Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Barbara Thomas

Registered Nurse
Madison,MS

Summary

Knowledgeable Dialysis RN with 3 years of hands-on experience in hemodialysis, nephrology care, and end-stage renal failure treatment. Well versed in all elements of dialysis, including initiating and terminating treatment, educating patients and maintaining highest standards of sanitation and safety. Detail-oriented Dialysis RN well-versed in all elements of hemodialysis and skilled in operating Fresenius, B.Braun, Amia and NXstage Hemodialysis machines. Highly knowledgeable of infection control measures, aseptic techniques and bloodborne pathogens standards. Driven RN eager to bring 3 years of experience to growing team. Offering hands-on expertise in all elements of dialysis and technical proficiency in operating equipment. Accomplished in implementing new processes to improve patient care, quality and outcomes. Personable RN with extensive hands-on training in venipuncture, vital signs monitoring, and basic patient care. Currently pursuing certification in hemodialysis. Excellent reputation for resolving problems and improving customer satisfaction. Enthusiastic RN eager to contribute to team success grow and excel.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Home Dialysis

University Of Mississippi Medical Center
Jackson, MS
12.2019 - Current
  • Cleaned and connected to access sites, including fistulas, grafts, and catheters, by following infection control protocols.
  • Inventoried, ordered, and restocked equipment and supplies needed for hemodialysis treatment.
  • Measured and recorded patients' pre-dialysis and post-dialysis vital statistics, including weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration rate.
  • Explained dialysis procedures and hemodialysis machine operation to patients prior to treatment to ease anxieties.
  • Set up and operated dialysis machines for patients receiving treatment for kidney failure.
  • Determined appropriate treatments to achieve balance in body.
  • Reviewed patient files and records, including allergies, problems, medications and immunization statuses.
  • Observed and recorded patients' responses to therapies and exercises to report to practitioners and recommend adjustments to treatment plans.
  • Performed routine quality control and safety checks on all equipment.
  • Stayed abreast of advances in treatments, emerging pharmaceutical applications and new diagnostic tools for application in renal medicine.

Outpatient Dialysis Registered Nurse

University Medical Center Of Mississippi
Jackson, MS
01.2018 - 12.2019
  • Analyzed emergency situations and took prompt action to save lives.
  • Utilized Epic automated healthcare database to perform duties, maintain records and prepare reports.
  • Performed ongoing assessments to evaluate mental health needs, working with multidisciplinary team to develop, initiate, manage and modify individualized plans of care.
  • Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
  • Applied nursing expertise to meet needs of Hemodialysis patients in challenging outpatient environment.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Vaccinated patients to protect individuals from measles, pneumonia, influenza and other illnesses of concern.

Interventional Radiology Nurse

Merit Health Central
Jackson, MS
10.2013 - 12.2017
  • Promoted kind, compassionate environment, utilizing active listening and effective communication skills when interacting with patients.
  • Interacted with physicians and kept up to date on patient health and issues detected during assessments.
  • Performed effective and efficient patient assessments, anticipating and preparing for potential issues.
  • Educated patients on conditions and illnesses and provided insight on techniques to help improve health.
  • Noted individual patient risk factors such as allergens to contrast agents and made every available accommodation.
  • Conducted diagnostic and interventional procedures for more than 10 patients per day.
  • Kept work and patient areas clean, orderly and well-stocked to promote efficiency.
  • Reported findings to physicians with priority on abnormal results to achieve prompt patient treatment.
  • Managed aseptic techniques to control infection risk and protect both patients and staff.
  • Interviewed patients and reviewed documented histories to gain solid picture of relevant data.
  • Supported patient physical and emotional comfort by taking care in positioning, responding to questions and using effective calming strategies.

Cardia Cath Lab

Merit Health Central
Jackson, MS
10.2011 - 11.2013
  • Administered nursing care to cardiac patients undergoing diagnostic, therapeutic or emergency services.
  • Supported healthcare team by maintaining responsibility for electrocardiogram monitoring, defibrillation and cardio rehabilitation training.
  • Supported physicians throughout catheterization procedures, including introduction of medical devices and vascular closure with collagen plugs and stitches.
  • Utilized variety of technical equipment, including stethoscopes, thermometers and sphygmomanometers, to meet patient needs and prescribed medical therapies.
  • Assisted in treating plaque buildup within arteries with angioplasty balloons, including cutting balloons to restore proper blood flow and head off adverse events.
  • Assisted physician while Installing stents to maintain open position of arteries, including bare metal, drug-eluting and bioabsorbable stents throughout body and appropriate for patient needs and comorbidities.
  • Demonstrated ability to advocate for and strive to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
  • Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
  • Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
  • Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
  • Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.

Medical Surgical Registered Nurse

Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation
Jackson, MS
06.2009 - 10.2011
  • Started intravenous fluids, administered medications and documented patient charts by recording food and fluid output and intake.
  • Managed caseload of 7 patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy and wound care.
  • Recorded and measured 7-8 patients' vital signs per 4hours, including weight, temperature, respiration and blood pressure.
  • Educated patients and families on medical-surgical procedures, therapeutic regimens and pain management techniques.
  • Used Epic to document patient plan of care by taking into account nursing interventions, diagnosis and expected patient outcomes.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures, including facilitating wound care, ostomy care, pressure ulcer prevention and pain management.
  • Demonstrated ability to advocate for and strive to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing Science

Mississippi University For Women
Columbus, MS
12.2017

Associate of Science - Nursing Science

Hinds Community College
Jackson, MS
06.2009

Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy

Hinds Community College
Jackson, MS
08.1991

Skills

  • HIPAA
  • Biohazardous waste disposal
  • Advanced nephrology proficiency
  • Dialysis treatment
  • Infection control standards
  • Patient education
  • Records management
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Measuring vital signs
  • Patient-focused therapy
  • Trained in motor and cognitive skills therapy

Certification

  • Licensed RN 882678
  • Licensed RRT 04261

Timeline

Home Dialysis

University Of Mississippi Medical Center
12.2019 - Current

Outpatient Dialysis Registered Nurse

University Medical Center Of Mississippi
01.2018 - 12.2019

Interventional Radiology Nurse

Merit Health Central
10.2013 - 12.2017

Cardia Cath Lab

Merit Health Central
10.2011 - 11.2013

Medical Surgical Registered Nurse

Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation
06.2009 - 10.2011

Bachelor of Science - Nursing Science

Mississippi University For Women

Associate of Science - Nursing Science

Hinds Community College

Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy

Hinds Community College
Barbara ThomasRegistered Nurse