Caring Registered Nurse with excellent communication skills and 23+ years’ experience in clinical setting working with a diverse population to include elderly & disabled patients.
Overview
1
1
Certification
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Infection Preventionist
Stalling Court (HMG)
09.2021 - 02.2022
The Infection Preventionist (IP) serves as the facilities Infection and Prevention and Control Officer and functions as a practitioner, resource, and educator for all staff in the area of Infection Control.
Supports general orientation by providing infection control training for all newly hired employees.
Ensures necessary TB screening and documentation is completed per regulatory requirements.
Ensures Hepatitis B vaccination is offered, and initiated or declination signed, for new hires, within regulatory requirements.
Developed education programs addressing infection control needs identified through QAPI, rounding, facility quality measures, and other means.
Teaches staff current accepted patient care and facility practices as they relate to infection control.
Performed rounds on units to review infection control issues, observe practices for educational needs, identify environmental risks for infectious disease spread, discuss findings, and evaluate compliance with standard and transmission-based precautions while providing necessary education.
Manages the facility’s Infection Control and Prevention Program and activities with the goals of the program being the following:
Preventing: preventing the spread of infections for both residents and staff.
Identifies infection control issues through routine assessments.
Reports infection control incidents to appropriate authorities.
Investigated infection outbreaks to determine sources and causes., and
Controlled infection spread through effective monitoring practices.: to minimize the risk of infection-related outbreaks within the center.
Completes surveillance and tracking.
Maintains infection control records per policy and regulatory requirements
Analyzes facility trends and variances, presenting findings and developing action plans in conjunction with center QAPI process.
Completes the Infection Control Risk Assessment of the facility and resident population.
Integrates the Infection Control and Prevention program with the facility’s QAPI process.
Oversees the facility Antibiotic Stewardship Program that includes antibiotic use and prescribing protocols, laboratory communication, and a system for monitoring antimicrobial use.
Directed implementation of Infection Control and Prevention policies and procedures and periodically reviewed and updated the program.
Manages the Employee Health Program to include: Administering and tracking for both Tuberculosis screening and Hepatitis B series for regulatory compliance; training and competency testing of licensed nurses upon hire and annually, who administer and record, in mm of induration, the results of TB skin tests.
Manages the Influenza immunizations for all residents and staff.
Manages the Pneumococcal immunizations for all residents.
Manages the facility Infection Control and Prevention Committee/QAPI.
Complies with applicable legal requirements, standards, policies, and procedures.
Cooperates with monitoring and audit functions and investigations.
Participates, as requested, in quality assurance and process improvement activities.
Minimum of 2 years nursing experience in a long-term care facility with 1 year in an administrative position preferred.
Previous Infection Control experience is preferred.
Must be able to work flexible hours in order to meet facility needs.
Must have good verbal and communication skills with the ability to demonstrate organizational and educational skills.
Must be able to analyze, organize, and respond to infection control data.
Must have computer skills.
Nurse Education:
Compliance:
Specific Education/Requirements/Certifications:
Infection Preventionist
HMG/Willowbrook Nursing Center
Nacogdoches, Texas
05.2020 - 05.2021
The Infection Preventionist (IP) serves as the facilities Infection and Prevention and Control Officer and functions as a practitioner, resource, and educator for all staff in the area of Infection Control.
Supports general orientation by providing infection control training for all newly hired employees.
Ensures necessary TB screening and documentation is completed per regulatory requirements.
Ensures Hepatitis B vaccination is offered, and initiated or declination signed, for new hires, within regulatory requirements.
Created education programs addressing infection control needs identified through QAPI, rounding, and facility quality measures to enhance staff knowledge and compliance.
Teaches staff current accepted patient care and facility practices as they relate to infection control.
Conducted unit rounds to monitor infection control issues, evaluate compliance with standard and transmission-based precautions, identify environmental risks, and provide targeted education based on observed practices and identified needs.
Manages the facility’s Infection Control and Prevention Program and activities with the goals of the program being the following:
Preventing: preventing the spread of infections for both residents and staff.
Identified infection control issues through regular monitoring and assessments.
Reported infection control findings to ensure compliance with health standards.
Investigating, and
Controlled infection-related outbreaks by implementing targeted interventions.: to minimize the risk of infection-related outbreaks within the center.
Completes surveillance and tracking.
Maintains infection control records per policy and regulatory requirements
Analyzed facility trends and variances, presenting findings and developing actionable plans in collaboration with the center QAPI process to improve infection prevention strategies.
Completes the Infection Control Risk Assessment of the facility and resident population.
Integrates the Infection Control and Prevention program with the facility’s QAPI process.
Oversees the facility Antibiotic Stewardship Program that includes antibiotic use and prescribing protocols, laboratory communication, and a system for monitoring antimicrobial use.
Directed implementation of Infection Control and Prevention policies and procedures and periodically reviewed and updated the program.
Manages the Employee Health Program to include: Administering and tracking for both Tuberculosis screening and Hepatitis B series for regulatory compliance; training and competency testing of licensed nurses upon hire and annually, who administer and record, in mm of induration, the results of TB skin tests.
Reviews the Initial Employee Health Survey completed by all new employees and requests appropriate documentation.
Manages the facility Infection Control and Prevention Committee/QAPI.
Performs other duties as requested.
Complies with applicable legal requirements, standards, policies, and procedures.
Cooperates with monitoring and audit functions and investigations.
Participates, as requested, in quality assurance and process improvement activities.
Minimum of 2 years nursing experience in a long-term care facility with 1 year in an administrative position preferred.
Previous Infection Control experience is preferred.
Must be able to work flexible hours in order to meet facility needs.
Must have good verbal and communication skills with the ability to demonstrate organizational and educational skills.
Must be able to analyze, organize, and respond to infection control data.
Must have computer skills.
Nurse Education:
Compliance:
Specific Education/Requirements/Certifications:
RN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF NURSING
Stalling Court
Nacogdoches, TX
12.2021 - 09.2023
Assisted Director of Nursing in supervising nursing services and established care standards to ensure residents receive comprehensive medical, physical, emotional, and psychological support. Fulfills policies and objectives ensuring quality nursing care as set forth by the Administrator and standards of the facility. Supports and practices the philosophy, objectives and standards of Senior Care Centers and the Nursing Department, and directs the revision of these as necessary to ensure quality of care to all residents.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Registered Nurse or LVN that is licensed and in good standing with the Texas State Board of Nurse Examiners in the state of Texas
CPR certified
Ability to understand, remember and carry out verbal and written instructions in English
Ability to speak clearly and hear well enough to communicate with residents and other team members
Ability to complete assignments while having constant interruptions
Must be capable of performing the Essential Functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
To assure resident safety.
Complete the Daily List on a daily basis
Review all new admissions for accuracy and completeness
Make rounds on the residents for which you are responsible daily
Coach/mentor the licensed nurses under your charge
Direct the infection prevention and control program and its activities according to federal, state, and local standards.
Lift, move and transfer residents as required. This involves the ability to safely transfer residents who cannot bear their own weight. It also involves the ability to safely perform movements such as pushing, pulling, lifting, bending, kneeling, reaching and lifting in excess of 150 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations. Manual dexterity required performing tasks in assisting residents with their personal needs
Safely utilize equipment; report any equipment needing service or repair immediately
Participate in emergency fire or disaster drills and other in-service training as scheduled. Must be able to safely ascend and descend stairwells and assist in an evacuation
Complete assigned training on time and/or attend training classes when scheduled
Uses tactful, appropriate communications in sensitive and emotional situations
Promotes positive public relations with residents, family members and guests
Assist nursing staff with daily resident care and comfort measures.
Monitored vital signs and reported notable changes promptly to supervising nurses.
Documented care activities accurately in resident records and shift reports.
Responded quickly to resident requests and communicated needs to nursing team.
Supported safe mobility, transfers, and positioning using proper patient-handling techniques.
Maintained clean, organized patient areas while following infection-control procedures.
Prepared supplies and equipment for routine care tasks and patient support.
Built trust with residents through respectful communication and attentive bedside support.
Promoted patient safety by promptly reporting any changes in condition or concerns to supervising nurse or physician.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare team members to develop comprehensive individualized care plans for each patient.
Served as a reliable resource for both colleagues and family members seeking clarification about medical terminology or treatment plan specifics.
Provided emotional support to patients facing challenging medical situations while maintaining professional boundaries.
Ensured patient dignity by respecting privacy and confidentiality at all times during care provision.
Maintained a clean and organized patient environment, adhering to all sanitation guidelines to prevent cross-contamination issues.
Assisted with complex procedures under the guidance of experienced nursing staff, expanding practical skill set while ensuring patient safety at all times.
Educated patients and families on disease prevention strategies, proper medication usage, and at-home care techniques to improve overall health outcomes.
Assisted in the admission and discharge process, ensuring a smooth transition for patients and their families.
Supported nurses by performing routine tasks, such as administering medications, collecting specimens, and changing dressings.
Charge Nurse
Rusk State Hospital
Rusk, TX
12.2015 - 03.2020
The Staff Nurse II performs routine nursing work at the competent level in a state mental health hospital. Works under moderate supervision from Charge Nurses or Nurse Managers (Nurse II/III) with limited use of initiative and independent judgment. Conducts comprehensive assessments of patients' nursing care needs using specialized skills in (depending on the setting) psychiatric or medical-surgical nursing. Identifies nursing diagnoses or problem lists and formulates an initial plan of care based on assessment data. Led team and provided clinical supervision to nursing staff, fostering collaboration among Licensed Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Nursing Assistants. Established unit routines and maintained therapeutic milieu to promote patient recovery and well-being. Observes patient behavior and status and reports to the physician, other team members and supervisor as appropriate. Carries out nursing interventions as identified in the multi-disciplinary recovery plan. Administers medications as ordered and maintains medication administration and controlled drug records according to facility policy. Led therapeutic patient groups and patient teaching activities. Trains other staff members as necessary or as requested. Must understand that duties, location of work and shift/pattern are subject to change as determined by the administration to meet the needs of the hospital. Must understand that duties may include exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. Employee actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Supports the vision and mission of the facility.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Registered Nurse or LVN that is licensed and in good standing with the Texas State Board of Nurse Examiners in the state of Texas
CPR certified
Ability to understand, remember and carry out verbal and written instructions in English
Ability to speak clearly and hear well enough to communicate with residents and other team members
Ability to complete assignments while having constant interruptions
Must be capable of performing the Essential Functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
To assure resident safety.
Completed Daily List daily to ensure all tasks were addressed
Review all new admissions for accuracy and completeness
Made daily rounds on assigned residents to monitor their well-being
Coach/mentor the licensed nurses under your charge
Plan, organize, develop, coordinate, and direct the infection prevention and control program and its activities in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern such programs.
Lifted, moved, and transferred residents safely according to their needs. This involves the ability to safely transfer residents who cannot bear their own weight. It also involves the ability to safely perform movements such as pushing, pulling, lifting, bending, kneeling, reaching and lifting in excess of 150 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations. Manual dexterity required performing tasks in assisting residents with their personal needs
Utilized equipment safely and reported any service or repair needs promptly
Participate in emergency fire or disaster drills and other in-service training as scheduled. Must be able to safely ascend and descend stairwells and assist in an evacuation
Maintained professional workplace behavior and consistently adhered to dress code
Completed all assigned training promptly and attended scheduled training classes
Promotes positive public relations with residents, family members and guests
Staff Nurse
Good Shepherd Medical Center
Longview, TX
04.2013 - 12.2015
Managed care for post-operative patients through discharge
Monitored post-op vitals, set up PCA, fluids, reviewed post-op orders and orient patients to unit.
Coordinated care plans with doctors and registered nurses to ensure comprehensive patient management.
Chronic patient care in med-surg unit, adeptly handling all aspects of treatment from medication to wound care to monitoring for patients per shift.
Developed patient care plans, including assessments, evaluations and nursing diagnoses.
Supported patient healing and recovery post-surgery through tailored interventions and education.
Assessed patients in active withdrawal and provided interventions to manage physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.
Assessed need for, ordered, obtained and interpreted appropriate lab tests.
Experience with various medical conditions including Parkinson's, Dementia, Diabetes, Cancer, Alzheimer's and Paget's disease.
Provided necessary health education training for patients.
Created detailed patient care plans, incorporating assessments, evaluations, and nursing diagnoses for effective treatment.
Administered cardiac drips and read telemetry on a cardiac floor.
Staff Nurse
East Texas Medical Center
Tyler, Texas
01.2011 - 02.2013
Managed care for post-operative patients through discharge.
Monitored post-op vitals, set up PCA, fluids, reviewed post-op orders and oriented patients to unit.
Performed tasks with a focus on patient care and satisfaction.
Supported post-operative recovery by providing compassionate care and monitoring patient progress.
Completed clinical work hours in a medical setting, enhancing patient care.
Recorded patients' medical history, vital statistics and test results in medical records. Assessed need for, ordered, obtained and interpreted appropriate lab tests.
Skillfully performed suture removals for patients of all ages. Tested glucose and administered injections.
Coordinated with doctors and nurses to create and implement patient-centered care plans, enhancing recovery outcomes.
Assessed patients in active withdrawal and provided interventions to manage physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.
Effective counseling in health maintenance and disease management.
Often commended for maintaining the safety, respect and dignity of residents. Assisted residents with bathing, dressing, feeding, lifting and transferring. Scheduled patient admissions and discharges.
Delivered health education training to patients, empowering them to manage their health and recovery effectively.
Performed all tasks with a patient-centered focus while seeking opportunities for improvement of processes and treatments.
Administered cardiac drips and read telemetries on a cardiac floor.
Took care of chest tube patients and monitored and documented for any air leaks.
RN / Supervisor
Lexington Place Nursing Home
Nacogdoches, Texas
08.2009 - 03.2011
Weekend Charge nurse/ Supervisor
Effectively managed clinical oversight for 44-bed unit.
Evaluated staffing requirements to implement effective floor assignments.
Coordinated clinical and support staff in patient care activities, fostering high staff morale and professionalism.
Supervised nursing staff during weekend shifts to ensure quality patient care.
Implemented new floor assignments based on evaluation of staffing requirements
Clinical and support staff in patient care activities while maintaining a high level of staff morale and professionalism.
Led and motivated healthcare teams to achieve optimal patient care outcomes.
Nurse Clinician III Inpatient/ Supervisor
University of Texas Correctional Managed Care
Rusk, Texas
08.2006 - 10.2010
Charge nurse in a correctional facility responsible for two units that housed over 1000 plus inmates. Oversee an average of 200 patients per unit on a 12-hour shift.
Oversee and manage 14 clinical and support staff in patient care activities while maintaining a high level of staff morale and professionalism.
Led a team of medical support personnel to ensure efficient patient care operations.
Chronic patient care in med-surg unit, adeptly handling all aspects of treatment from medication to wound care to monitoring for patients per shift.
Administered medications and assisted in diagnostic testing for HIV-positive patients.
Evaluated patient care needs, prioritized treatment and maintained patient flow.
Effectively managed clinical oversight for 1000-plus-bed unit.
Performed lab tests and communicated results.
Staff Nurse
Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital
Nacogdoches, TX
11.2004 - 07.2007
Monitored post-op vitals, set up PCA, fluids, reviewed post-op orders and oriented patients to unit. Effective counseling in health maintenance and disease management.
Provided care to post-surgical patient on the surgical floor such as administering pain medication and carrying out post op orders.
Assisted patients with healing and recovery after surgery. Managed care for post-operative patients through discharge.
Assisted patients with healing and recovery after surgery, managing post-operative care through discharge to ensure optimal recovery.
Provided chronic patient care in med-surgical unit, handling treatment aspects from medication administration to wound care and patient monitoring per shift.
Assessed patients in active withdrawal and provided interventions to manage physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms
Executed suture removals for patients under sterile conditions to promote healing.
Charge Nurse on as needed basis
Served as Charge Nurse during shifts to oversee patient care and staff coordination.
Delivered nursing care to critically ill patients in IMC, monitoring conditions and administering cardiac drips as needed.
Performed all tasks with a patient-centered focus while seeking opportunities for improvement of processes and treatments.
RN Case Manager
Texas Department of Aging and Disability
Lufkin, Texas
01.1987 - 07.2006
Managed primary care, case management, and medication management for elderly and disabled patients.
Effective counseling in health maintenance and disease management.
Conducted comprehensive patient assessments to evaluate health status and needs.
Executed all tasks with a patient-centered focus, identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance treatment quality.
Conducted follow-up communications with patients to ensure continuity of care.
Provided DHS (Department of Health Services) with corrective action plans.
Effectively managed clinical oversight for 44-bed unit.
Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for inpatient care.
Ensured efficacy of treatments through monitoring of treatment regimens.
Received recognition for prioritizing safety, respect, and dignity of residents in care delivery.
Staff Nurse
Commonspirit Health St Lukes
Lufkin, TX
09.2024 - Current
Administered medications and treatments while following physician orders and medication safety protocols.
Coordinated patient care with interdisciplinary teams to support timely interventions and continuity of care.
Delivered patient assessments, monitored vital signs, and updated care plans with accurate clinical documentation.
Educated patients and families on recovery plans, discharge instructions, and self-care practices.
Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
Demonstrated excellent time management skills while juggling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Educated patients on self-care management, empowering them to take an active role in their overall health and well-being.
Acted as a patient advocate, ensuring their needs were met and their rights protected throughout their healthcare journey.
Directed patient care by initiating and following through with plan of care, continuing care, and discharge instructions.
Mentored new nursing staff, supporting their professional growth and development.
Reduced medication errors through meticulous charting and double-checking dosages.
Precepted student nurses and oriented new hires, providing guidance and mentorship when teaching on hospital policies, emergency procedures, and nursing best practices.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members for comprehensive patient assessments and treatment plans.
Evaluated the effectiveness of care plans regularly, making adjustments as needed based on individual patient needs and progress toward goals.
Exhibited strong critical thinking skills when assessing complex medical situations and determining appropriate interventions.
Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
I am backup charge nurse for various units on the K-Towers
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona, United State
02.2014
Master of Science - Nursing
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ
07.2026
Associate of Science - Nursing
ANGELINA COLLEGE
LUFKIN, TEXAS, UNITED STATE
01.2004
Certification - Vocational Nursing Program
Tyler Junior College
Tyler, Texas, United States
01.1987
High School Diploma -
Alto High School
Alto Texas
05.1982
Skills
Infection surveillance
Outbreak management
Risk evaluation
Antibiotic stewardship
Healthcare infections
Regulatory compliance
CDC policies
Patient safety advocacy
JCAHO
Outbreak case definition
Case coordination
Teamwork
Teamwork and collaboration
Attention to detail
Disease prevention strategies
Problem-solving abilities
Multitasking Abilities
Reliability
Excellent communication
Team collaboration
Organizational skills
Active listening
Effective communication
Adaptability and flexibility
Decision-making
Team building
Relationship building
Self motivation
Task prioritization
Medication administration
Health promotion
Interpersonal skills
Public health knowledge
Analytical thinking
Goal setting
Scientific writing
Professionalism
Risk assessment
Public speaking
Certification
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification 9/25/26 year to 9/26/2028