Alicia Bell
Homewood,IL
Summary
Effective at improving revenue, team productivity and policies to keep the facility operating at a sustainable and profitable level. Well-versed in motivating and retaining employees, building relationships with residents and families and achieving the requirements for continued accreditation.
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse with extensive experience in medical procedures, including sample collection, blood draw, IV insertion and infection control, MDS, and SANE experience. Meticulous regard for detail and accuracy with strong follow-through and administrative skills. Maintains composure and makes accurate decisions in fast-paced, unpredictable and stressful environments. History of interfacing seamlessly with doctors, specialized support services, patients and visiting families.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ER Nurse/Nursing Coordinator
South Shore Health System
Chicago, IL
11.2023 - Current
- Provided emergency care to critically ill patients in a timely manner.
- Assessed patient condition and developed individualized care plans.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Performed triage, prioritizing treatment of incoming patients based on acuity level.
- Monitored vital signs and other indicators of patient health status.
- Managed intravenous lines, wound dressings, catheters, and other medical devices.
- Facilitated communication between physicians, nurses, technicians, therapists, social workers, family members and other healthcare providers.
- Identified potential risks or complications during treatment processes and took appropriate corrective action.
- Responded quickly to life-threatening situations while maintaining composure under pressure.
- Ensured compliance with all hospital policies, procedures, standards, and regulations.
- Assisted in the preparation of trauma victims for transfer or discharge from the hospital.
- Performed diagnostic tests such as X-rays or lab work according to physician orders.
- Delivered compassionate end-of-life care when needed according to established hospice guidelines.
- Reviewed laboratory results promptly for accuracy and followed up on abnormal findings with physicians.
- Performed physical examinations of sexual assault survivors to document evidence, collect specimens and provide treatment.
- Provided emotional support, crisis intervention and referrals to appropriate resources for sexual assault victims.
- Assessed the need for emergency contraception or prophylaxis against sexually transmitted infections.
- Conducted forensic interviews to obtain detailed information about the incident.
- Documented findings in a comprehensive medical-legal report according to state laws and protocols.
- Collected biological samples from patients using approved methods and techniques.
- Collaborated with law enforcement personnel on rape kit collection and storage procedures.
- Educated patients on prevention strategies and safety measures related to sexual assault incidents.
- Participated in case reviews with multidisciplinary teams to discuss patient care plans and outcomes.
- Triaged incoming patients and communicated with doctors to encourage timely attention to urgent situations.
- Treated patients suffering from trauma, acute chest pain, respiratory failure and drug overdoses.
- Triaged and treated high-volume caseload in busy emergency room setting.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
Assistant Director of Nursing
Atria Senior Living
Bolingbrook, IL
06.2023 - Current
- Assisted with recruitment and retention of nursing staff.
- Developed and implemented strategies to promote patient safety and quality care outcomes.
- Coordinated the planning, implementation, evaluation, and documentation of nursing care plans.
- Conducted performance evaluations for all nursing personnel.
- Assessed staffing needs based on patient census and acuity levels.
- Participated in budget preparation activities related to nursing services.
- Attended meetings with key stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the Nursing Department.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop best practices for patient care delivery.
- Facilitated professional development opportunities for nurses through continuing education programs.
- Created policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state regulations.
- Oversaw daily operations within the department including scheduling shifts and approving time off requests.
- Responded promptly to inquiries from physicians, families, staff members, and other healthcare professionals.
- Implemented infection control measures according to established protocols.
- Provided leadership support during times of crisis or emergency situations.
- Assessed competency of clinical staff to promote quality, continuity and safety.
- Reviewed daily documentation of dispensing of controlled substances, immediately noting discrepancies from shift to shift.
- Implemented changes needed to correct deficiencies found during government inspections.
- Monitored development, implementation and updates of individualized care plans.
- Administered executive supervision, exercising independent judgment to select proper course of action in policies and procedures.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall patient care and response times.
Medical Surgical Nurse/MDS Coordinator
St. Bernard's Hospital
Chicago , IL
02.2023 - Current
- Calculated and administered IV, oral and subcutaneous medications, monitoring for adverse side effects.
- Identified irregular telemetry readings and initiated corrective action plans.
- Adjusted specialized equipment to record electronic displays of patients.
- Educated patients and families to manage illness with post-treatment home care needs, nutrition, exercise programs and self-administration of medication.
- Coordinated with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients.
- Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for in-patient care.
- Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
- Administered local, inhalation or intravenous anesthetics to patients undergoing procedures.
- Demonstrated high degree of confidentiality, positive interpersonal skills and adaptability in fast-paced and unpredictable medical environment.
- Monitored unexpected patient events, interactions or outcomes and recorded incident report in certain situations.
- Deployed therapeutic communication and active listening and teaching to establish relationships with patients, families and health care team for optimum patient care.
- Maintained aseptic environment to prevent patient infections or other unwanted outcomes.
- Coordinated and interpreted radiological scans, EKGs and other diagnostic screenings to diagnose patient conditions.
- Observed surgical procedures to closely monitor patient and quickly assist physician with potential complications or additional needs.
- Conducted comprehensive assessment of residents' physical, psychological, social, spiritual, cultural, environmental needs.
- Reviewed medical records for accurate documentation of diagnoses according to established criteria.
- Developed goals for each resident's plan of care that reflected their physical, mental health status and preferences.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss resident care plans and outcomes.
- Utilized computer systems such as Point Click Care or other electronic health record software programs for data entry purposes.
- Analyzed patient data including lab results, vital signs, medications, to assess current condition and make recommendations regarding treatment options.
- Supported the development of new policies and procedures related to MDS activities.
- Educated staff on proper use of PCC or EHR software programs used for data entry into the MDS system.
- Fostered an environment that promotes collaboration between interdisciplinary teams while utilizing best practice guidelines.
- Verified quality of assessments in accurately reflecting physical, mental and psychosocial status of each resident.
- Coordinated completion of resident assessments in accordance with current federal and state regulations.
Emergency Department RN
South Suburban Hospital
Hazel Crest, IL
01.2023 - Current
- Responded quickly to codes and coordinated efficient and skilled care.
- Maintained open and clear communication with physicians to coordinate effective patient care.
- Triaged and treated high-volume caseload in busy emergency room setting.
- Administered critical IV medications to stabilize patients for assessment and treatment.
- Cared for patients experiencing acute traumas, including cardiac arrests, strokes and gunshot wounds.
- Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions and enhance continuum of care.
- Conducted patient assessments and diagnostic tests to provide physician with important patient health information.
- Answered patient questions and provided take-home materials for further information.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injury and illnesses.
- Rendered direct patient care by stabilizing patients and determining course of action based on triage.
- Stabilized patients, determined health needs and provided direct patient care.
Nurse Supervisor
Clarendale Of Mokena
Mokena, IL
12.2018 - 12.2022
- Examined and addressed lacerations, contusions and other physical symptoms in need of further attention
- Documented patient intake information, including medical histories, current symptoms and vitals such as height and weight
- Documented patient intake and dietary requirements and assisted with feeding
- Promoted patient satisfaction by assisting with daily living needs such as bathing, dressing, toileting and exercising
- Responded to patient alarms and needs-assessment requests to identify course of treatment
- Cleaned and sanitized rooms and equipment using aseptic technique to prevent infection and cross-contamination
- Collected biological specimens and packaged for laboratory transport to complete important diagnostic tests
- Managed wound care, gave respiratory treatments and helped with non-invasive procedures
- Educated clients, patients, and caregivers on medical diagnoses, treatment options, chronic disease self-management and wound management
- Investigated and reported all accidents fully, leveraging new knowledge to improve protections for patients and staff
- Maintained adequate unit supplies to meet expected patient demands
- Completed daily rounds of nursing department to verify nursing service personnel performance alignment acceptable nursing standards
- Administered oral, intramuscular and IV medications to patients and monitored responses
- Ensured HIPAA rules and regulations were carefully followed
- Created and integrated new nursing protocols designed to improve patient outcomes while minimizing medical errors
- Answered questions and addressed concerns from employees promptly through email, phone and in person
- Ensured the correct number of staffers was maintained to meet budget parameters while ensuring high levels of patient care
- Recruited, interviewed, hired and coached employees and promoted high level of care quality to patients
- Provided patients with direct nursing care when the department was short-staffed
- Participated in patient and family planning processes, provided instructions and addressed questions and/ concerns
- Planned hospice care for elderly and disabled patients.
- Ensured that each patient and his or her family received superior level of compassionate nursing and palliative care.
- Inserted and managed central, arterial and PICC lines.
- Reached out to patients to convey lab results and provide care instructions.
- Treated patients by administering various types of medications and therapies.
- Counseled caregivers and families on end-of-life planning and educated on patient care options.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Oriented, assessed and mentored staff on correct procedures and clinical skills.
- Kept clinical supplies at optimal levels.
- Resolved conflicts promptly among physicians, nurses and other healthcare employees to keep workflows on task.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall patient care and response times.
- Recruited well-qualified candidates to fill vacancies and offer residents unparalleled care.
- Implemented new hire training to further develop skills and initiate discussions on task prioritization.
- Maintained compliance with guidelines such as HIPAA and OSHA.
- Conducted patient assessments and diagnostic tests to provide physician with important patient health information.
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state regulations.
- Provided guidance, mentoring, and coaching to nursing staff in the unit.
- Assessed clinical competency of nursing staff on a regular basis.
- Conducted performance appraisals of nurses to evaluate their job performance.
- Resolved conflicts between nursing staff members or between patients and families as needed.
- Collaborated with other departments to coordinate patient care services across the organization.
- Prepared reports on quality assurance metrics such as infection rates, medication errors.
- Evaluated new technologies or techniques related to nursing practice and trained staff accordingly.
- Performed administrative tasks such as scheduling shifts, approving time-off requests.
- Organized orientation sessions for newly hired nurses on proper procedures and protocols.
- Worked closely with executives to administer operations, staff, resources and budget management.
- Managed special clinics and adjusted schedules to account for expected changes in service demands.
Labor and Delivery Staff Nurse
Ingalls Hospital
Harvey, IL
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Assessed and documented physical condition of mothers and babies and assisted doctors in identifying and treating preeclampsia.
- Reviewed and tracked progress of mothers in labor, interpreted fetal heart monitor and informed delivering physician of status.
- Cared for pregnant women expecting imminent birth and for babies immediately after birth in hospitals and health clinics.
- Discharged mothers and babies after patiently guiding parents through at-home care and follow-up medical care.
- Monitored condition of newborns and directed postpartum care with special focus on premature babies and babies with abnormalities.
- Complied with OSHA standards for healthcare professionals to minimize or eliminate risk of infection.
- Monitored fetal heartbeat and length and strength of contractions to guide labor.
- Guided new mothers on recovery and infant care to promote and support maternal and family adaptation.
- Provided information, guidance and hands-on clinical care to support pregnant women.
- Prepared and sanitized delivery rooms and instruments and prepared patients physically and emotionally for delivery.
- Oversaw labor by coaching women, assisting with complications and administering medications during birth.
- Consulted with physicians and other members of care team to identify and assist with complications.
- Explained and demonstrated after-birth care to parents of newborns, answered questions and addressed concerns.
- Guided expectant mothers through stages of pregnancy via prenatal nursing care at health clinic in coordination with obstetrician.
Interim Director of Nursing
Burr Ridge Senior Living
Burr Ridge, IL
03.2020 - 11.2021
- Ordered all supplies needed for the pharmacy and kept tabs on inventory levels.
- Recruited well-qualified candidates to fill vacancies and offer residents unparalleled care.
- Reviewed and assessed staff processes, reducing hazards posed for residents and staff while promoting regulatory compliance.
- Recruited and hired intelligent clinical and administrative staff to bolster skills set of already talented team.
- Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private.
- Updated procedures necessary for compounding, mixing, packaging and labeling medications.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall patient care and response times.
- Resolved conflicts promptly among physicians, nurses and other healthcare employees to keep workflows on task.
- Developed policies to align procedures with nursing home strategic initiatives and complied with statutory, regulatory, state and federal guidelines.
- Implemented new hire training to further develop skills and initiate discussions on task prioritization.
Assistant Living Director
Palos Heights Senior Living
Palos Heights, IL
02.2020 - 01.2021
- Ordered all supplies needed for the pharmacy and kept tabs on inventory levels.
- Recruited well-qualified candidates to fill vacancies and offer residents unparalleled care.
- Recruited and hired intelligent clinical and administrative staff to bolster skills set of already talented team.
- Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private.
- Updated procedures necessary for compounding, mixing, packaging and labeling medications.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall patient care and response times.
- Resolved conflicts promptly among physicians, nurses and other healthcare employees to keep workflows on task.
- Created and maintained facility documents and records, maintaining accuracy while managing sensitive data.
- Implemented new hire training to further develop skills and initiate discussions on task prioritization.
- Checked the pharmacy area regularly to ensure that it was kept neat, clean and free of debris.
- Helped floor nurses make care decisions by applying exceptional clinical judgment and knowledge of facility policies.
- Kept close eye on department operations to maintain effective coverage of all needs.
- Completed weekly floor work to stay up to date on latest clinical practices and procedures.
- Received and researched complaints from families, patients and clinical staff in order to resolve concerns to full satisfaction.
- Provided case management, milieu management and emergency intervention.
- Evaluated patients' needs and preferences to create and update treatment plans.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Counseled caregivers and families on end-of-life planning and educated on patient care options.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Maintained infection control logs, streamlined charting process, and improved patient outcomes through training and leadership.
- Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions and enhance continuum of care to deliver comprehensive services.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Conducted patient assessments and diagnostic tests to provide physician with important patient health information.
Nursing Supervisor/Infection Control Nurse
Estates Of Hyde Park
Chicago, IL
01.2019 - 03.2020
- Cross-trained new employees by explaining rules, procedures and job responsibilities
- Promoted patient satisfaction by assisting with daily living needs such as bathing, dressing, toileting and exercising
- Guaranteed exceptional care quality by correctly administering medication, inserting and caring for catheters, dressing and changing wounds and assisting with personal hygiene
- Monitored patient's respiration activity, blood pressure and blood glucose levels in response to medical administration
- Assisted physicians with conducting examinations and patient scans during diagnostic processes
- Responded to patient alarms and needs-assessment requests to identify course of treatment
- Initiated and monitored preventive and rehabilitative nursing procedures to deliver exceptional care to every patient
- Provided patients with direct nursing care when the department was short-staffed
- Recruited, interviewed, hired and coached employees and promoted high level of care quality to patients
- Enforced disease prevention protocols among staff members, patients and visitors
- Investigated and reported all accidents fully, leveraging new knowledge to improve protections for patients and staff
- Completed daily rounds of nursing department to verify nursing service personnel performance alignment acceptable nursing standards
- Called upon staff members to discuss patient care and treatment
- Used facility EMR system to update patient records, transmit prescriptions and transfer files
- Maintained adequate unit supplies to meet expected patient demands
- Answered questions and addressed concerns from employees promptly through email, phone and in person
- Ensured the correct number of staffers was maintained to meet budget parameters while ensuring high levels of patient care
- Ensured HIPAA rules and regulations were carefully followed
- Administered oral, intramuscular and IV medications to patients and monitored responses
- Created and integrated new nursing protocols designed to improve patient outcomes while minimizing medical errors
- Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions and enhance continuum of care to deliver comprehensive services.
- Counseled caregivers and families on end-of-life planning and educated on patient care options.
- Managed and provided leadership to help staff with direct and indirect patient care and telemetry monitoring.
- Administered scheduled medications and therapies intravenously, rectally, orally, subcutaneously and via intramuscular injections while overseeing pain management plans.
- Planned hospice care for elderly and disabled patients.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Reviewed and updated infection control policies and procedures to ensure compliance with current standards.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive infection prevention plans for medical staff, patients, and visitors.
- Monitored hospital-wide surveillance systems to identify potential outbreaks of infectious disease.
- Conducted regular training sessions for healthcare personnel on proper infection control techniques.
- Provided guidance on appropriate isolation precautions for contagious illnesses or conditions.
Education
Associate of Applied Science -
Rasmussen College
Mokena, IL12.2021
LPN - NURSING
PCCTI
OAKBROOK10.2018
Associate of Science - MORTUARY SCIENCE
ARAPAHOE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
COLORADO2016
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Capella University
Minneapolis, MNSkills
- Patient relations
- Census goals
- Acute and rehabilitative care
- Policies and procedures
- Oral and written communication
- Regulatory requirements
- Patient safety
- Quality assurance controls
- Performance improvements
- Performance monitoring
- Greeting and directing
- Work site preparation
- Team management
- Performance assessments
- IV and venipuncture
- Medication administration
- Palliative care
- Patient needs assessment
- Ventilator care
- Unit administration
- Intake and discharge
- IV drug therapy management
- Medication and IV administration
- Diabetes management
- Colostomy care
- Body mechanics knowledge
- Computerized charting specialist
- Geriatric treatment knowledge
- Wound cleaning/care expertise
- Multi-tasking and prioritizing
- Rehabilitation techniques
- Educating families
- Empathetic and compassionate
- Staff direction and task delegation
- Documenting incidents
- Counting narcotics
- Calm and level-headed under duress
- Quick problem solver
- Infection control procedures
- Monitoring fluids
- Catheter change and preparation
- Collecting specimens
- Medical terminology knowledge
- Direct patient care
- Staff supervision
- Employee retention strategies
- Staff scheduling
- Job performance evaluations
- Patient services coordination
- Documentation and reporting
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Recruiting and Hiring
- Schedule management
- Facility oversight
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Organization
- Trauma Care
- Emergency Care
- Patient Assessments
- Evidence Collection
- Nursing Staff Leadership
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Issue Resolution
- Documentation and Reporting
- Relationship Building
- Direct Patient Care
- Clinical Operations Management
- Patient Care Oversight
- Treatment Coordination
- Care Coordination
- Clinical Leadership
- Utilization Management
- Staff Supervision
- Care Plan Development
- Infection Control
- Documentation
- Intake and Discharge
Certification
- MDS Coordinator
- Infection Control Nurse
- Nursing Coordinator
Timeline
ER Nurse/Nursing Coordinator
South Shore Health System
11.2023 - Current
Assistant Director of Nursing
Atria Senior Living
06.2023 - Current
Medical Surgical Nurse/MDS Coordinator
St. Bernard's Hospital
02.2023 - Current
Emergency Department RN
South Suburban Hospital
01.2023 - Current
Labor and Delivery Staff Nurse
Ingalls Hospital
01.2022 - 06.2022
Interim Director of Nursing
Burr Ridge Senior Living
03.2020 - 11.2021
Assistant Living Director
Palos Heights Senior Living
02.2020 - 01.2021
Nursing Supervisor/Infection Control Nurse
Estates Of Hyde Park
01.2019 - 03.2020
Nurse Supervisor
Clarendale Of Mokena
12.2018 - 12.2022
Associate of Applied Science -
Rasmussen College
LPN - NURSING
PCCTI
Associate of Science - MORTUARY SCIENCE
ARAPAHOE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Capella University