ARISS HEATON RN, BSN
REGISTERED NURSE
Gainesville,GA
Summary
Dedicated and passionate Registered Nurse (RN) with extensive career history in direct patient care, triage, trauma and care coordination in fast-paced environment. One of my best qualities is to be able to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. I have the ability to assess, prioritize and make decisions quickly for a multitude of patients. I strive to provide excellent training and interesting cases to the students that I precept. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients, families, and coworkers through active and empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service is one of my top priorities. Accepting any challenge no matter the size and embrace change or new procedures it a priority while maintaining safety and the best patient care and outcome. Multitasking and prioritizing tasks and patients with a positive attitude is essential. Being willing to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals is a part of my everyday attitude. I pride myself in the ability to be a team player and am detail-oriented with strong organizational skills. My experience with many different patient populations and areas, my triage, team lead and relief charge is extensive and plan to take my knowledge to another level in the future.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Northside Hospital Gwinnett
10.2020 - Current
- Managing a team in Team triage while flowing patients and collaborating with Physicians and Physicians Assistants to rotate patients quickly with orders or treat and discharge.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options. Making sure patients understand fully their discharge instructions and follow up care.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, flow coordination, and safety protocols.
- Mastered quickly triaging patients and initiating protocols along with implementing testing quickly to improve patient outcomes and wait times.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
- Advocated for patients by communicating effectively to providers.
- Collected blood, tissue, and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Effectively manage pediatric patients
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Northeast Georgia Healthcare System
04.2019 - 03.2020
- Responsible for bedside care for Emergency Room Patients including Critical Care Patients from the initial triage to admission or discharge.
- Mentored and precepted for new Emergency Department nurses, as well as nursing students and paramedic students. Precepting these new professionals include orientation, clinical training and skills assessments along with how to chart them. Provided constructive and corrective feedback when needed to the correct and appropriate learning.
- Worked with clinical staff, nursing leadership and fellow STN (Shock Trauma Nurse) team to assist with making the trauma rooms high functioning with east access to supplies for efficiency.
- Participated in 10 week training course in Trauma-specific Emergency care to excel in the role of Shock Trauma Nurse (STN); passed nationally Certified Trauma Certified Registered Nurse Exam (TCRN). Served as STN (Shock Trauma Nurse) for 4 years while participating in Trauma Workgroup every month, and performed roaming in-services for all clinical staff in the Emergency Room on Trauma specific equipment and retrieving supplies including blood products.
- Operated as mentor for new STN's and ICU nurses by supervising trauma patient care.
- Perform medical, physical, suicidal, and substance withdrawal assessments of behavioral health clients.
- Proficient in performing CIWA and COWS assessments and administering appropriate medication per protocol orders including when to call the doctor. Worked closely with Laurelwood Intake staff for transfer of patients to appropriate psychiatric facilities.
- Served on the VOICE committee for 1 term representing the ER.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action in collaboration with provider and family.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
Surgical ICU Registered Nurse
Northeast Georgia Medical Center
01.2018 - 04.2019
- Managing critically ill or injured Trauma/Surgical/Neuro/Stroke patients.
- Performing extensive assessments on each patient every 4 hours and collaborating with providers.
- Maintaining and monitoring ICP's, IVS drains, skeletal traction, external fixators, airways and ventilators, chest tubes, tracheostomies and peg tubes with feedings.
- Extensive education and practice on maintaining critical drips and monitoring inputs and outputs on an hourly basis.
- Special training in managing patients on CRRT.
- Performing NIHSS scales during and post TPA and with all stroke patients, Impeccable Neuro Assessment Skills.
- Observed patient condition and notified physician of patient reaction to drugs, treatments and significant incidents.
- Maintained and upgraded knowledge, skills, nursing practice and competencies affecting quality of nursing care and re-licensure.
- Collaborated with patient, family and healthcare team in open discussion to identify mutual goals based on nursing assessment and nursing diagnosis.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Northeast Georgia Medical Center
10.2012 - 01.2018
- See previous
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Communicated openly and collaboratively with all healthcare staff to organize successful patient care.
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
Cardiac Stepdown Registered Nurse
Northeast Georgia Medical Center
08.2011 - 10.2012
- Managed care of Post Open Heart Patients under the care of Cardiothoracic surgeon until discharge home.
- Maintaining and performing assessments on cardiac pacing wires, maintaining chest tubes and central lines including proper dressing changes.
- Managed care of post stress test patients and post heart catherization patients, including special training in removing sheaths post caths and monitoring life threatening bleeding and vital signs.
- Extensive education for discharge home on all cardiac care patients.
- Changed dressings, cleaned wounds and monitored vital signs of up to [Number] patients concurrently with focus on quality care.
- Liaised with patients following cardiothoracic surgical procedures, providing support and education on post-surgical care.
- Enhanced performance of junior nurses through training and evaluations.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Patient Care Technician
Northeast Georgia Medical Center
10.2009 - 08.2011
- Obtained patient vital signs and reported results to staff nurse or physician, noting changes from prior measurements.
- Answered patient assistance calls, assessed needs, and offered qualified support.
- Monitored, tracked, and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
- Responded to patient emergencies with immediate care and notified clinicians to provide comprehensive assistance.
- Maintained clean and safe environment to promote patient safety and comfort.
- Organized and replenished unit supplies to maintain team readiness for expected demands.
- Helped patients maintain healthy skin by checking wounds, assessing integrity, and bathing bedbound individuals.
Hospice Certified Nursing Assistant
Odyssey Health Systems
01.2009 - 10.2009
- Reported unusual or urgent circumstances in patients' condition or environment immediately to nurse supervisor.
- Documented care actions by completing records and logs in medical software system.
- Helped patients effectively manage routine bathing, grooming, and other hygiene needs.
- Monitored, tracked, and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
- Wiped down equipment with proper cleaning products after each patient transport to reduce instances of infection.
- Maximized patient satisfaction by helping individuals carry out personal tasks such as dressing and walking.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Cobb Healthcare Center
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Participated in fun group activities with patients to boost mood, improve overall memory, and provide light entertainment.
- Supported ambulation and physical therapy needs by conducting planned exercise routines.
- Oversaw and maintained patients' rooms, group living areas, and nurse stations.
- Completed activities of daily living for patients unable to self-care, and assisted those with limited mobility in completing tasks.
- Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Brenau University
Gainesville, GA05.2011
Skills
- Proficient in EPIC, CERNER, MCKESSON and downtime charting
- Proficient in Pediatric and Adult conscious sedation and management of
- ED skills validator
- Privacy and Confidentiality, HIPPA compliance
- Medical Records Management
- Patient Assessments
- Medication Administration
- Neurological Care including stroke and seizure
- Obstetric Care managing and trauma
- Airway Management - including sedation
- Stress Management
- Pain management and reassessment
- Fiscally responsible
- Critical Thinking
- Wound Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Ethical Decision-Making
- Team Collaboration
- Quality Improvement
- IV Insertion
- Time Management
- Pain Management
- Patient Assessment
- Cardiac Monitoring
- Advanced Life Support
- Family Support
Accomplishments
An accomplishment that highlights my career is my Trauma experience. Since an early age, trauma has been my passion that was the only thing I ever wanted to do. I was a Shock Trauma Nurse for Northeast GA Medical Center for 4 years, including 1 year in STICU - Surgical Trauma ICU. The TCAR course helped the management of trauma patients after the ER and taking care of families. Taking and receiving my my TCRN was a great accomplishment. During my trauma career I was able to volunteer my time to the community teaching Stop The Bleed to Hall County Schools,I have Precepted, Mentored, been team lead and relief charge in the Emergency Department. I also have worked on various floors including Medsurg and Oncology while working in the ER. My career has been diverse and continues to be. I am extremelly grateful for the time I have had at the bedside.
Certification
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- ACLS- Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- BLS - Basic Life Support
- TNCC - Trauma Nurse Certification Course
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Northside Hospital Gwinnett
10.2020 - Current
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Northeast Georgia Healthcare System
04.2019 - 03.2020
Surgical ICU Registered Nurse
Northeast Georgia Medical Center
01.2018 - 04.2019
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Northeast Georgia Medical Center
10.2012 - 01.2018
Cardiac Stepdown Registered Nurse
Northeast Georgia Medical Center
08.2011 - 10.2012
Patient Care Technician
Northeast Georgia Medical Center
10.2009 - 08.2011
Hospice Certified Nursing Assistant
Odyssey Health Systems
01.2009 - 10.2009
Certified Nursing Assistant
Cobb Healthcare Center
01.2007 - 01.2009
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Brenau University