Annamaria Kerkhoff
Westfield,MA
Summary
Compassionate Registered Nurse with expertise in school nursing, community health, and urgent care, specializing in mental health assessment and crisis intervention. Committed to delivering trauma-informed, holistic care across pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations. Pursuing admission to a graduate nursing program for advanced practice in psychiatric mental health nursing.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
School Nurse (Pre-K–Grade 12)
Town Of Agawam
Agawam, Massachusetts
09.2015 - Current
- Respond to student mental health crises, including panic attacks and self-harm ideation, using crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies.
- Conduct mental health screenings and assessments to identify and address anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma-related behaviors, and emotional dysregulation.
- Collaborate with school psychologists, counselors, social workers, administrators, and families to support students' mental health needs.
- Coordinate referrals to community mental health providers, and support IEP and 504 plans related to behavioral and emotional health.
- Deliver psychoeducational sessions on coping skills, stress management, and emotional regulation to enhance student resilience and well-being.
- Conduct screenings, brief interventions, and referrals to treatment for students at risk for substance use and behavioral health issues.
- Provide nursing care to students across developmental stages, with an emphasis on mental, emotional, and behavioral health.
- Communicate with students about feelings, the need for assistance, or social and emotional support.
- Educate students on hygiene, nutrition, and wellness practices.
- Assist in developing emergency preparedness plans for the school.
- Participate in health promotion events to raise awareness among students.
- Administer and supervise the administration of prescription medication to students.
- Evaluate students with health concerns or injuries to develop a plan of care, or provide a reference to appropriate healthcare providers.
- Respond quickly to emergency situations involving student health issues.
- Collaborate with teachers and other staff members to ensure a safe learning environment for students.
- Provide direct health care services to students, involving triage, evaluation, and first aid care for illness and injury.
- Monitor and ensure compliance with immunization requirements for all enrolled students, to promote public health and safety.
- Conduct screenings for vision, hearing, growth, and physical development.
- Implement school policies related to the health and safety of students.
- Document observations of student behavior, complaints, or physical symptoms.
- Assist in the management of communicable diseases among students.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with FERPA, HIPAA, and school health policies.
RN Case Manager
Governor's Center
Westfield, Massachusetts
10.2020 - 02.2023
- Developed, implemented, and evaluated individualized, goal-oriented care plans based on residents' needs.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary care with physicians, social workers, rehabilitation staff, mental health providers, and community agencies to optimize patient outcomes.
- Monitored chronic illnesses and acute changes in condition, identifying risk factors to prevent complications and reduce hospital readmissions.
- Advocated for residents' medical, emotional, and social needs, enhancing quality of life and preserving dignity.
- Managed care transitions, including hospital admissions, discharges, post-acute follow-up, and community reintegration.
- Performed comprehensive nursing and psychosocial assessments for residents in short- and long-term care facilities.
- Educated residents and families on disease management, medications, treatment plans, and available community resources.
- Ensured compliance with state, federal, and accreditation regulations (CMS, DPH, Joint Commission, etc.).
- Participated in care conferences, utilization review, and interdisciplinary team meetings.
- Maintained accurate, timely documentation, and case management records using electronic health systems.
- Identify barriers to care and implement strategies to improve outcomes and continuity of services.
- Assisted with end-of-life planning and advance care directives.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted care plans as necessary.
- Conducted regular follow-ups to evaluate patient adherence and satisfaction with services.
- Educated patients on disease prevention strategies, wellness promotion techniques and lifestyle modifications.
Urgent Care Registered Nurse
MedExpress Urgent Care
Westfield, Massachusetts
06.2017 - 03.2020
- Conducted rapid triage and nursing assessments for patients with acute illnesses and injuries, facilitating timely interventions.
- Performed focused physical and mental health assessments in a fast-paced clinical setting.
- Utilized therapeutic communication to support patients in emotional distress and ensure patient safety.
- Assisted providers in evaluating patients presenting with anxiety, panic attacks, substance-related concerns, and situational crises.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurse practitioners, and psychologists to determine appropriate care and referrals.
- Monitored patient condition to assess changes in health status. and respond to changes in clinical status.
- Provide direct patient care including wound care, splinting, medication administration, and injections.
- Administer immunizations and medications per standing orders and provider direction.
- Perform point-of-care testing (e.g., EKGs, rapid strep, flu, COVID, urinalysis, pregnancy tests).
- Perform phlebotomy and specimen collection.
- Provided education to patients on diagnoses, treatment plans, medications, and follow-up care, enhancing patient understanding and compliance.
- Maintained infection control and safety protocols, ensuring proper use of PPE to protect patients and staff.
- Prepare and maintain exam rooms, equipment, and medical supplies.
- Document patient care accurately in electronic health records (EHR).
- Obtain and document vital signs, medical histories, and chief complaints.
- Assist providers with examinations, procedures, and minor surgical interventions.
- Coordinated referrals, diagnostic imaging, and follow-up appointments.
- Call in and process medication orders per provider direction.
- Collaborate with pharmacies to clarify prescriptions, resolve medication issues, and ensure timely access to treatment.
- Coordinate with insurance providers to verify medication coverage, prior authorizations, and alternative options as needed.
- Support efficient patient flow in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Westfield State University
Westfield, MA05-2016
Skills
- Psychiatric and behavioral health assessment
- Crisis intervention and de-escalation
- Trauma-informed care
- Therapeutic communication
- Suicide risk screening
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Care coordination
- Pediatric and adolescent mental health
- Medication administration
- Emergency response
- Patient education
- Specialized care planning
- Time management
- Analytical thinking
Affiliations
- American Nurses Association (ANA)
- Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA)
Certification
Registered Nurse-State of Massachusetts, Issued in 2016
Timeline
RN Case Manager
Governor's Center
10.2020 - 02.2023
Urgent Care Registered Nurse
MedExpress Urgent Care
06.2017 - 03.2020
School Nurse (Pre-K–Grade 12)
Town Of Agawam
09.2015 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Westfield State University