Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Arlene DeKam

Muskegon

Summary

Patient-oriented Nurse with 15 years of diverse experience in direct patient care, staff supervision and department operations. Skilled at multitasking and prioritizing patient needs and daily assignments. Offering expertise with CHPN specialty.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Clinical Liaison

Harbor Hospice And Palliative Care
04.2022 - Current
  • Function as a liaison between Harbor Hospice and the hospitals in our 5 county region and beyond, cultivating relationships with case managers and the inpatient palliative care teams
  • Increase patient satisfaction by effectively communicating with interdisciplinary teams and providing appropriate clinical recommendations for GIP patients
  • Provide effective communication to hospital case managers and physician staff regarding referral process with a focus on decreasing hospital length of stay and increasing hospice length of stay
  • Promote positive patient outcomes by identifying potential barriers to discharge and addressing them proactively with the care team.
  • Conduct thorough assessments of patients' medical histories, diagnoses, prognoses, medications, and treatment goals to determine eligibility for hospice services
  • Educate health care professionals on ways to assist with transitions to hospice
  • Provide excellent customer service to patients and medical staff.

.

Intake Supervisor

Harbor Hospice And Palliative Care
01.2018 - 04.2022
  • Maintained a high level of client satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly and professionally
  • Led a team of intake nurses and referrals liaisons, providing guidance, support, and feedback on their work performance
  • Maintained intake statistics and monitored metrics, collaborating with other departments to increase census and length of stay
  • Oversaw a team that was working during the COVID pandemic and led team to meet hospital and community needs
  • Enhanced team productivity with thorough training sessions and regular performance evaluations
  • Thoroughly reviewed patient medical records and provided assessment/admission visits on a daily basis
  • Collaborated with leadership team to support and retain staff during a pandemic
  • Collaborated with other departments to improve overall service delivery and client outcomes.
  • Conducted regular meetings with the intake team to discuss performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and develop action plans accordingly.
  • Fostered a positive work environment that encouraged teamwork, communication, and continuous improvement among all members of the organization.
  • Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance and support to help them grow professionally within their roles.

Cyrus and Leila Poppen Residence Supervisor

Harbor Hospice
01.2017 - 01.2018
  • Enhanced resident satisfaction by implementing personalized care plans and addressing individual needs.
  • Maintained a safe living environment for residents by enforcing policies and conducting regular inspections.
  • Ensured timely response to emergencies with well-rehearsed emergency protocols and staff preparedness.
  • Streamlined communication between residents, families, and staff by establishing clear channels of communication.
  • Managed daily operations efficiently while adhering to budgetary guidelines, optimizing resource allocation.
  • Evaluated staff performance regularly, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement and professional growth.
  • Collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to coordinate comprehensive care plans tailored to meet each resident''s unique requirements effectively.
  • Implemented measures to enhance staff morale, fostering a positive work atmosphere that translated into improved overall care for residents in the facility.

Hospice Clinical Supervisor

Mercy VNS And Hospice
06.2015 - 01.2017
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based treatment plans and clinical interventions.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular staff meetings, case conferences, and training sessions.
  • Developed a comprehensive clinical training program for new hires to ensure consistent quality of care.
  • Streamlined documentation processes, reducing administrative workload for clinicians and improving efficiency.
  • Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by conducting regular audits of clinical records and procedures.
  • Served as a liaison between clinical staff and administration to address concerns and optimize workflows.
  • Monitored adherence to ethical guidelines among clinical staff members, supporting their ongoing professional growth while maintaining high quality care standards.
  • Lead and directed team 10 clinical personnel and support staff.
  • Monitored, analyzed, and corrected staff performance and worked with nurse manager to raise standards of practice.

Homecare/Palliative Care Nurse Case Manager

Mercy VNS And Hospice
09.2011 - 06.2015
  • Improved patient comfort by providing compassionate palliative care and symptom management.
  • Developed individualized care plans for patients, addressing their unique needs and preferences.
  • Enhanced patient and family understanding of illness progression through clear communication and education.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care for patients with life-limiting illnesses.

RN Case Manager

Heartland Hospice
08.2010 - 09.2011
  • Enhanced patient care by developing comprehensive care plans and coordinating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
  • Improved patient satisfaction scores by providing timely follow-ups and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Collaborated closely with physicians to develop individualized treatment plans, supporting optimal patient outcomes.
  • Implemented evidence-based practices to improve overall clinical performance and patient outcomes.
  • Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities, requiring close monitoring and coordination of various healthcare services.
  • Promoted adherence to treatment plans by conducting regular follow-up visits and providing ongoing support to patients.
  • Advocated for patients'' rights and preferences, working diligently to align care with individual values and goals.
  • Coordinated care conferences with interdisciplinary team members, ensuring all perspectives were considered in the development of comprehensive treatment plans.

Nursing Home Registered Nurse

Heartland Knollview SNF
07.2009 - 08.2010
  • Enhanced patient care by providing comprehensive assessments and developing individualized care plans.
  • Reduced hospital readmissions through close monitoring of patients and timely intervention in case of complications.
  • Promoted a positive healing environment by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and maintaining open communication with patients and their families.
  • Streamlined medication administration processes, ensuring accuracy and adherence to physician orders.
  • Improved patient care by thoroughly reviewing and analyzing MDS assessments for accuracy and completeness.
  • Enhanced interdisciplinary communication by collaborating with healthcare team members on individualized care plans.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI
04.2009

Bachelor of Arts - Education

Calvin College
Grand Rapids, MI
05.1991

Skills

  • Clinical Assessment
  • Medical Record Review
  • Patient and Family Advocacy
  • Patient Eligibility Requirements
  • Critical Thinking
  • Relationship Building
  • Team Collaboration
  • Customer Service
  • Case Management
  • Communicating to Patients and Families
  • Evaluating Quality of Care

Certification

  • Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse, Hospice and Palliative Care Association - 2012-present

Timeline

Clinical Liaison

Harbor Hospice And Palliative Care
04.2022 - Current

Intake Supervisor

Harbor Hospice And Palliative Care
01.2018 - 04.2022

Cyrus and Leila Poppen Residence Supervisor

Harbor Hospice
01.2017 - 01.2018

Hospice Clinical Supervisor

Mercy VNS And Hospice
06.2015 - 01.2017

Homecare/Palliative Care Nurse Case Manager

Mercy VNS And Hospice
09.2011 - 06.2015

RN Case Manager

Heartland Hospice
08.2010 - 09.2011

Nursing Home Registered Nurse

Heartland Knollview SNF
07.2009 - 08.2010

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Grand Valley State University

Bachelor of Arts - Education

Calvin College
Arlene DeKam