Autumn Melissa Cruz
St. Helena,SC
Summary
Experienced Oncology Nurse Case Manager with extensive background in comprehensive client assessments, and ensuring personalized care plans are in place. Utilizes strong communication and coordination skills to effectively manage client services. Track record of fostering positive client relationships and achieving measurable improvements in client well-being. Facilitated safe and coordinated discharge planning as well as improved patient outcomes after hospitalization by providing all necessary resources and education.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Oncology Case Manager (Remote)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
09.2024 - Current
- Coordinated comprehensive care plans tailored to individual patient needs, enhancing overall health outcomes and satisfaction.
- Advocated for patients by navigating complex healthcare systems and facilitating access to necessary resources.
- Developed and maintained collaborative relationships with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care delivery.
- Led case reviews and discussions, identifying potential barriers to treatment and implementing effective solutions.
- Collaborated closely with insurance providers to streamline authorization processes, reducing delays in patient care delivery.
- Engaged in regular team meetings to share insights and best practices aligned with case management goals.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Assisted clients in setting achievable goals while providing ongoing encouragement and support throughout the process of reaching those objectives.
- Partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, nutritionists, and case managers to develop and implement individualized care plans and documented patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems.
Oncology Nurse Navigator (RN, OCN Certified)
Beaufort Memorial Hospital Oncology Department
Beaufort
09.2020 - 12.2023
- Monitor, record, and communicate patient condition as appropriate utilizing electronic documentation systems.
- Provide age and culturally-appropriate care.
- Organized regular meetings with clinical teams to discuss best practices in providing high-quality care for oncology patients.
- We have developed systems for tracking patient outcomes over time to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
- Created educational materials for staff, physicians and patients for cancer diagnosis, treatments and survivorship issues.
- Worked closely with social workers, case managers, other nursing navigators within an integrated healthcare system.
- Actively participated in tumor boards and multidisciplinary conferences discussing cases from a holistic perspective.
- Identified gaps in care delivery processes through data analysis and quality improvement initiatives.
Oncology Infusion Registered Nurse
Beaufort Memorial Hospital Oncology Department
Beaufort, US
09.2017 - 10.2020
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members including physicians, pharmacists, social workers and dieticians to coordinate optimal patient care.
- Administered supportive medications such as antiemetics prior to chemotherapy and biotherapy administrations as ordered by physician.
- Managed a caseload of up to 10 patients per shift ensuring timely completion of all treatments.
- Maintained current knowledge in area of specialty through participation in continuing education programs.
- Developed individualized nursing plans based on assessment results that addressed identified patient needs.
- Provided emotional support while working with individuals facing life-threatening illnesses or end-of-life issues.
- Maintained detailed documentation related to patient's health status, treatments and medications.
- Ensured compliance with hospital policies regarding infection control practices while providing infusion services.
Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
Beaufort Memorial Hospital Oncology Department
Beaufort, US
05.2015 - 09.2017
- Administered blood and blood product transfusions or intravenous infusions, monitoring patients for adverse reactions.
- Provided quality patient care in a fast-paced medical surgical unit, utilizing strong assessment and critical thinking skills.
- Administered medications, treatments and therapies according to established protocols while monitoring for adverse reactions or changes in condition.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams from various departments such as pharmacy, nutrition services or rehabilitation therapy when needed.
- Provided compassionate, patient-centered care to improve patient outcomes and aid in faster recovery.
- Facilitated effective transitions between shifts by communicating pertinent information regarding each patient's condition.
- Assessed and evaluated patient physical status after surgery.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all patient information such as vital signs, assessments, treatments provided and response to interventions.
- Prepared patients for surgery by administering pain medication, sedatives and analgesics.
- Collaborated daily with physicians and health care team to deliver optimum patient care.
Registered Nurse
Beaufort Cardiology
Beaufort
01.2014 - 05.2015
- Scan and assign labs to physicians and add to patient charts.
- Check hospital portals for results from stress tests, echo tests, consults, and hospitalizations.
- Establish new heart monitoring accounts.
- Obtain weights, vitals, current medication orders, and history and physicals on new patients.
- Request prescription refills for patients.
- Telephone triage patients who call office.
- Notify physician of urgent cardio monitoring reports.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess changes in patient conditions, recognize complications and intervene appropriately.
- Managed multiple tasks while providing timely, high quality patient care.
- Administered medications and treatments in accordance with physician orders and hospital policies.
Nurse Intern
Beaufort Memorial Hospital PACU/Same Day Surgery
Beaufort
06.2012 - 01.2014
- Take vital signs on Pre-op patients.
- Apply EKG electrodes and print 6 second strips.
- Enter orders for routine tests into computer and send specimens to lab.
- Update patient locations on main board.
- Take vital signs on post-op patients and print EKG strips.
- Assist patients to restroom and getting dressed before discharge.
- Keep department stocked.
- Pull basic supplies needed for surgeries and prime warmed IV fluids.
- Keep warmers stocked with blankets and fluids.
- Ensure that all stretchers have oxygen tanks each morning.
- Perform key code checks on glucometers each morning and take patients' blood sugars as needed.
Server/Hostess
Fryed Green Tomatoes
Beaufort
03.2011 - 04.2012
- Greet and seat customers upon arrival.
- Take customers' drink, appetizer, and entrée orders and enter them into the computer.
- Take drinks and food to customer tables.
- Print and accept payment for customer bills.
- Clear, clean, and replenish tables upon customer departure.
- Perform various duties upon restaurant closing including vacuuming, sweeping, cleaning bathrooms, and rolling silverware.
Office Manager
Cruz Construction
Beaufort
05.2003 - 02.2011
- Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable.
- Manage payroll and keep all insurance certificates current.
- Handle various insurance and tax audits.
- Acquire business licenses and permits for specific projects.
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Nursing
Western Governor's University
Kent, Washington08.2024
Associates Degree - Nursing
Technical College of the Lowcountry
US12.2013
High School Diploma - undefined
Beaufort High School
US01.1997
Skills
Self-care strategies
Care Coordination
Palliative Care
Treatment Planning
Documentation proficiency
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Clinical Research Knowledge
Cancer care expertise
Oncology nursing assessment
Compassionate and Caring
Organizational Skills
Excellent Communication
Reliability
Adaptability and Flexibility
Patient Education
Team Collaboration
Decision-Making
Task Prioritization
Interpersonal Skills
Documentation
Bilingual
Certification
- Registered Nurse
- Oncology Certified Nurse
LANGUAGES
Spanish Fluent
Timeline
Oncology Case Manager (Remote)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina
09.2024 - Current
Oncology Nurse Navigator (RN, OCN Certified)
Beaufort Memorial Hospital Oncology Department
09.2020 - 12.2023
Oncology Infusion Registered Nurse
Beaufort Memorial Hospital Oncology Department
09.2017 - 10.2020
Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
Beaufort Memorial Hospital Oncology Department
05.2015 - 09.2017
Registered Nurse
Beaufort Cardiology
01.2014 - 05.2015
Nurse Intern
Beaufort Memorial Hospital PACU/Same Day Surgery
06.2012 - 01.2014
Server/Hostess
Fryed Green Tomatoes
03.2011 - 04.2012
Office Manager
Cruz Construction
05.2003 - 02.2011
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Nursing
Western Governor's University
Associates Degree - Nursing
Technical College of the Lowcountry
High School Diploma - undefined
Beaufort High School