Beth Hutzel
Falling Waters,WV
Summary
Compassionate Licensed Practical Nurse with hands-on experience in providing nursing care within diverse healthcare settings. Possess strong clinical skills bolstered by ability to maintain positive patient relations. Have made significant contributions in optimizing patient care through effective communication and collaboration with healthcare team members.
Patient-oriented nursing professional with several years of hands-on experience in delivering quality direct and indirect patient care to individuals in settings. Skillfully completes tasks and fosters relationships with patients, caregivers and coworkers to drive patient care goals and advance nursing philosophies.
Dedicated and compassionate Licensed Practical Nurse with extensive experience in sample collection, blood draw, IV insertion and infection control. Maintains composure and makes accurate decisions in fast-paced, unpredictable and stressful environments. History of interfacing seamlessly with doctors, specialized support services, patients and visiting families.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
LPN
WVU Crisis Stabilization and Recovery Center
Martinsburg, West Virginia
08.2023 - 09.2024
- Assisted physicians with patient care by taking vital signs, administering medications, assessing COWS/CIWA score and performing other nursing duties.
- Provided direct physical and emotional support to patients and their families.
- Assessed and monitored patients for signs of withdrawal symptoms.
- Provided patient education on the detoxification process and health management techniques.
- Administered medications to patients in accordance with physician orders.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Maintained accurate records of patient care services provided, documenting all treatments administered.
- Monitored patient progress and reported any changes or concerns to the supervising physician promptly.
- Counseled patients on lifestyle changes that would aid in successful completion of detox program.
- Observed patient behavior and assessed emotional well-being throughout the detoxification process.
- Developed a trusting relationship with each patient through active listening and compassionate communication skills.
- Encouraged positive coping strategies such as relaxation techniques or meditation to help relieve stress during the detoxification process.
- Offered support to family members of patients undergoing detoxification therapy.
- Educated patients about healthy dietary choices that will promote recovery from substance abuse disorders.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions focused on relapse prevention methods.
- Implemented safety measures such as providing constant supervision when necessary.
- Observed strict confidentiality and safeguarded all patient-related information.
- Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private.
- Communicated effectively with patients and loved ones to explain diagnoses, treatment options and procedures.
Care Coordinator LPN
Shenandoah Community Health
Martinsburg, WV
09.2021 - 08.2023
- Assessed patient needs and developed individualized care plans to meet those needs.
- Provided direct nursing care, including medication administration and wound care.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve quality of care for patients.
- Educated patients and families about disease management, medications, nutrition and lifestyle modifications related to health conditions.
- Scheduled appointments with specialists when appropriate for further evaluation or treatment.
- Collaborated with community organizations to provide resources for patients in need of assistance.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all assessments, treatments, procedures and follow-up activities in electronic medical records system.
- Counseled patients on preventive healthcare measures such as immunizations and screenings.
- Assisted with discharge planning activities including arranging post-hospitalization follow-up appointments.
- Reviewed lab results from diagnostic tests ordered by physician.
- Educated patients on conditions, medications and self-care skills.
- Investigated discrepancies between provider billings and actual services rendered as needed.
- Assisted with audits conducted by external agencies such as CMS.
- Participated in meetings and conference calls with stakeholders including insurers, providers, hospitals.
Resource Nurse
Washington County Schools
Hagerstown, Maryland
09.2011 - 08.2021
- Provided direct care to patients with varying levels of acuity and complexity.
- Assessed patients for changes in condition and reported findings to physicians.
- Developed, implemented, and evaluated individualized patient care plans.
- Provided health services to students, including first aid and administering medication.
- Implemented school policies related to health and safety of students.
- Developed individualized healthcare plans for students with special needs.
- Instructed classes on nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention.
- Educated faculty members on recognizing signs of illness in students.
- Maintained accurate records of student health information.
- Coordinated with outside medical providers regarding student care.
- Assisted in the management of communicable diseases among students.
- Collaborated with teachers and other staff members to ensure a safe learning environment for students.
- Advised parents and guardians about their child's health status at school or home.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations involving student health issues.
- Performed routine inspections of the school premises to identify any potential hazards or risks to student safety.
- Reviewed and updated existing protocols for various health-related topics such as allergies or asthma attacks.
- Participated in meetings with other healthcare professionals to discuss best practices for providing quality care to students.
- Attended professional development conferences related to pediatric nursing topics.
- Actively participated in developing new strategies for promoting healthy lifestyles among children.
- Provided direct health care services to students involving triage, evaluation, and first aid care for illness and injury.
- Contacted parents or medical facilities when student condition warranted.
- Administered and supervised administration of prescription medication to students.
- Coordinated with families, school personnel and healthcare professionals on behalf of students to advocate for healthcare needs and provide medical information to appropriate parties.
- Documented observations of student behavior, complaints or physical symptoms.
- Communicated with students about feelings, need for assistance or social and emotional support.
- Reported pertinent information to authorities in cases of child endangerment, neglect or abuse.
- Counseled and educated students in small groups or as individuals concerning medical issues.
- Applied sound decision-making process to school nursing practice.
- Inventoried and ordered medical or office supplies or equipment.
- Changed dressings on wounds.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Assessed and monitored new nursing staff's performance during orientation period.
- Provided clinical guidance, support and feedback to new nursing staff members.
- Instructed new nursing staff on policies, procedures, techniques and strategies related to patient care.
- Maintained accurate records of all training activities completed by newly hired nurses.
- Provided ongoing education sessions throughout the orientation period to ensure all newly hired nurses were up-to-date with current standards of practice.
- Collaborated with managers, faculty members, educators, physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop best practices for orienting new nurses into the organization.
- Contributed to quality improvement initiatives related to nurse onboarding processes.
- Assessed clinical education needs and patient and client teaching needs using various methods.
Lpn
Meritus Medical Center Wound Center
Hagerstown, Maryland
02.2008 - 09.2012
- Assisted physicians with patient care by taking vital signs, administering injections and performing other nursing duties.
- Provided direct physical and emotional support to patients and their families.
- Performed routine laboratory tests including urinalysis, blood glucose monitoring and others.
- Assessed and monitored patient's wound healing progress.
- Conducted wound care treatments such as debridement, dressing changes, irrigation and application of topical medications.
- Provided education to patients and families on wound care management techniques.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of treatment plans for wounds.
- Instructed nursing staff on proper documentation related to wound care treatments.
- Performed routine skin assessments to identify potential problems or complications with wounds.
- Coordinated with other healthcare professionals in order to provide comprehensive patient care.
- Maintained detailed records of all wound care activities and treatments provided.
- Collaborated with physicians to develop appropriate treatment plans for wounds according to medical protocols.
- Provided emotional support and comfort to patients dealing with chronic or debilitating illnesses resulting from their wounds.
- Reported any unusual symptoms or changes in a patient's condition immediately to the supervising physician.
- Demonstrated knowledge of infection control policies when providing direct patient care.
- Administered prescribed medications related to wound healing process.
- Utilized specialized equipment such as negative pressure therapy systems, pulsed lavage devices., for optimal wound healing outcomes.
- Ensured proper disposal of contaminated materials used in the course of treating wounds.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings related to development of effective treatment plans.
- Conducted wound assessments for patients and documented information.
- Educated patients, family members and caregivers on condition management.
- Educated patients and family members on cleaning and dressing wounds and identifying signs of infection.
- Cared for patients with various wounds caused by injuries, medical treatments and diseases.
- Measured wound depth to support treatment methods and monitor healing.
- Classified wounds using staging system based on visual evaluation of affected tissue.
- Viewed electronic health system records to evaluate patient wound care history, other relevant medical information and prescription medications.
- Alerted physician of diagnostic study results and changes in patient condition.
- Provide post-surgery treatment for patients with ostomies.
- Continually assessed patient pain levels and applied appropriate pain management techniques.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
CNA/LPN Trauma, Ortho, Neuro and Med Surg Unit
Washington County Hospital/Meritus Medical Center
, MS
01.2001 - 06.2006
- Assisted physicians with patient care by taking vital signs, administering injections and performing other nursing duties.
- Provided direct physical and emotional support to patients and their families.
- Performed routine laboratory tests including urinalysis, blood glucose monitoring and others.
- Observed patients for any changes in their condition or behaviour, reported findings to the supervisor or physician in charge.
- Ensured that all medications were administered accurately and on time as prescribed by the physician.
- Instructed patients and their families about disease prevention, proper nutrition, medication management and other health related topics.
- Provided direct care to patients with musculoskeletal conditions, including fractures, sprains, strains, dislocations, and joint replacements.
- Performed patient assessments including vital signs, pain scales and mobility evaluations.
- Administered medications as prescribed by physician and monitored for side effects or changes in symptoms.
- Instructed patients on how to use assistive devices such as crutches or wheelchairs; provided instructions on proper body mechanics during activities of daily living.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to plan comprehensive care for orthopedic patients.
- Assisted with pre-operative preparation such as ordering supplies and arranging transportation home after discharge.
- Documented all aspects of patient care in the electronic medical record system according to hospital policies and procedures.
- Evaluated patient response to interventions; adjusted treatments accordingly based on assessment findings.
- Maintained inventory of medical supplies used in orthopedic unit; reordered items when needed.
- Performed wound dressing changes per physician orders; monitored healing progress over time.
- Performed a variety of treatments such as wound dressing changes, catheterizations, IV insertions and medication administration.
Education
Certificate - Licensed Practical Nurse
James Rumsey Technical Institute
Martinsburg, WV06-2006
Skills
- Catheter Care
- Cardiac Care
- Disease Prevention
- Palliative Care
- Tracheostomy Care
- Post Operative Care
- Diabetes management
- Pediatric nursing
- Behavioral Health
- Compassionate Care
- Health Promotion
- Medical Documentation
- Wound Care
- Health Education
- Physical Assessment
- Emergency Response
- Samples collection
- Clinical Documentation
- Patient Intake
- Family Communication
- Care Planning
- Preventive Care
- Multi-tasking and prioritization
- HIPAA Compliance
- Chronic Disease Management
- Mental Health Support
- Counting narcotics
- Caring for wounds
- Empathetic and compassionate
- Psychotropic medication knowledge
- Behavioral assessment
- WV Licensed Practical Nurse
- Phlebotomy functions
Timeline
LPN
WVU Crisis Stabilization and Recovery Center
08.2023 - 09.2024
Care Coordinator LPN
Shenandoah Community Health
09.2021 - 08.2023
Resource Nurse
Washington County Schools
09.2011 - 08.2021
Lpn
Meritus Medical Center Wound Center
02.2008 - 09.2012
CNA/LPN Trauma, Ortho, Neuro and Med Surg Unit
Washington County Hospital/Meritus Medical Center
01.2001 - 06.2006
Certificate - Licensed Practical Nurse
James Rumsey Technical Institute