Beth Ann Harker

Supported an inclusive work environment by advocating for diverse perspectives when engaging in discussions related to patient care or policy changes within the department.

• Improved patient outcomes by identifying complications early and promptly notifying physicians for appropriate interventions.
• Assisted in quality improvement initiatives by collecting data on key performance indicators such as infection rates or missed treatments among the hemodialysis population.
• Enhanced patient care by administering hemodialysis treatments, monitoring vital signs, and providing pre-and post-dialysis assessments.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop individualized treatment plans for patients with chronic kidney disease.
• Prevented medication errors by verifying orders, doses, and administration times with other healthcare team members before administering medications to patients undergoing hemodialysis therapy.
• Promoted patient safety through regular inspections of dialysis machines, water treatment systems, and associated equipment for proper function and cleanliness.
• Provided emotional support and education for patients and families regarding the hemodialysis process, medications, and lifestyle modifications.
• Maintained accurate medical records by documenting patient assessments, treatments, interventions, responses, and progress in electronic health record systems.
• Increased team collaboration through participation in daily huddles, case conferences, or multidisciplinary rounds that focused on optimizing patient outcomes during the course of their treatment plan.
• Reduced treatment-related discomfort for patients by proactively addressing concerns such as needle pain or cramping during hemodialysis procedures.
• Ensured timely access to dialysis treatments by managing patient scheduling and coordinating appointments with other healthcare providers.
• Contributed to overall unit efficiency by assisting in staff training on new policies, procedures, or updates related to hemodialysis nursing practice.
• Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
• Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
• Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
• Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
• Anemia and Vascular Management

Same responsibility's as above

Provided all aspects of care in an outpatient hemodialysis setting

Provided all aspects of hemodialysis in an inpatient setting.

Dialyzed inpatients in a dialysis room in hospital as well as in Open Heart, MICU and SICU.

Provided backup for Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis as on-call.

• Measured and recorded patients' pre-dialysis and post-dialysis vital statistics.
• Set up and operated dialysis machines for patients receiving treatment for kidney failure.
• Cleaned and connected fistulas, grafts and catheters to prevent infection.
• Maintained a clean and safe environment through diligent adherence to infection control protocols.
• Explained dialysis procedures and hemodialysis machine operation to patients prior to treatment to ease anxieties.
• Cleaned and sterilized instruments, equipment and surfaces.
• Safeguarded patients through vigilant observation for any adverse reactions or complications, taking swift corrective action when necessary.