April "Roxanne" Branch
Chancellor,AL
Summary
Compassionate Hospice Registered Nurse with strong expertise in quality improvement, patient safety, and regulatory compliance. Skilled in data analysis, process optimization, and implementing evidence-based practices to enhance healthcare outcomes. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and adapt to changing needs while maintaining focus on achieving measurable results. Recognized for problem-solving skills, keen attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement in clinical settings.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Hospice Registered Nurse Patient Care Manager
Gentiva Hospice
10.2024 - Current
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to support professional growth of nursing staff members.
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
- Fostered open communication among nurses through regular team meetings, promoting collaboration and shared decisionmaking.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by maintaining accurate records and staying up-to-date on industry standards.
Hospice Registered Nurse Clinical Manager
Dayspring Hospice
10.2022 - 10.2024
- Mentored new nursing staff members, fostering a supportive work environment conducive to professional growth.
- Collaborated with bereavement specialists to provide ongoing grief support for families after the loss of their loved ones.
- Improved patient comfort by providing compassionate end-of-life care and addressing individual needs.
- Conducted regular clinical assessments of assigned patients, identifying any changes in condition that may necessitate modifications to the care plan.
- Provided education on disease processes, medication administration, and self-care techniques for both patients and families.
- Demonstrated strong communication skills while working closely with interdisciplinary team members and maintaining open lines of dialogue with patients'' families.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives that resulted in enhanced patient safety measures and increased satisfaction levels among families.
- Streamlined documentation procedures, ensuring accurate and timely updates in electronic medical records.
- Recognized and understood specific stages of dying process, providing comfort-based care during vulnerable times.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to support professional growth of nursing staff members.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Managed budgets and controlled costs, achieving financial targets without compromising patient care quality.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients with complex needs.
- Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses earned time off.
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
- Fostered open communication among nurses through regular team meetings, promoting collaboration and shared decisionmaking.
- Developed and implemented quality improvement initiatives to provide best possible patient care and identify and address areas of concern.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by maintaining accurate records and staying up-to-date on industry standards.
- Served as a key point of contact between nursing staff, physicians, administration, and other healthcare professionals.
- Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise.
Hospice Registered Nurse On Call
Dayspring Hospice
02.2019 - 10.2022
- Consistently received positive feedback from families for exhibiting empathy, professionalism, and delivering high-quality patient-centered care.
- Assessed patients'' physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial needs to continually adapt care plans accordingly.
- Conducted regular clinical assessments of assigned patients, identifying any changes in condition that may necessitate modifications to the care plan.
- Demonstrated strong communication skills while working closely with interdisciplinary team members and maintaining open lines of dialogue with patients'' families.
- Developed strong relationships with local hospitals to expedite referrals and streamline admission processes for hospice candidates.
Registered Nurse Case Manager, Hospice
Gentiva Hospice
07.2016 - 02.2019
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during the end-of-life process, promoting dignity and comfort.
- Collaborated with physicians to optimize medication regimens for symptom control in terminally ill patients.
- Improved patient care by developing and implementing comprehensive hospice nursing plans tailored to individual needs.
- Managed complex caseloads effectively, prioritizing tasks based on patient acuity levels.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient interactions, assessments, interventions, and responses to care.
- Efficiently managed caseloads while adhering to regulatory guidelines ensuring compliance with Medicare conditions of participation.
- Educated patients and families about illness progression, treatment options, and available resources for additional support.
- Ensured timely delivery of medical treatments for optimal symptom management while maintaining a high level of compassion.
CCU Registered Nurse
Flowers Hospital
05.2016 - 07.2016
- Managed ventilator settings, titrating medications, monitoring vital signs closely to ensure appropriate respiratory support for critically ill patients.
- Streamlined communication between team members by utilizing effective handoff techniques during shift changes.
- Implemented therapeutic hypothermia protocols after cardiac arrest events resulting in improved neurological outcomes.
- Facilitated emotional support for patients'' families during difficult times, promoting an empathetic approach to care.
Registered Nurse Intern
Flowers Hospital
01.2014 - 05.2016
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Auburn University
Montgomery, AL12-2025
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
George C Wallace Community College
Dothan, AL05-2016
Skills
- Hospice care
- Clinical Hospice Documentation
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Care planning
- Evidence-based care
- Hospice of Alabama guidelines
- Quality improvement
Accomplishments
- Gentiva Clinician of the Year 2018
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Supervised team of 20+ staff members.
- Collaborated with State Auditors during audit and assisted in development of PIP
Certification
Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Registered Nurse
2018-2022
(currently expired but currently achieving re-certification)
Timeline
Hospice Registered Nurse Patient Care Manager
Gentiva Hospice
10.2024 - Current
Hospice Registered Nurse Clinical Manager
Dayspring Hospice
10.2022 - 10.2024
Hospice Registered Nurse On Call
Dayspring Hospice
02.2019 - 10.2022
Registered Nurse Case Manager, Hospice
Gentiva Hospice
07.2016 - 02.2019
CCU Registered Nurse
Flowers Hospital
05.2016 - 07.2016
Registered Nurse Intern
Flowers Hospital
01.2014 - 05.2016
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Auburn University
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
George C Wallace Community College