Anna Higgins
Shelbyville,IN
Summary
Professional caregiver with extensive experience and preparedness for providing private healthcare. Proven track record in patient care, medication administration, and monitoring vital signs. Strong focus on collaboration and achieving results, ensuring adaptability to changing needs and reliability in team settings. Skilled in wound care, patient advocacy, and maintaining confidentiality, with compassionate and empathetic approach.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Private Nurse/Caregiver for Spouse
Self-employeed
12.2018 - 11.2024
- 24/7 care provided for spouse diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis until able to care for self again
- Temporary Sabbatical
- Administered medications and monitored vital signs to ensure patient safety and comfort.
- Developed personalized care plans by collaborating with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
- Educated patients on self-care techniques and medication management for improved health outcomes.
- Implemented infection control protocols to maintain a sterile environment during patient care.
- Coordinated scheduling of medical appointments and transportation for optimal patient access to services.
- Advocated for patients' needs within multidisciplinary teams to enhance overall care quality.
- Conducted regular assessments to identify changes in patient conditions, adjusting care plans accordingly.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and quality of life.
- Collaborated with healthcare team members to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
- Administered prescribed medications, ensuring accurate dosages for optimal patient health outcomes.
- Responded quickly during emergency situations, utilizing critical thinking skills and medical expertise to stabilize patients until additional help arrived.
- Enhanced patient comfort by providing attentive and personalized care in a private setting.
- Performed wound care and dressing changes, adhering to strict infection control protocols for patient safety.
- Advocated for patient needs with healthcare providers, ensuring comprehensive care and timely access to necessary resources.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the nursing field.
- Utilized strong communication skills to effectively convey complex medical information to patients and their families, ensuring understanding and adherence to treatment plans.
- Implemented therapeutic interventions as directed by physicians, monitoring response and adjusting care accordingly for optimal results.
- Scheduled appointments and transported patients to medical facilities using personal transportation.
- Interpreted patient needs, knowledge, growth, and development to construct treatment plan.
- Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities.
- Reported general, physical, and mental condition of patients to support care initiatives.
- Demonstrated clinical competence in administering care to support physician orders, nursing care plan and policies.
- Supported personal care needs, shopping for groceries, and cleaning house.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
PCMH Nurse Care Coordinator
St. Elizabeth Physicians
11.2017 - 10.2018
- Manage outpatient care for recently hospitalized patients
- Specifically follow up with high risk patients and attempt to prevent readmissions
- Manage gaps in care in order to prevent unnecessary ED visits or readmissions
- Responsible for developing and implementing specialized care plans for high risk patients with CHF, COPD, PNA age > 65 yrs, cardiac thoracic surgery, and patients with ICU admissions
- Knowledgeable in chronic disease management principles
- Coordinated patient care plans to ensure optimal health outcomes for diverse populations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address patients' complex healthcare needs effectively.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities or psychosocial issues by utilizing critical thinking skills to develop personalized intervention strategies.
- Empowered patients to take ownership of their health by providing education on disease management, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications.
- Served as a trusted resource for patients and families navigating the healthcare system by addressing questions, concerns, and providing emotional support.
Nurse Case Manager
The Christ Hospital
03.2014 - 05.2014
- Performed medical case management for The Christ Hospital
- Performed discharge planning for patients
- Clinical updates for commercial insurance companies as well as Medicare and Medicaid clinical updates
- Knowledgeable in Medicare guidelines
- Knowledge and use of the Epic EHR system
- Problem solving skills in relation to patients and personal dilemmas related to their care
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Select Specialty Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
07.2013 - 03.2014
- Performed medical case management for Select Specialty Hospital
- Performed all discharge planning for patients
- In charge of weekly interdisciplinary care team meetings and wkly rounding
- Performed all clinical updates for commercial insurance companies as well as weekly Medicare clinical updates
- Knowledgeable in Medicare guidelines
- Knowledgeable in DRGs
- Responsible for coordinating care conferences for all patients
- Problem solving skills in relation to patients and personal dilemmas related to their care
- Coordinated patient care plans to ensure optimal health outcomes and resource utilization.
- Assessed patients' needs, developing tailored interventions to improve quality of life.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance communication and streamline care processes.
Registered Nurse Care Coordinator
Indiana University Health
05.2009 - 11.2012
- Perform medical case management for IU Health Physicians and IU Hospital
- Responsible for developing and implementing specialized care plans for CHS, COPD, transplant and chronic illness patients
- Initiate and complete discharge planning process
- Developed a care transition pilot project to address and reduce readmission rates
- Knowledgeable in chronic disease management principles
- January 2012 to November 2012
- Coordinated patient care plans through interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance quality of care.
- Facilitated communication among healthcare providers, patients, and families to ensure continuity of care.
- Developed and implemented evidence-based protocols for chronic disease management and prevention strategies.
- Mentored nursing staff on best practices in patient coordination and resource allocation for optimal outcomes.
- Analyzed patient data to identify trends, improving care plans and addressing gaps in services provided.
Registered Nurse SICU/TICU
Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN
05.2009 - 01.2012
- Provide care and postoperative management of critically unstable patients
- Surgical ICU, (May 2009 to January 2012)
- Delivered comprehensive patient assessments to determine critical needs and appropriate interventions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for critically ill patients.
- Administered medications and monitored vital signs, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and standards of care.
- Mentored junior nursing staff on best practices in critical care management and emergency response techniques.
- Implemented evidence-based practices that improved patient outcomes in high-acuity settings.
- Facilitated family communication regarding patient condition, treatment options, and end-of-life decisions with empathy and clarity.
- Managed critical care patients with complex medical conditions, providing compassionate care and support to families.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring of vital signs, lab results, and diagnostic tests to promptly identify changes in patient conditions.
- Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and made adjustments to promote stabilization.
- Administered medications safely and effectively, following established protocols and guidelines for dosage calculations and administration techniques.
- Provided life-saving interventions during emergency situations, stabilizing patients and preventing further complications.
- Facilitated smooth patient transfers between units by collaborating with other healthcare professionals, ensuring continuity of care throughout the hospital stay.
- Observed patients' vital signs and administered physician-prescribed medications and treatments.
- Adhered to strict safety guidelines when handling and disposing of biohazardous materials to maintain a safe environment in the ICU.
- Recorded patients' medical status and treatment details in electronic charts to accurately document medical care.
- Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols, reducing hospital-acquired infections in the ICU setting.
- Implemented best practices in wound care management, reducing healing time and preventing complications in post-surgical patients.
- Mentored new ICU nurses, sharing knowledge and expertise to enhance their professional growth and development.
- Continuously expanded clinical knowledge base through participation in educational workshops, seminars, and conferences related to critical care nursing.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Advocated for patients' needs and preferences with healthcare team, ensuring patient-centered care.
- Reduced medication errors by implementing double-check system with fellow nurses.
- Enhanced patient recovery rates with personalized care plans and consistent monitoring.
- Ensured rigorous adherence to infection control standards, significantly lowering cross-contamination risks.
- Enhanced patient care with critical thinking and swift decision-making during emergencies.
- Educated patients and their families on post-discharge care, promoting faster recovery.
- Improved patient care outcomes, diligently following up on treatment efficacy and adjusting plans as necessary.
- Administered life-saving treatments to critically ill patients, significantly improving patient outcomes.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Delivered outstanding patient care in surgical and transplant critical care units.
Registered Nurse
Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN
05.2009 - 12.2009
- Provide care and postoperative management of critically unstable patients and pre and post-transplant management of transplant patients
- Surgical ICU/Transplant ICU (May 2009 to December 2009)
Student Nurse Intern
Deaconess Hospital, Evansville, IN
01.2009 - 04.2009
- Provide care to critically ill cardiovascular and thoracic patients
- Cardiovascular Surgical ICU (January 2009 to April 2009)
Student Nurse Extern
St. Mary's Medical Center, Evansville, IN
06.2008 - 12.2008
- Provide care to adult diabetic and renal patients
- Provided peritoneal dialysis to renal patients
- Renal Diabetic Unit (July 2008 to October 2008)
Student Nurse Extern
Major Hospital, Shelbyville, IN
05.2006 - 06.2008
- Provide care to population including patients with pulmonary, renal, endocrine, GI or multi-system organ involvement
- Medical/Surgical ICU (May 2006 to May 2008)
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, INSkills
- Behavioral support
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Home health care
- Seizure management
- Post-surgical care
- Feeding tube management
- Oxygen therapy
- Ventilator management
- Direct patient care
- Patient education
- Clinical documentation
- Compassionate care
Accomplishments
- Collaborated and advocated for multiple physician opinions to help reach an accurate diagnosis.
- Advocated and successful in helping patient receive proper medication.
- Documented and resolved medication reaction which led to patient receiving treatment as well as recognizing same symptoms in another patient.
- Patient Advocacy - Explained treatment procedures, medication risks, special diets and physician instructions to patients.
- Documentation - Ensured charting accuracy through precise documentation.
- Surgical Preparation - Assisted in patient surgery preparation by administering proper medication, monitoring patients' conditions and charting abnormalities.
- Clinical Skills - Monitored patients' respiration activity, blood pressure and blood glucose levels in response to medical administration.
- Assisted in setting up the new care coordination program for IUHP.
Certification
- Indiana original state of RN licensure.
- Ohio RN License (Endorsement)
- Kentucky RN License (Endorsement)
- BLS & ACLS – American Heart Association
- RN License listed under maiden name (Anna Macaluso), except for state of KY license (Anna Macaluso Higgins)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Private Nurse/Caregiver for Spouse
Self-employeed
12.2018 - 11.2024
PCMH Nurse Care Coordinator
St. Elizabeth Physicians
11.2017 - 10.2018
Nurse Case Manager
The Christ Hospital
03.2014 - 05.2014
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Select Specialty Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
07.2013 - 03.2014
Registered Nurse Care Coordinator
Indiana University Health
05.2009 - 11.2012
Registered Nurse SICU/TICU
Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN
05.2009 - 01.2012
Registered Nurse
Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN
05.2009 - 12.2009
Student Nurse Intern
Deaconess Hospital, Evansville, IN
01.2009 - 04.2009
Student Nurse Extern
St. Mary's Medical Center, Evansville, IN
06.2008 - 12.2008
Student Nurse Extern
Major Hospital, Shelbyville, IN
05.2006 - 06.2008
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
University of Southern Indiana
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