Ann Stephens
RN BSN
Weaverville,NC
Summary
Compassionate RN accustomed to treating diverse patient needs while managing dynamic conditions. Offering excellent process knowledge and specialty medication journey support for patients/caregivers/HCPs, combined with strong communication and listening skills, empathy, and problem-solving abilities. Lead mentor, quick learner, and resilient spirit with the ability to handle most situations with grace and efficiency. Contagiously positive attitude, and love sharing knowledge with others.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certificates
Work History
Patient Services Coordinator, Neurology
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
10.2023 - Current
- Provide compassionate, individualized medication adherence support and disease specific resources for patients with Multiple Sclerosis through motivational interviewing and empathy.
- Collaborate with matrix partners including HUB and Access and Reimbursement Managers to identify and address roadblocks to therapy, minimizing delays to therapy for patients.
- Understand healthcare climate and managed care landscape to help patients better understand insurance processes and financial assistance programs, working with specialty pharmacies, and being self advocates for coverage.
- Served as Compliance and Training Pillar member to identify and address training needs across the PSC team.
- Performed consistently in top 3-4 in metrics rankings for Kesimpta focused PSC team.
Patient Services Liaison, Dermatology/Rheumatology
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
East Hanover, NJ
10.2018 - 10.2023
- Provide exceptional support to patients and caregivers getting started and continuing on biologic therapy, answering questions, addressing concerns, and providing critical information to support the patient journey.
- Understands managed care landscape and healthcare climate, demonstrates an expert knowledge of product, disease state and impact on patients including important safety information.
- Lead Mentor for 2022 to present
- Served as break-out leader for Phase 1 & 2 New Hire Training 2021
- Developed and implemented protocols/procedures for the pediatric support program from the ground up.
- Worked with marketing to develop promotional materials targeted to pediatric population and in creating injection demonstration videos for the product website.
- Provided virtual injection demonstration with patients using Webex platform.
- Provided disease state and medication adherence education telephonically to patients and caregivers.
- Applied administrative knowledge and courtesy to explain procedures and services to patients.
Telesolutions Nurse Manager, Rare Disease
Syneos Health
Somerset, NJ
02.2018 - 09.2018
- Interviewed providers (non-specialists) telephonically who referred, treated, or co-managed patients with the rare disease PBC (Primary Biliary Cholangitis).
- Investigated trends on PCP (Primary Care Provider) management and treatment of rare disease.
- Provided disease presentation, progression, and treatment awareness education to HCP staff.
- Coordinated with manager and matrix partners to identify leads for sales team to grow business.
Patient Services Liaison, Dermatology/Rheumatology
Inventiv Health Inc.
Somerset, NJ
05.2016 - 12.2017
- Provided case management and education services to healthcare providers and patients.
- Collaborated with matrix partners to achieve organizational objectives.
- Utilized knowledge of managed care and payor reimbursement landscape.
- Applied administrative knowledge and courtesy to explain procedures and services to patients.
- Optimized time management and organizational skills.
- Used Salesforce software for documentation of patient follow up.
- Received Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding PSL Accomplishment.
Certified Wound Care Nurse
ET Consultants, Inc.
Weaverville, NC
06.2015 - 05.2016
- Instructed patients and caregivers on how to clean and dress wounds and how to prevent infections.
- Advised patients on proper nutrition and offered holistic solutions to severe conditions.
- Implemented plans to prevent pressure ulcers and other wound developments.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to implement interventions for wound healing and skin breakdown prevention.
- Documented and examined patient recovery and reported progress to doctors for effective management.
- Treated and carefully tended to vascular and diabetic ulcers.
- Assessed and treated draining of wounds and burns.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
Territory Manager, Acute Care
Kinetic Concepts, Inc
San Antonio, TX
11.2005 - 09.2014
- Developed and consistently delivered on territory plans for year over year growth in sales and rentals.
- Conducted medical device in-servicing for hospital staff and physicians/mid-level providers.
- Communicated regularly with territory, regional, and strategic managers for daily support and strategic planning for accounts.
- Monitored customer buying trends, market conditions, and competitor actions to adjust strategies and achieve sales goals.
- Worked with vendors and suppliers to support timely delivery of products and services.
- Established successful account relationships by building rapport and maintaining consistent communication.
- Attended trade shows and industry events to promote company products and services.
- Cultivated relationships with key accounts in territory and provided support to drive customer satisfaction.
- Supported medical staff in diagnosing and treating clients.
- Achieved 100% or 110% Club 7 out of 8 years
RN
Mission Hospital
Asheville, NC
10.1997 - 11.2005
- Clinical experience in multiple care settings including Neonatal ICU, Pediatrics, Women's Surgical, Oncology, Orthopedics, Pulmonary Care, Med/Surg, High Risk Foot/Nail Care, Wound Care (inpatient and outpatient).
- Evaluated individual needs based on knowledge and education levels and adjusted education style appropriately to increase adherence and comprehension.
- 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.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 08.1993 -
Skills
Patient Support, Education, & Advocacy
Specialty Medication Access & Reimbursement
Motivational Interviewing
Communication & Collaboration
Strong Compliance Mindset
Flexibility & Resilience
Self Motivated, Positive Competitive Spirit
HCP Office Education
CRM & Telephony Systems
Certification
Certified Mental Health First Aider 2020 - present
Timeline
Patient Services Coordinator, Neurology
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
10.2023 - Current
Patient Services Liaison, Dermatology/Rheumatology
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
10.2018 - 10.2023
Telesolutions Nurse Manager, Rare Disease
Syneos Health
02.2018 - 09.2018
Patient Services Liaison, Dermatology/Rheumatology
Inventiv Health Inc.
05.2016 - 12.2017
Certified Wound Care Nurse
ET Consultants, Inc.
06.2015 - 05.2016
Territory Manager, Acute Care
Kinetic Concepts, Inc
11.2005 - 09.2014
RN
Mission Hospital
10.1997 - 11.2005
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Carolina University
08.1993 -