airway compromise
• Bleeding or hematoma
• CSF leak (in cranial procedures)
• Infection or osteomyelitis
• Vision changes
• Hardware complications
• Feeding difficulties
• Psychological stress or body‑image concerns

Prompt recognition and escalation are critical for optimal outcomes.

5. The Importance of Collaborative Care

Craniofacial surgery represents one of the most team‑oriented areas of medicine. The coordinated efforts of nursing, surgical teams, anesthesia, child life specialists, speech therapists, and others directly impact patient safety, healing, and long-term development.

As frontline caregivers, nursing staff play a pivotal role in:

• Advocating for patients
• Identifying early warning signs
• Providing comfort and education
• Ensuring continuity of care

Your expertise and attention to detail are essential to successful outcomes.

Conclusion

Craniofacial reconstructive surgery requires advanced clinical knowledge, interdisciplinary communication, and compassionate patient-centered care. Through ongoing in‑service education, staff gain the understanding and confidence needed to support these highly specialized patients effectively.