Brenda Barker
Shreveport,LA
Summary
Dynamic educator with 35 years of nursing experience and over a decade in nursing education, adept at fostering inclusive learning environments that enhance student engagement and critical thinking. Recognized for innovative teaching strategies tailored to diverse learning styles, resulting in significant academic growth. Proven track record of achieving NCLEX pass rates between 90-100% through strategic lesson planning and integration of cutting-edge educational technology. Committed to inspiring a lifelong passion for learning among students and staff alike.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Unit Educator-Registered Nurse
Overton Brooks VA Medical Center
Shreveport, LA
08.2023 - Current
- Delivered in-service education to ensure nurses remain current on best practices.
- Ensures compliance with unit-specific guidelines for controlling infections.
- Attends professional development conferences, workshops, and seminars related to nursing management topics.
- Mentored and guided new nursing staff to smooth their role transition.
- Involved in numerous hospital committees dedicated to enhancing nursing practices.
- Executed annual reviews of skills through floor-based competency assessments.
- Utilized evidence-based practice guidelines to inform decisions regarding best practices for nursing care delivery.
Registered Nurse Supervisor
Mary Goss Nursing Home
Monroe , Louisiana
04.2014 - Current
- Conducted training sessions to LPNs and nursing assistants to ensure high patient care standards.
- Supported the formulation and rollout of department procedures.
- Managed emergencies efficiently, ensuring support and the best possible outcomes.
- Audited patient charts in real-time, ensuring data accuracy.
- Ensured optimal patient care through effective management of unit staffing levels.
- Coordinated task allocation during emergency response and high-stress code scenarios.
- Performed daily evaluations to assess patient conditions.
- Facilitated annual competency assessments and in-service sessions.
Registered Nurse Supervisor
Northeast Louisiana War Veterans Home
Monroe, LA
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Supervise and direct activities of subordinate nurses to uphold patient care standards.
- Manage staff schedules for the shift, ensuring adequate coverage for patient needs.
- Guided staff with mentoring and supported continuous improvement.
- Led emergency situations maintaining patient safety standards.
- Utilized clinical judgment and in-depth knowledge of policies to support floor nurses.
ASN Program Coordinator - Winnsboro Campus
Louisiana Delta Community College
Winnsboro , Louisiana
03.2021 - 06.2023
- Participated in ongoing professional development for pedagogy, assessment, and faculty expertise.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance the discipline and college services.
- Directed activities of full-time personnel in the role of program coordinator.
- Counsels students and supports with enrollment, orientation, and recruitment as required.
- Negotiated clinical agreements to create partnerships with healthcare facilities.
- Formulated strategies to enhance operational success of programs.
- Ensure adherence to policies and procedures during program operations.
- Mentored faculty to foster professional growth and career development for new members.
- Fostered positive relationships in interactions with local, state, national professional associations.
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Louisaina Delta Community College
Monroe, LA
02.2013 - 06.2023
- Provided academic advisement and counseling to prospective and professional-level students.
- Mentored faculty and students to foster professional growth.
- Created comprehensive course materials, including syllabus, lectures, presentations, assignments, quizzes and exams.
- Designed and facilitated simulation training, creating realistic scenarios.
- Participated in community outreach activities including health screenings.
- Supervised student laboratory and clinical activities, providing expert guidance to enhance skills.
- Created interdisciplinary curricula focused on evidence-based practices with faculty collaboration.
- Collaborated on college and department committees for curriculum development.
- Participated in special session meetings with the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.
- Contributed to nursing program appeals process, ensuring avenues for challenging academic outcomes.
- Coordinated outreach initiatives to strengthen graduate connections.
- Ensured curriculum alignment with industry needs.
- Assisted in processes crucial for retaining institution's SACSCOC accreditation.
- Kept abreast of current standards to aid in maintaining accreditation for the nursing program through ACEN and LSBN.
Long-Term Care Registered Nurse
Louisiana Extended Care Hospital
West Monroe, Louisiana
05.2010 - 09.2018
- Executed infection prevention strategies within the facility in line with standards.
- Delivered comprehensive nursing care tailored to individual resident needs.
- Managed the functionality of medical devices like ventilators and intravenous pumps for optimal patient outcomes.
- Mentored incoming nurses to strengthen overall team performance.
- Executed emergency medical procedures including advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) in critical situations.
- Engaged with medical professionals to design specific treatment strategies for patients.
Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse
Ochsner LSU Health – Monroe Medical Center
Monroe, Louisiana
06.2004 - 07.2010
- Safeguarded patients by rigorously following established infection prevention guidelines.
- Executed rapid, proficient, and composed responses to emergencies ensuring life-saving support.
- Participated in code blue and rapid response teams to initiate Acute Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) when needed.
- Ensured progress in core measures and various outcome metrics.
- Conducted patient assessments, provided medication education, and managed diabetic foot care.
- Coordinated and ensured efficient performance of nursing personnel at the clinic.
Registered Nurse - Telemetry
Saint Francis Medical Center
Monroe , Louisiana
01.2006 - 07.2008
- Utilized telemetry devices for monitoring heart rhythms and detecting anomalies.
- Documented detailed patient care records, including condition and progress.
- Educated patients about their conditions and medications to ensure understanding of treatments.
- Ensured compliance with infection control standards; monitored adherence to standard precautions among personnel.
- Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives within the department.
- Demonstrated knowledge of emergency protocols; responded effectively during emergency situations.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare personnel to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
License Practical Nurse
Saint Francis Medical Center
Monroe , Louisiana
09.1990 - 06.2004
- Prepared patients for examinations, tests or treatments and explained procedures.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of nursing policies and procedures.
- Worked as part of healthcare team to assess patient needs, plan and modify care and implement interventions.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Education
Grambling State University
Grambling, LA05-2011
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Louisiana At Monroe
Monroe, LA05-2004
Technical Diploma - Practical Nursing
Louisiana Delta Community College
West Monroe, LA09-1990
Skills
- Facilitate Skill Assessments
- Staff Training Coordination
- Policy Update Management
- In-Service Training Coordination
- Mentor New Nursing Staff
- Hemodynamic Monitoring
- Airway, Ventilator, and Central Line Management
- Program Effectiveness Evaluation
- Course Management Lead
- Critical Care Nurse Educator
- Medical Surgical Nursing Instructor
- Mental Health Nursing Instructor
- Fundamental Nursing Instruction
- LPN to RN Transition Program Coordinator
Certification
- License Practical Nurse, State of Louisiana (1990-2004)
- Registered Nurse. State of Louisiana (2004-present)
- Basic Life Support - Current
- Graduate of Preceptor Development Workshop 2023
- Acute Cardiovascular Life Support-Current
Committee/Work Group Involvement
- Clinical Practice Council
- Evidence Based Practice Nursing Journal Club
- Fall Prevention Committee
- Unit Based Council
- Electronic Competency Review Process
- Hospital Acquired Infecions Work Group
Volunteer and Community Involvement
- Clinical Nurse Executive for healthcare clinic
- Presents Body Awareness Presentation "Straight Talk"
- Provide basic computer skill education to older adults.
- Assist undergraduate and graduate students with areas of study and research.
- Assisted graduate student with An evidence based practice project: Implementing an Acuity Tool in an Inpatient Setting
Accomplishments
- Outstanding Faculty Award, April 22, 2021; The National Society of Leadership and Success
- Number 3 nursing scholl in the state of Louisiana for 3 consecutive years.
- 100 % NCLEX pass rate of graduating students for 3 consecutive years, Remaining years >92%.
- 100 % successful Job placement rate.
- Completed Preceptor
Academic Committees
- Curriculum
- Faculty and Student Affairs
- Library and Resources
- Program Standards and Evaluations
- Student Nurse Association assistant advisor
- Appeals Committe
Professional Development
- ACEN Self Study Forum
- Test Item Writing, Test Construction, and Item Analysis
- Developing and Implementing a Concept-Based Curriculum
- Teach Student to Think Like a Nurse — The Caputi Model for Teaching Clinical Judgment.
- Rapid Response: When Minutes Count
- Beyound the Manuscript: A Publication Workshop
- Developing Emoitional Intelligence Seminar
- Critical Care Nuts and Bolts
- Advanced 12 lead ECG Interpretation for the Bedside Registered Nursed
- Evidenced Based Practice, Quality Improvement, Research Council Conference.
Timeline
Unit Educator-Registered Nurse
Overton Brooks VA Medical Center
08.2023 - Current
Registered Nurse Supervisor
Northeast Louisiana War Veterans Home
06.2023 - 08.2023
ASN Program Coordinator - Winnsboro Campus
Louisiana Delta Community College
03.2021 - 06.2023
Registered Nurse Supervisor
Mary Goss Nursing Home
04.2014 - Current
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Louisaina Delta Community College
02.2013 - 06.2023
Long-Term Care Registered Nurse
Louisiana Extended Care Hospital
05.2010 - 09.2018
Registered Nurse - Telemetry
Saint Francis Medical Center
01.2006 - 07.2008
Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse
Ochsner LSU Health – Monroe Medical Center
06.2004 - 07.2010
License Practical Nurse
Saint Francis Medical Center
09.1990 - 06.2004
- License Practical Nurse, State of Louisiana (1990-2004)
- Registered Nurse. State of Louisiana (2004-present)
- Basic Life Support - Current
- Graduate of Preceptor Development Workshop 2023
- Acute Cardiovascular Life Support-Current
Master of Science - Nursing Education
Grambling State University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Louisiana At Monroe
Technical Diploma - Practical Nursing
Louisiana Delta Community College
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