Amanda Stark
Registered Nurse
Lafayette,IN
Summary
Ambitious Board Certified Registered Nurse with exceptional background of performance. Expert in all aspects of patient care with success in working with multidisciplinary teams to create care plans focused on helping patients recover from medical or surgical procedures and manage complex mental disorders. Accomplished in leading unit-based groups to improve delivery of care and patient satisfaction.
Seasoned nursing professional offering proven clinical knowledge, natural interpersonal strengths and technical abilities. Knowledgeable about EMR charting, medication administration and interdisciplinary collaboration focused on optimizing patient care and support. Quality-focused and efficiency-driven leader.
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Rn Cardiology Testing
IU Health Arnett
Lafayette, IN
07.2012 - 06.2020
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
- Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and other conditions.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
- Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Reviewed post-operative orders and continuously monitored patients' post-operative vitals, set up PCA and fluids and oriented patients to unit.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Prioritized and revised patient care activities based on acuity of symptoms and patient preferences.
- Administered nursing care to cardiac patients undergoing diagnostic, therapeutic or emergency services.
- Produced care plans in alignment with physical, psychosocial and learning needs of patients, achieving commendations for compassionate treatment.
- Cared for culturally-diverse patients, liaising with family members and specialists to address changing needs and enhance individual experience.
- Maintained detailed records of patient conditions, reactions and progress in alignment with physician orders.
- Conducted initial assessments, documented findings in patient records and notified physicians of abnormal findings.
- Utilized stethoscopes, thermometers and sphygmomanometers to meet patient needs and prescribed medical therapies.
- Assisted in diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as unstable angina, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease and cardiac dysrhythmia.
- Supported healthcare team by maintaining responsibility for electrocardiogram monitoring, defibrillation and cardio rehabilitation training.
- Improved nursing care by identifying and targeting procedural gaps.
- Enhanced performance of junior nurses through training and evaluations.
- Assessed patients, collecting data and prioritizing cases in accordance with standards, policies, procedures and guidelines.
- Administered medication, pain management and analysis of patient responses to interventions to improve individual performance.
- Applied laws, policies and evidence-based practices in patient care, minimizing errors and complaints to less than Number% monthly.
- Participated in Type policy committee to discuss policies, propose revisions and implement changes.
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Strengthened training and nursing knowledge by taking part in continuing education programs and Type workshops.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Reported findings to quality departments after conducting routine restraint audits and worked with team to devise corrective actions for deficiencies.
- Accurately documented treatment, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions and follow-up care.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety and rights of patient.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints and current symptoms.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Contributed to high-quality, cost-effective healthcare as key member of cardiac nursing team caring for up to Number patients daily.
RN, Emergency Department Charge Nurse
St Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center
Lafayette, IN
08.2009 - 07.2012
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and other conditions.
- Helped develop budget supporting established clinical care standards.
- Identified situations requiring corrective action and organized, analyzed and presented appropriate documentation.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Developed staffing patterns with adequate coverage for quality patient care.
- Reviewed post-operative orders and continuously monitored patients' post-operative vitals, set up PCA and fluids and oriented patients to unit.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management.
- Analyzed staff utilization and workload distribution with respect to organization, fiscal management and department trends.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
RN Charge Nurse
St Elizabeth Hospital
Lafayette, IN
05.2002 - 08.2009
- Worked within interdisciplinary health care team to develop, implement and make adjustments to patient care plans, individualizing strategies and methods to improve health and meet recovery goals.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Minimized hospital stays with recovery-centered approaches, reducing average in-patient stay length.
- Effectively prioritized assignments, executing care based on each patient's relative condition and delegating tasks to available personnel deliver safe and efficient care.
- Kept optimal supply levels in treatment rooms, triage and other areas to meet typical patient loads.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Informed patients and families of effective treatment options and at-home care strategies, enhancing long-term outcomes.
- Vaccinated patients to protect individuals from measles, pneumonia, influenza and other illnesses of concern.
- Verified patients had information necessary for ongoing care, providing guidance on diagnoses, management of medications and prevention methods.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds and thoracic trauma.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring and specimen collection.
- Gathered patient health data through interviews and observation, documenting data in electronic records.
- Managed elements of patient care from admission to discharge or transfer to other units.
- Formulated plans for nursing measures to restore, maintain and promote patients' physical and mental health.
- Identified learning needs of patients and families and responded with advocacy and health education.
- Assessed medical status of patients pre- and post-operation by checking vital parameters and supervising food intake.
- Directed patient care by initiating and following through with plan of care, continuing care and discharge instructions.
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Precepted student nurses and oriented new hires, providing guidance and mentorship when teaching on hospital policies, emergency procedures and nursing best practices.
- Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic and cognitive status of patients.
- Ordered, interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient condition.
- Identified patient care requirements by establishing personal rapport with patients and families.
- Promoted patient independence by teaching self-care skills.
- Coordinated with physicians to perform bedside procedures such as intravenous injections, vascular line insertions and bronchoscopies.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Reported patients' status and delegated nurse assignments to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Performed patient assessments and adjusted care plans accordingly.
- Built rapport with patients and family members to deliver exceptional care.
- Strengthened unit care standards and policies with focus on patient safety and dignity.
- Monitored nursing care, patient assessment processes and treatment implementations.
- Educated patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis and treatment.
- Identified unit areas of inadequacy and adjusted procedures to close gaps and improve policies.
- Implemented quality patient care techniques to align with safety, health and organizational regulations.
- Managed various medications and treatments such as peritoneal dialysis, IV push, oral, subcutaneous, IV infusion and and intramuscular injections.
- Collaborated with various healthcare professionals to determine specific and individualized care plan based on goals and long-term health.
- Educated patients and caregivers of various available external resources to support wound management, disease management and medication administration.
- Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders and communicating with ancillary departments.
- Documented information in patients' electronic medical record, relaying information to clinicians and care providers to facilitate continuity of care.
- Worked with patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, congestive heart failure (CHF), cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), diabetes or sepsis to asses needs and determine best options for care.
- Triaged incoming phone calls from emergency rooms and inpatient units to determine needs and prioritize care.
- Administered medications and treatments to patients as ordered by physician, maintaining accountability for accurate narcotic count at end of each shift.
- Interacted smoothly with patients and loved ones, updated on care plans and advocated for needs.
- Cared for patients' wounds and changed dressings.
- Documented medications administered, treatments and patient procedures performed in appropriate records according to privacy requirements.
- Directed patient care activities, guided and trained RNs, LPNs and residential advisors during shift.
- Supervised and managed daily scheduling, tasking and administration.
- Supervised patient admissions and discharges from hospital to home care, rehabilitative facility or self-care.
- Managed JP drains and chest, nasogastric, G and peg tubes.
Education
Nursing - Science And Nursing
St Elizabeth School of Nursing/St Joseph College
Rennselear, Indiana 08.2001 - 05.2004
Skills
Medical recordkeeping
Patient Management
Medical office administration
Patient check-ins
Procedure preparations
Managing deadlines
ICD-9 forms
IV setup
Critical care
Staff supervision
Medical Records Management
Call triaging
Data Collection
Performing EKGs
Acute care expertise
Personal care needs
Setting up referrals
Lab result interpretation
Medical consultation
Physical assessments
Pain clinics
Indirect Patient Care
Disease specialization
Chronic disease management
Emergency Procedures
Well visit procedures
Health screening
Direct Patient Care
Precepting
Employee Evaluation
Family Education
Patient Assessments
Supply restocking
Appointment Scheduling
Patient counseling
Medical laboratory procedures
Shared governance
High level of autonomy
Oxygen saturation standards
Chest pain management
Women's health exams
Disease prevention and intervention specialist
Strong clinical judgment
Evaluations
Relationship building
Medical evaluation
Medication distribution
Preventive health
Patient and family advocacy
Intravenous therapy
Care Plan Development
Timeline
Rn Cardiology Testing
IU Health Arnett
07.2012 - 06.2020
RN, Emergency Department Charge Nurse
St Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center
08.2009 - 07.2012
RN Charge Nurse
St Elizabeth Hospital
05.2002 - 08.2009
Nursing - Science And Nursing
St Elizabeth School of Nursing/St Joseph College
08.2001 - 05.2004