April Mettlen

As a CDI, I review EMRs for discrepancy in diagnoses and signs and symptoms. If there are signs and symptoms with no diagnosis, a query is made to send to physician for accurate documentation. I coordinate with physicians regarding documentation and education. I participate in education when onsite. I strive to exceed productivity. I strive to be a great teammate, and make our team better. I work independently and exhibit time management and attention to details.

I was the lead member, and RN, of a team of professionals comprised of a PT, OT, SLP, RD, and a tech. The team received referrals and identified individuals with recurrent problems such as pneumonia-primarily aspirations, recurrent falls, fractures, bowel obstructions, unintentional weight loss or gain, emesis, etc. The team then completed data analysis and specialized assessments in order to determine a root cause. The goal was to decrease risk of and actual future events, and improve health and quality of life. As the RN I worked with the individual's interdisciplinary team and PCP to discuss findings and action recommendations of the PNMT. I was the PNMT RN for approximately 9 years. Prior to this, I was an RNCM on a unit. As a case manager I completed quarterly assessments of each individual on my caseload. I attended medical appointments as needed with my individuals to discuss care and status with consulting physicians. I worked with direct care nursing for monitoring and special needs of the individuals. I developed plans of care and monitored them monthly, or more often if needed. I assisted in managing each individuals to include goals, vaccine status, monthly breast exams, routine exams/procedures such as bone density, mammograms, colonoscopy, etc. I assisted in monitoring time frames to ensure these remained current for individuals. I advocated for my individual’s needs. This included regular discussions and management with the other members of an interdisciplinary team, including a PCP.

I worked PRN, during the COVID peak in our county, as an infusion RN. Duties included patient education, consent explanation and completion, VS monitoring pre and post infusion, placement and management of a peripheral IV, and medication management. I administered Monoclonal Antibodies, as well as fluids, IV medications PRN, and monitored the patient during and after the infusion. Provided post infusion education, removal of peripheral IV, and site care.

I worked as the weekend RN Supervisor at Parkwood in the Pines, for approximately 2 years, as a second job. During my weekend duties I completed staffing, assessments, plans of care, mealtime monitoring, supervision of staff on duty, lab draws, IV management, medication administration, and patient care. During COVID times I completed employee monitoring upon entry to the building. During mealtime monitoring I directed the dining room, checked trays for correct texture and fluid consistency, assisted in serving and feeding residents, and monitoring of residents during meals. I also completed daily reports to ensure assessments and follow ups were completed per policy.