Barbara Smitherman
Clanton,AL
Summary
Accomplished RN with a proven track record, enhancing patient outcomes through expert medication and IV administration and compassionate care. Skilled in patient education and interdisciplinary collaboration, significantly reducing medication errors. Demonstrates strong clinical judgment and empathy, ensuring high levels of patient satisfaction and safety. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
RN
Optum, UnitedHealth Group
06.2024 - Current
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, providing emotional support while addressing concerns or questions about care plans.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Streamlined documentation processes to ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
RN
Fresenius Kidney Care Dialysis
03.2018 - Current
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, providing emotional support while addressing concerns or questions about care plans.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and implementing evidence-based practices.
- Educated patients on disease management and self-care techniques, promoting lifestyle changes for improved health.
- Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
- Assessed patient conditions promptly upon admission to determine appropriate interventions and prioritize care needs.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Provided emotional support to patients during challenging times, fostering a sense of trust and rapport that contributed to better overall wellbeing.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Implemented infection control measures within the unit, maintaining a safe environment for both patients and staff members.
- Devised individualized care plans tailored to each patient''s unique situation, optimizing clinical outcomes.
Dental Assistant
Clanton Denistry
01.2022 - 05.2024
- Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
- Maintained a clean and sterile work environment to prevent cross-contamination and infection.
- Sanitized trays, instruments, and surfaces for clean dental office setting and patient safety.
- Provided chairside assistance during examinations, improving dentist efficiency and patient satisfaction.
- Performed x-rays safely while adhering to radiation safety guidelines, ensuring high-quality diagnostic images for dentists'' evaluations.
- Successfully assisted dentist by performing four-handed dentistry and other chair-side duties.
- Sterilized rooms and prepped equipment and instruments for [Number] procedures daily.
- Prepared and arranged instruments, medications, and required materials for dental procedures.
RN Case Manager
Baptist Medical Center South
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Provided emotional support to patients coping with chronic illness or end-of-life decisions, fostering resilience during difficult times.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities, requiring close monitoring and coordination of various healthcare services.
- Collaborated closely with physicians to develop individualized treatment plans, supporting optimal patient outcomes.
- Educated patients and families on available community resources, facilitating access to necessary support services.
- Reduced hospital readmission rates through effective case management and patient education on self-care techniques.
- Conducted thorough assessments of patients'' needs, enabling more accurate diagnoses and targeted interventions.
- Streamlined discharge planning processes, ensuring a smoother transition for patients back to their homes or other facilities.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
Charge RN
Baptist Medical Center South
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Maintained an organized clinical environment conducive to efficient workflow by regularly evaluating unit needs and implementing necessary adjustments.
- Conducted ongoing assessments to monitor and adjust treatment plans, improving overall patient health outcomes.
- Improved continuity of care across shifts through concise shift reports detailing pertinent updates on patients'' conditions and treatment plans.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by participating in quality assurance initiatives and identifying opportunities for process enhancement.
- Managed crisis situations effectively, ensuring the safety of patients and staff members at all times.
- Reduced medication errors by implementing a system for double-checking medications before administration.
- Led successful unit initiatives aimed at improving patient care delivery, such as the implementation of new nursing protocols or equipment.
- Served as primary liaison between physicians and nursing staff, maintaining clear communication channels for optimal patient care delivery.
- Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
- Supervised and managed daily scheduling, tasking, and administration.
- Conducted daily shift briefs to inform staff of changes in patient care assignments.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
RN Staff Nurse
Baptist Medical Center South
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Maintained accurate and detailed records of patient assessments, treatments, and progress notes for seamless continuity of care.
- Assisted physicians during medical procedures, ensuring accurate delivery of care as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
- Managed complex wound care cases using advanced skills in assessment, dressing application, and infection control measures.
- Reduced medication errors through meticulous administration and documentation of medications.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
RN Staff Nurse
Clanton Medical
05.2009 - 01.2011
- Provided compassionate and empathetic support to patients and their families during difficult situations.
- Maintained accurate and detailed records of patient assessments, treatments, and progress notes for seamless continuity of care.
- Assisted physicians during medical procedures, ensuring accurate delivery of care as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
- Implemented effective time-management strategies to optimize productivity while maintaining high-quality patient care standards.
- Managed complex wound care cases using advanced skills in assessment, dressing application, and infection control measures.
- Reduced medication errors through meticulous administration and documentation of medications.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop comprehensive patient care plans, improving patient outcomes.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Directed patient care by initiating and following through with plan of care, continuing care, and discharge instructions.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
George Corley Wallace State Community College - Selma
Selma, AL05.2009
Skills
- Basic Life Support
- Clinical judgment
- Compassion and Empathy
- Discharge Planning
- Medication and IV administration
- Direct Patient Care
- Patient Assessment
- Patient education and counseling
- Medication Administration
- Strong Clinical Judgment
Timeline
RN
Optum, UnitedHealth Group
06.2024 - Current
Dental Assistant
Clanton Denistry
01.2022 - 05.2024
RN
Fresenius Kidney Care Dialysis
03.2018 - Current
RN Case Manager
Baptist Medical Center South
01.2016 - 01.2018
Charge RN
Baptist Medical Center South
01.2013 - 01.2015
RN Staff Nurse
Baptist Medical Center South
01.2011 - 01.2013
RN Staff Nurse
Clanton Medical
05.2009 - 01.2011
Associate of Science - Nursing
George Corley Wallace State Community College - Selma
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