Amy Rushton
Ward
Summary
With a proven track record at Saluda Nursing & Rehab Center, I excel in delivering high-quality patient care and leading nursing teams with compassion and strong clinical judgment. Enhanced admissions processes and patient satisfaction through innovative strategies and empathetic communication. Skilled in geriatric care and direct patient care, my leadership significantly improved staff retention and patient outcomes.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
RN Clinical Admissions Coordinator
Saluda Nursing & Rehab Center
Saluda, SC
12.2024 - Current
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Provided exceptional customer service during phone, in person and email interactions with prospective applicants and their families, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
- Confirmed all insurance benefits met standards of admissions as dictated by policy.
- Assisted in patient admission process based on federal and state laws.
- Collaborated with admissions team to develop and implement strategies to improve admissions process.
- Compiled and analyzed data to track admissions trends and make recommendations for improvements.
- Optimized communication strategies between departments involved in the admissions process, fostering collaboration and efficiency.
- Completed preliminary paperwork for incoming and outgoing patients.
- Assisted in developing new admissions policies that aligned with institutional values and priorities.
- Handled inquiries from prospective applicants to provide detailed information regarding admissions process.
- Reviewed applications and medical records to verify eligibility and compliance with admissions criteria.
- Performed document filing, bookkeeping, and faxing for busy admissions office.
- Managed a high volume of applications, resulting in a smooth application process for all parties involved.
- Conducted detailed tours of facilities, fostering welcoming environment that increased prospective applicants interest.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with local hospitals, enhancing institution's reputation and applicant referral rates.
- Increased admissions process transparency by creating informative materials for prospective applicants and their families.
- Streamlined application review procedures to ensure timely and fair admissions decisions.
- Performed health assessments on new employees to include vital signs, drug screens and TB screening and testing to comply with current DHEC regulations.
- Performed insurance audits and provided requested documentation to ensure Resident's continued stay request in a SNF.
- Performed Medicare RAC audits.
Unit Manager
Saluda Nursing & Rehab Center
Saluda, SC
01.2020 - 12.2024
- Facilitated smooth transitions between shifts, ensuring seamless continuity of care for all patients on the unit.
- Established a strong rapport with patients and their families, addressing concerns and providing valuable support throughout the treatment process.
- Raised staff retention rates by fostering a positive work culture focused on professional growth and development.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for nursing staff members, providing constructive feedback and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Streamlined nurse scheduling, ensuring adequate coverage for all shifts while minimizing overtime costs.
- Promoted interdisciplinary communication through regular meetings with physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient information, treatment plans, and progress notes in electronic medical records systems.
- Enhanced the quality of care provided to patients by creating a supportive and collaborative team environment.
- Developed effective care plans tailored to individual patient needs, resulting in improved health outcomes.
- Increased patient safety by conducting regular risk assessments and implementing necessary interventions.
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise.
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
- Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses earned time off.
- Established and continuously optimized unit schedules and individual work assignments.
- Managed [Number] nurses and nursing activities in [Number]-bed hospital by providing comprehensive nursing guidance and maintaining outstanding patient satisfaction and care standards.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Clinical Admissions Coordinator
Saluda Nursing & Rehab Center
Saluda, SC
12.2016 - 01.2020
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Provided exceptional customer service during phone, in person and email interactions with prospective applicants and their families, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
- Confirmed all insurance benefits met standards of admissions as dictated by policy.
- Assisted in patient admission process based on federal and state laws.
- Collaborated with admissions team to develop and implement strategies to improve admissions process.
- Compiled and analyzed data to track admissions trends and make recommendations for improvements.
- Optimized communication strategies between departments involved in the admissions process, fostering collaboration and efficiency.
- Completed preliminary paperwork for incoming and outgoing patients.
- Assisted in developing new admissions policies that aligned with institutional values and priorities.
- Handled inquiries from prospective applicants to provide detailed information regarding admissions process.
- Reviewed applications and transcripts to verify eligibility and compliance with admissions criteria.
- Performed document filing, bookkeeping, and faxing for busy admissions office.
- Conducted detailed tours of the facility, fostering welcoming environment that increased prospective applicants interest.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with local hospitals, enhancing institution's reputation and applicant referral rates.
- Increased admissions process transparency by creating informative materials for prospective applicants and their families.
- Streamlined application review procedures to ensure timely and fair admissions decisions.
- Performed health assessments on new employees to include vital signs, drug screens and TB screening and testing to comply with current DHEC regulations.
- Performed insurance audits and provided requested documentation to ensure Resident's continued stay request in a SNF.
- Performed Medicare RAC audits.
Staff RN
Saluda Nursing & Rehab Center
Saluda, SC
07.2009 - 12.2016
- Utilized critical thinking skills to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations, prioritizing patient needs and addressing emergent issues promptly.
- Monitored vital signs, lab results, and other indicators to detect changes in patients'' conditions promptly.
- Served as a preceptor for new nurses, sharing knowledge, expertise, and best practices to improve their skills and confidence.
- Participated in unit-based quality improvement initiatives focused on enhancing patient outcomes through process improvements.
- Maintained clinical competency through ongoing professional development activities such as workshops, seminars, conferences, and certifications related to nursing practice.
- Advocated for the needs of patients within the healthcare system while maintaining confidentiality and respecting patients'' rights.
- Delegated tasks to nursing assistants and support staff effectively, ensuring safe and efficient care delivery.
- Reduced medication errors through meticulous charting and close collaboration with the healthcare team.
- Supported patients'' emotional well-being by building trust-based relationships and practicing active listening techniques.
- Administered medications accurately and safely, ensuring proper dosages were given per physician orders.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Piedmont Technical College
Greenwood, SC05-2009
High School Diploma -
Saluda High School
Saluda, SC05-2004
Skills
- Basic life support
- Clinical judgment
- Compassion and empathy
- Geriatric care
- Direct patient care
- Patient assessment
- Medication administration
- Strong clinical judgment
- Patient monitoring
- Patient care
- Nursing staff leadership
- Professional bedside manner
- Long-term care
Accomplishments
Trained to teach CMS Hand in Hand: A Training Series for Nursing Homes
Completed New Day Professional Services MDS From Start to Finish
Completed New Day Professional Services Care Planning by the Regulations and Best Care Practices
Timeline
RN Clinical Admissions Coordinator
Saluda Nursing & Rehab Center
12.2024 - Current
Unit Manager
Saluda Nursing & Rehab Center
01.2020 - 12.2024
Clinical Admissions Coordinator
Saluda Nursing & Rehab Center
12.2016 - 01.2020
Staff RN
Saluda Nursing & Rehab Center
07.2009 - 12.2016
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Piedmont Technical College
High School Diploma -
Saluda High School
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