Brenda Atkinson
Summary
Accomplished nursing professional with over 45 years of experience in critical care, emergency room, and home health environments. Proven leadership as a nursing supervisor and program nurse, skilled in developing individualized care plans that significantly improve patient outcomes. Expertise includes medication administration, comprehensive patient assessment, and effective interdisciplinary collaboration, all supported by a strong commitment to delivering high-quality care in safe environments for diverse patient populations. Currently pursuing a Master's degree in Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner while successfully integrating staff education resources and reducing infection rates through Continuous Quality Improvement initiatives as an established Director of Nursing.
Overview
47
47
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Nurse
Home Away From Home
06.2021 - Current
- Provided direct patient care and support in a program nurse role, ensuring the well-being and safety of patients who have mental, physical and/or intellectual disabilities.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop and implement individualized care plans for patients. We established at the program ZOOM meetings with the participants, therapist and usually PMHNP for medication management. Communication with them prior and after the visits to assure they are aware of any issues that the participants are addressed.
- Administered medications, treatments, and therapies as prescribed by physicians, following established protocols
- Monitored vital signs, assessed patient conditions, and documented observations accurately in medical records
- Educated patients and their families on disease management strategies, medication administration, and lifestyle modifications
- Responded promptly to emergencies or changes in patient conditions, taking appropriate actions to stabilize individuals
- Ensured compliance with infection control protocols to maintain a safe environment for patients and staff members
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives by collecting data, analyzing trends, and implementing necessary changes to enhance patient outcomes
- Provided counseling or emotional support to individuals facing health and mental health challenges. "Melt-Down" plans are developed for when any problems arise so all staff are doing the same thing.
- Served as a resource person for other staff members regarding specialized knowledge about certain diseases or conditions
- Demonstrated strong communication skills when interacting with diverse populations, ensuring effective delivery of healthcare
Program Nurse
Castelhill Adult Day
05.2018 - 01.2021
- Working with the medical and psychological issues of participants.
- Work closely with the social worker, program director, activity director and nursing assistance to assure a coordination of care is maintained.
- Complete documentation needed on each participant according to the DPH rules and standards.
Staff Nurse/Emergency Room
Lowell General Hospital
02.2008 - 05.2018
- Experienced emergency room nurse with trauma and urgent care exposure.
- Working in a very busy and fast paced environment being alert to unexpected changes in patients conditions.
- Treated cases from acute injuries to the common cold.
- Specialty areas of Trauma, Burns, Cardiac, Respiratory, pediatric, orthopedic and Maternal Child Health emergencies.
Staff Nurse/ICC Unit
Lowell General Hospital
01.2003 - 02.2008
- Worked on a very busy Critical Care Unit that specialized in Coronary Care.
- Experience working with multiple drips necessary for the care of the cardiac patient.
CSM/ADNS/Branch Manager
TLC/Staff Builders Home Health Care
05.1992 - 01.2003
- Started working in the field of Home care providing nursing evaluation and continued assessments of their needs working closely with the family and with the physician to achieve the goal of remaining at home.
- Provided home visits up until leaving the company Coordinated the Infusion program and the Cardiac Rehab. program developed coordinating the needed care. The last year opened an office in Brookline Ma coordinating all visits and staffing of RN, LPN, PT, OT, MSW, ST, HHA and HM services remaining within the Medicare and Medicaid regulations, also dealing with insurance companies.
- Management of a large team of clinician involved in Home Care of a large population of clientele.
- Orientation and education of the field nurses and the Home Health Aides.
- Worked with Insurance case managers developing a reputation of providing the quality care necessary and the most cost effective way.
- Provided nursing visits in the home providing care and education of the patient and family according to care plan developed for the patient.
- Developed a Infusion program for the branch and educated qualified nurses into the program and assured these clinician competency are kept up to date.
- Financial/Clinical gatekeeper of a 2-3 teams of clinician.
- Authorize according to the HHRG rating of each client utilizing services within a set Budget of this rating.
Nursing Supervisor
Weekend Baylor
10.1986 - 10.1992
- Responsibility of the Nursing staff for a 144 bed Medicare Unit, LTC and Alzheimer's Unit during the weekends.
- Responsible for dealing with any family issues or emergencies during the shift keeping the DON and Administrator informed.
Team Leader/Emergency Room
Bon Secour/Holy Family Hospital
10.1983 - 04.1986
- Responsible for the treatment and care provided by the staff of a very busy, fast paced emergency room on the evening shift.
- Responsible for the scheduling and hiring of qualified staff for the evening shift
Charge Nurse/Emergency Room
Jacksonville Memorial Hospital
08.1982 - 05.1983
- Responsible for the flow of clients in a Military town Emergency Room.
- Responsible for the staff of the Emergency Room on the evening and night shifts.
- Provided care during Air transportation via Military Heliportation to the nearest Trauma Center.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
Staff Nurse/ Acute Care Unit
Shriner's Burn Institute
06.1978 - 02.1981
- Care of the acutely burned children.
- Worked in BCNU units during the care of the children.
- Developed Policies and procedures for the Boston Unit with a designated committee.
- Worked in the reconstructive unit and in the burn clinic.
Education
Master's degree - Psychiatric Nurse Practioner
Rivier University
08-2027
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Rivier University
9 2024
Diploma/Associates Degree - Nursing
Lowell General Hospital School of Nursing
05-1978
Skills
- Patient treatment planning
- Job performance evaluations
- Patient services coordination
- Multi-unit oversight
- Care planning
- Disease prevention education
- Patient assessments
- Regulatory compliance
Certification
- CPR Certification
- RN
- Expires: July 2027
- State: MA
Awards
AgeSpan 50 over 60, May 2024, I was nominated by my present employer for this award. It was in recognition of my accomplishments. Chosen out of over 1000 nominations in the Merrimack Valley, one of fifty chosen for the award.
Personal Information
Work History
01-1988
Timeline
Program Nurse
Home Away From Home
06.2021 - Current
Program Nurse
Castelhill Adult Day
05.2018 - 01.2021
Staff Nurse/Emergency Room
Lowell General Hospital
02.2008 - 05.2018
Staff Nurse/ICC Unit
Lowell General Hospital
01.2003 - 02.2008
CSM/ADNS/Branch Manager
TLC/Staff Builders Home Health Care
05.1992 - 01.2003
Nursing Supervisor
Weekend Baylor
10.1986 - 10.1992
Team Leader/Emergency Room
Bon Secour/Holy Family Hospital
10.1983 - 04.1986
Charge Nurse/Emergency Room
Jacksonville Memorial Hospital
08.1982 - 05.1983
Staff Nurse/ Acute Care Unit
Shriner's Burn Institute
06.1978 - 02.1981
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Rivier University
Master's degree - Psychiatric Nurse Practioner
Rivier University
Diploma/Associates Degree - Nursing
Lowell General Hospital School of Nursing
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