April Lowe
Rio Rancho,NM
Summary
Seasoned Registered Nurse with 14+ years of experience in fast paced Corrections Nursing. Excellent organization and prioritization skills. Track record of achieving exceptional results in coordination of care with all caregivers;educating and building therapeutic relationships with team members and patients,and documentation of assessment and care of patient. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Infection Preventionist
University of New Mexico Hospital
Albuquerque, NM
02.2022 - Current
- Conducted surveillance of infections, outbreaks, and antibiotic resistance patterns.
- Provided education to staff on the principles of infection prevention and control.
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements related to infection prevention and control.
- Monitored hand hygiene practices across the healthcare facility.
- Responded to suspected or confirmed cases of communicable diseases within the facility setting.
- Reviewed medical records for accuracy and completeness regarding infection prevention protocols.
- Assisted in developing strategies to reduce health care-associated infections.
- Performed environmental assessments to identify areas where additional cleaning is needed.
- Conducted audits of patient care practices to ensure compliance with hospital policy and procedures related to infection prevention and control.
- Collaborated with other departments such as laboratory services and pharmacy services regarding issues related to infection prevention.
- Developed educational programs for healthcare workers on preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
- Provided guidance on proper use of personal protective equipment by healthcare personnel.
- Trained staff members on appropriate methods for disposing of hazardous waste materials.
- Trained staff on strategies for preventing outbreaks and procedural complications.
- Managed files on procedures, infection rates and patient outcomes.
- Consulted with local and state health departments to report infectious cases.
Intake Correctional Registered Nurse
Centurion then Wexford
Los Lunas, NM
01.2021 - 02.2022
- Assessed patient needs through review of medical records and interviews with patients.
- Conducted initial intake interview to obtain client information, including biographical data, medical history, presenting problem, legal status, and other pertinent information.
- Provided crisis intervention services as needed to clients in distress.
- Developed individualized treatment plans for each client based on assessment results.
- Coordinated with external agencies to ensure continuity of care for clients.
- Communicated regularly with clinical staff regarding client progress and changes in condition or behavior.
- Provided education about mental health issues to individuals.
- Maintained accurate records of all client interactions according to agency policies and procedures.
- Issued, gathered and inspected intake forms to confirm correct signatures and information.
Correctional Nurse
Centurion
Milton, FL
06.2018 - 01.2021
- Assessed and monitored inmates' physical, psychological, and medical health conditions.
- Provided nursing care to inmates with acute and chronic illnesses including diabetes, hypertension, HIV and AIDS, mental health disorders.
- Administered medications as prescribed by physicians and documented medication administration in accordance with policy.
- Evaluated inmates for suicidal ideation or other mental health concerns; referred to appropriate healthcare professionals when indicated.
- Conducted individualized patient education sessions regarding health promotion topics such as nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, stress management.
- Performed medical rounds on a daily basis to assess the overall condition of inmates.
- Identified changes in an inmate's condition and reported them to the physician or nurse practitioner immediately.
- Maintained accurate records of patient care services rendered in compliance with facility policies and procedures.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings related to inmate healthcare issues.
- Provided guidance and support to correctional officers regarding basic healthcare issues concerning inmates.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations involving inmate injuries or illness.
- Collaborated with other healthcare staff members to ensure continuity of care for inmates.
- Adhered strictly to safety protocols while providing medical treatments in a secure environment.
Corrections Nurse
Corizon Health turned to Centurion
Los Lunas, NM
07.2009 - 06.2018
- Direct patient care, observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions and progress in patients;assist providers during treatments and examinations;administer medications;and assist in rehabilitation.
- Respond to all medical emergencies and stabilize patient until emergency services can transport for further care or patient is helped to maintenance care.
- Participated in regular meetings with nursing staff to discuss patient progress or any needed changes in care plans.
- Maintained staff safety during prisoner treatments by observing all security procedures and regulations.
- Cared for prisoners suffering from contagious illnesses or conditions, including influenza, lice and gastrointestinal bugs.
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Prairie Saint John,s
Fargo, ND
03.2009 - 06.2009
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss treatment plans and goals for each patient.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient care services provided in accordance with agency policy and procedures.
- Provided emotional support to family members of psychiatric patients during difficult times.
- Instructed individuals on how to cope with their mental health conditions through lifestyle changes, such as diet or exercise regimens.
- Advised family members on available community resources that can help them manage their loved one's condition.
- Developed education materials about psychiatric illnesses for use by staff and clients.
- Supported the development of therapeutic relationships between clients and providers.
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
University Of New Mexico Hospital
Albuquerque, NM
01.2006 - 05.2007
- Provided emergency care to critically ill patients in a timely manner.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Assessed patient condition and developed individualized care plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Performed triage, prioritizing treatment of incoming patients based on acuity level.
- Managed intravenous lines, wound dressings, catheters, and other medical devices.
- Educated families about their loved ones' conditions and provided emotional support.
- Identified potential risks or complications during treatment processes and took appropriate corrective action.
- Responded quickly to life-threatening situations while maintaining composure under pressure.
- Provided education to patients regarding disease prevention and home care instructions.
- Assisted in the preparation of trauma victims for transfer or discharge from the hospital.
- Delivered compassionate end-of-life care when needed according to established hospice guidelines.
- Administered critical IV medications to stabilize patients for assessment and treatment.
- Responded quickly to codes and coordinated efficient and skilled care.
- Maintained open and clear communication with physicians to coordinate effective patient care.
Labor and Delivery Registered Nurse
Presbyterian Hospital
Albuquerque, NM
05.2002 - 01.2006
- Assisted in the delivery of newborns, including cesarean sections and forceps deliveries.
- Monitored fetal heart rate patterns during labor, intervening as needed to ensure the health and safety of mother and baby.
- Performed assessments of labor progress, communicating with physicians when necessary regarding patient condition.
- Educated patients about their conditions, treatments and procedures prior to delivery or surgery.
- Maintained accurate records of patient care services for case reviews.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations such as maternal hemorrhage or fetal distress.
- Cared for high-risk pregnancies by performing ultrasounds and amniocentesis tests as needed.
- Developed effective relationships with patients based on trust and respect while promoting a positive attitude toward childbirth experience.
- Provided emotional support to both mother and family members throughout the birthing process.
- Assessed newborns at birth for any abnormalities or medical issues requiring further attention.
- Identified potential risks associated with pregnancy or labor using established protocols.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NM04.2002
Skills
- Judgement and Decision making
- Social Perceptiveness
- monitoring
- Active learning
- Critical thinking
- Complex problem soling
- Active listening
- Time management
Timeline
Infection Preventionist
University of New Mexico Hospital
02.2022 - Current
Intake Correctional Registered Nurse
Centurion then Wexford
01.2021 - 02.2022
Correctional Nurse
Centurion
06.2018 - 01.2021
Corrections Nurse
Corizon Health turned to Centurion
07.2009 - 06.2018
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Prairie Saint John,s
03.2009 - 06.2009
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
University Of New Mexico Hospital
01.2006 - 05.2007
Labor and Delivery Registered Nurse
Presbyterian Hospital
05.2002 - 01.2006
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Central New Mexico Community College