Alana M Smith BSN, RN, VA-BC
Frankfort,KY
Summary
Compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with extensive experience in direct patient care, triage, and care coordination. Skilled in managing high-pressure situations and effectively addressing challenging patient needs. Builds strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication and exceptional service.
Overview
2
2
Certifications
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse, Vascular Access Team
University of Kentucky Medical Center
01.2020 - Current
- Uses ultrasound to place Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC), midlines, ultrasound guided intravenous (IV) catheters.
- Assesses patients for appropriateness of line placement guided by national standards.
- Collaborates with Physicians and patients to create appropriate plan of care.
- Resolved customer satisfaction issues to enhance patient experience.
- Collaborated with physicians and patients to develop tailored care plans.
- Led unit as charge nurse, championed scheduling initiatives, and chaired unit council.
Registered Nurse, Cardiac Catheter Recovery Area
University of Kentucky Medical Center
06.2016 - 01.2020
- Prepared and monitored patients during recovery from cardiac procedures, ensuring safety and comfort.
- Assisted physicians during cardioversion and loop recorder placement, facilitating smooth procedure execution.
- Used McKesson and Sunrise Clinical Manager for charting purposes.
- Led team in Charge nurse role, coordinating patient care and optimizing workflow in the recovery area.
Registered Nurse, Medicine Intensive Care Unit
University of Kentucky Medical Center
09.2015 - 06.2016
- Monitored and cared for critically ill patients to ensure stability and timely interventions
- Provided comprehensive care for diverse disease processes, enhancing patient recovery and comfort
- Oversaw patient care and staff coordination
- Assisted families with emotional support during crises
Registered Nurse, Rapid Response Team
University of Kentucky Medical Center
03.2013 - 09.2015
- Addressed patient emergencies by assessing conditions and coordinating immediate interventions in a clinical setting.
- Monitored patients using the 'track and trigger' system to identify critical changes
- Facilitated patient transfers by ensuring stability and readiness for transport during critical care situations.
- Engaged in adult inpatient code blue situations, providing assistance and maintaining accurate documentation of events.
Registered Nurse, Benefitted Critical Care Pool
University of Kentucky Medical Center
09.2005 - 03.2013
- Functioned as a staff nurse in all adult intensive care units, progressive care areas, telemetry areas, Emergency Department, and all adult medical surgical areas including Good Samaritan Hospital.
- Adapted to diverse clinical settings by performing various nursing roles effectively.
- Contributed to the Per Diem Staff Council by sharing insights on staffing practices.
- Managed scheduling responsibilities for the Benefitted Critical Care Pool to optimize workforce efficiency.
Registered Nurse, Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit (NSICU)
University of Kentucky Medical Center
11.2002 - 09.2005
- Monitored critically ill patients, conducting frequent neurologic checks to assess changes in condition.
- Observed and assessed specialty drains for proper function and any signs of complications.
- Titrated vasoactive intravenous medicine to maintain hemodynamic stability in critically ill patients.
- Transported critically ill patients to CT scan and MRI.
- Transported critically ill patients to CT scan and MRI, ensuring safe and timely diagnostic evaluation.
Registered Nurse, 6 South/Progressive Care Unit
University of Kentucky Medical Center
07.2001 - 11.2002
- Facilitated patient transitions from Intensive Care Unit to Progressive Care Unit, ensuring continuity of care.
- Monitored patient vitals continuously in the Intensive Care Unit. and intervention.
- Executed aggressive airway management to stabilize patients in critical condition.
- Delivered specialized treatment for complex wounds to promote healing..
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Science of Nursing (BSN)
Kentucky State University
01-2015
Associate Degree in Nursing - Science of Nursing (ADN)
Lexington Community College
01-2001
High School Diploma - undefined
Woodford County High School
01-1997
Skills
- Patient Care
- Assessment
- Strong clinical judgment
- Patient education
- Patient and family advocacy
- Communication
- Compassion and empathy
Certification
Vascular Access – Board Certified (VA-BC) member since 2021 to present, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certified since 2001 to present, Basic Life Support (BLS) Certified since 1996 to present
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Vascular Access Team
University of Kentucky Medical Center
01.2020 - Current
Registered Nurse, Cardiac Catheter Recovery Area
University of Kentucky Medical Center
06.2016 - 01.2020
Registered Nurse, Medicine Intensive Care Unit
University of Kentucky Medical Center
09.2015 - 06.2016
Registered Nurse, Rapid Response Team
University of Kentucky Medical Center
03.2013 - 09.2015
Registered Nurse, Benefitted Critical Care Pool
University of Kentucky Medical Center
09.2005 - 03.2013
Registered Nurse, Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit (NSICU)
University of Kentucky Medical Center
11.2002 - 09.2005
Registered Nurse, 6 South/Progressive Care Unit
University of Kentucky Medical Center
07.2001 - 11.2002
High School Diploma - undefined
Woodford County High School
Bachelor's Degree - Science of Nursing (BSN)
Kentucky State University
Associate Degree in Nursing - Science of Nursing (ADN)
Lexington Community College