Bonnie Buzzard
Lawrence
Summary
Knowledgeable Licensed Practical Nurse with a deep understanding of patient care, medical procedures, and evidence-based practices. Successfully managed diverse patient needs in various healthcare settings, ensuring high-quality care and patient satisfaction. Demonstrated strong communication and problem-solving skills while working collaboratively with healthcare teams.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensed Practical Nurse
Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center
08.2017 - Current
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by healthcare providers.
- Assisted in developing individualized care plans to meet patient needs.
- Educated patients and families on health management and post-discharge care.
- Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
- Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs, and preferences.
- Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs, and performed catheterizations.
- Provided compassionate palliative care for terminally ill patients while supporting their emotional needs during end-of-life stages.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
- Used aseptic techniques to provide sterilized wound care and dressing applications.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Assisted physicians with diagnostic testing and procedural support for optimal treatment decisions.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Five Star Senior Living (Brandon Woods)
07.2016 - 08.2017
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care outcomes.
- Supervised unlicensed nursing staff, providing guidance and support during shifts.
- Implemented infection control protocols, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Evaluated patient progress and adjusted care plans based on observations and feedback.
- Improved patient outcomes by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and documenting relevant information.
- Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Mentored new nursing staff to enhance professional development opportunities within the team dynamic.
- Enhanced patient care by performing comprehensive assessments and developing individualized care plans.
- Monitored patient reactions to medications and treatments, quickly addressing adverse reactions.
- Coordinated with pharmacy staff to ensure accurate medication dispensing, minimizing errors.
- Advocated for patients' needs and preferences with healthcare providers, fostering patient-centered care.
MDS Coordinator
Tanglewoodhealth
08.2015 - 07.2016
- Coordinated MDS assessments and care plans to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives, enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.
- Led interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss resident needs and optimize care strategies.
- Trained staff on MDS documentation processes, improving accuracy and reducing errors.
- Managed data entry into electronic health record systems, ensuring timely updates and reporting.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Five Star Senior Living (Brandon Woods)/
05.2007 - 08.2015
- Demonstrated excellent technical skills in wound dressing changes, IV therapy administration, catheter insertion, and other routine nursing procedures.
- Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
- Facilitated efficient communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to promote continuity of care across settings.
- Managed time-sensitive tasks effectively under pressure while maintaining composure during critical situations or emergencies.
- Obtained patient vital signs and input/output measurements from inpatients.
- Adapted quickly to changing patient needs, adjusting care plans accordingly to ensure optimal outcomes in diverse clinical scenarios.
- Comforted and counseled patients and families throughout care process.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team of healthcare and social service providers to address patients' needs through effective intervention and care planning.
- Monitored, tracked, and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Delivered culturally competent care that respected diverse patient populations'' unique values, beliefs, and traditions.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining accurate documentation of patient data.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Ottawa University
Overland Park, KS05-2026
No Degree - Nursing Prerequisites
Pratt Community College
Pratt, KS05-2024
No Degree - Practical Nursing
Colorado Technical University
Kansas City, MO12-2007
No Degree - Liberal Arts And Sciences
Haskell Indian Nations University
Lawrence, KS05-2006
Skills
- Medication administration
- Direct patient assessment and care
- Evidence-based practice
- Clinical judgment
- Diabetes management
- Immunization administration
- Infection control
- Family communication
- Palliative /Hospice /End of Life care
- Rehabilitation techniques
- Wound / Ostomy care
- Trauma-informed care
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) – American Heart Association – 2026
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) – American Heart Association – 2026
Accomplishments
- Initiated and led the long-term care facility's initial restorative nursing program, enabling accurate CMS reporting of restorative care services.
- Completed 3 successful deployments with the VHA DEMPS (Disaster Emergency Medical Personnel System) during COVID
- DAISY Award Nominee, 2024 — Provided compassionate end-of-life care to three veterans, earning recognition for dedication and patient-centered approach
Timeline
Licensed Practical Nurse
Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center
08.2017 - Current
Licensed Practical Nurse
Five Star Senior Living (Brandon Woods)
07.2016 - 08.2017
MDS Coordinator
Tanglewoodhealth
08.2015 - 07.2016
Licensed Practical Nurse
Five Star Senior Living (Brandon Woods)/
05.2007 - 08.2015
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Ottawa University
No Degree - Nursing Prerequisites
Pratt Community College
No Degree - Practical Nursing
Colorado Technical University
No Degree - Liberal Arts And Sciences
Haskell Indian Nations University