Brandy Mitcham
Meadville,PA
Summary
With a proven track record at New Perspective Westlake Woods Assisted Living, I excel in nurse education and leadership, driving quality improvement and staff professional development. Leveraging strong work ethic and process improvements, I've significantly enhanced healthcare delivery and patient satisfaction, embodying clinical excellence and compassionate care. Experienced with nursing leadership, staff development, and patient care optimization. Utilizes strategic planning and quality improvement to enhance healthcare services. Strong understanding of team collaboration and resource management to drive impactful results.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Nursing-Health and Wellness
New Perspective Westlake Woods Assisted Living
Erie, PA
11.2023 - Current
- Developed comprehensive health education materials for diverse populations, promoting preventive healthcare practices.
- Established strategic partnerships with community organizations to provide accessible healthcare options for underserved populations.
- Increased overall employee productivity through the development and execution of targeted wellness initiatives.
- Oversaw ongoing professional development opportunities for staff members to stay current on industry trends and best practices.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive fitness and wellness programs to promote healthy lifestyles.
- Met or exceeded monthly revenue and training goals.
- Planned and assigned workload to 20+ person nursing staff to direct patient care.
- Evaluated work performance of 20+ nursing personnel to determine wage increases and implement discipline.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Meadville Medical Center & Subsidiaries
Meadville, PA
01.2020 - 11.2023
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care, ensuring seamless communication between healthcare providers.
- Consistently maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Skillfully performed venipuncture, IV insertion, and catheterizations, ensuring proper technique and adherence to infection control standards.
- Provided health education to patients and families regarding discharge instructions and plans of care.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families through active listening, empathy, and clear communication during challenging situations.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction with compassionate, personalized nursing care tailored to each individual''s needs.
- Educated patients and families on medical-surgical procedures, therapeutic regimens, and pain management techniques.
- Managed complex wound care, including dressing changes, monitoring for signs of infection, and collaborating with wound care specialists as needed.
- Demonstrated flexibility in managing multiple priorities concurrently during high-stress periods while maintaining a calm demeanor.
- Performed emergency medical procedures such as BLS, ACLS and other condition stabilizing interventions.
- Monitored patient vital signs to perform thorough condition assessments.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of medical-surgical nursing.
- Managed caseload of 6 patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy, and wound care.
- Implemented fall prevention strategies to minimize patient injuries and promote a safe environment within the medical-surgical unit.
- Started intravenous fluids, administered medications, and documented patient charts by recording food and fluid output and intake.
- Mentored new staff members and nursing students, fostering a supportive learning environment within the unit.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive assessments and developing individualized care plans.
- Managed patients' pain by implementing pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management interventions.
- Provided education on disease management strategies to empower patients in self-care activities throughout their recovery journey.
- Effectively managed acute pain symptoms by administering medications as prescribed while monitoring for potential side effects.
- Managed patient pain relief and sedation by providing non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions.
- Performed intravenous therapy procedures and monitored chest tubes.
- Monitored hemodynamic variances to identify signs of life-threatening complications.
- Facilitated timely discharges by proactively addressing potential barriers to transition such as insurance coverage or transportation issues.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by implementing evidence-based discharge planning and coordinating follow-up appointments.
- Ordered and analyzed diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient conditions.
- Streamlined medication administration processes, reducing medication errors and enhancing patient safety.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by participating in quality assurance initiatives and making recommendations for process enhancements.
- Contributed to successful Joint Commission accreditation through strict adherence to policies and procedures.
- Assisted in the development of unit-specific protocols for common medical-surgical procedures, improving efficiency and standardizing practice across the team.
- Educated patients and family members on disease processes, treatment options, and self-care techniques.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
- Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
Clinician
UPMC Hamot Hospital
Erie, PA
05.2006 - 12.2019
- Implemented crisis intervention strategies when needed, ensuring immediate safety measures were in place for at-risk patients.
- Delivered high-quality patient care by conducting thorough assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing ongoing therapeutic support.
- Advocated for patients within the healthcare system to ensure access to appropriate resources and services when needed.
- Developed tailored treatment plans to address the unique needs of each patient and promote optimal recovery.
- Mentored new nurses during orientation programs, sharing clinical expertise to strengthen their skills and knowledge base.
- Advocated for patients'' rights within the healthcare environment, ensuring they received appropriate care according to their unique needs and preferences.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
Education
Master of Science - Health Administration
Gannon University
Erie, PA08.2023
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Edinboro University
Edinboro, PA05.2006
Skills
- Nurse Education and Training
- Leadership and Guidance
- Quality Improvement
- Strong Work Ethic
- Professional Development
- Process Improvements
- Budget Management
- Policies Compliance Enforcement
- Clinical Resources Management
Timeline
Director of Nursing-Health and Wellness
New Perspective Westlake Woods Assisted Living
11.2023 - Current
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Meadville Medical Center & Subsidiaries
01.2020 - 11.2023
Clinician
UPMC Hamot Hospital
05.2006 - 12.2019
Master of Science - Health Administration
Gannon University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Edinboro University