Belinda Crookshanks

Worked on telemetry before going to ICU was working in the ICU open heart recovery for 15 years, 7 as a staff nurse, 8 as the day shift charge nurse. Once leaving the ICU was a Nurse Manager for close to 10 years. At that time left and then worked at the Surgical Hospital on the blvd for 2 years. Then went back to CAMC at the new Out Patient Surgical Center across from General Hospital. Worked there for 5 years. Until my retirement.

• Delivered bedside care for CAMC patients across acute hospital units.
• Monitored vital signs and assessed patient conditions during shifts.
• Administered medications and maintained safe medication practices.
• Documented nursing assessments in electronic medical records.
• Coordinated care plans with physicians and interdisciplinary CAMC teams.
• Educated patients and families on treatments, recovery, and discharge instructions.
• Responded to urgent changes and supported emergency patient care.
• Mentored nursing staff on CAMC procedures and patient safety standards.
• Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
• Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
• Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
• Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
• Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
• Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
• Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
• Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
• Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
• Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.
• Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate safe, clean patient environment.
• Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
• Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress, and medication side effects.
• Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
• Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
• Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
• Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
• Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
• Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans.
• Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
• Provided patient and family health education focusing on self-management, prevention and wellness.
• Counseled patients regarding medication side effects or lifestyle changes necessary for improved health outcomes.
• Created, implemented and evaluated patient care plans with medical team.
• Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions, and provided home care strategies.
• Ensured compliance with standards of professional practice as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services.
• Coordinated discharge planning activities including arranging follow up appointments or referrals for additional services.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in nursing practices by attending continuing education classes or seminars.
• Performed thorough intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
• Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives within the department.
• Developed educational materials for use in teaching sessions with patients or their families.
• Performed triage assessments of walk-in patients in a clinic setting.
• Educated patients and families on health care needs, conditions, and options.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
• Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
• Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
• Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
• Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors, and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
• Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
• Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients.
• Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
• Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
• Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
• Collaborated with health groups to plan or implement programs designed to improve overall health of communities.
• Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for in-patient care.
• Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
• Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
• Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
• Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
• Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
• Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
• Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
• Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
• Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
• Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
• Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
• Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
• Exceeded customer satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems.
• Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
• Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
• Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
• Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
• Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
• Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.