Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Brenda Newman Howes

Pineville,SC

Summary

Skilled nursing professional with more than 20 years of experience and passion for providing highest quality of behavioral and medical care. Compassionate and empathetic advocate for patients and families. Skillfully assesses health status, develops diagnoses and manages care for patients with acute and chronic concerns. Experienced in structured and unstructured environments, smoothly coordinating multiple activities and competing priorities.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Home Health Nurse

Maxim Healthcare
02.2019 - Current
  • Provided physical assessments, medication, and chronic disease management to home health patients.
  • Educated patients and families on disease processes, medications and treatments.
  • Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
  • Monitored vital signs, developed and implemented care plans, and documented patient progress.
  • Assisted patients with activities of daily living to promote independence.
  • Determined and addresses individual home care needs by completing detailed assessments and reviewing documentation.
  • Assessed patients' health status and developed individualized care plans to suit needs.
  • Provided emotional support and kind companionship to patients and families to increase overall wellness.
  • Documented patient vitals, behaviors and conditions to communicate concerns to supervising nurse.
  • Delivered after-hours care to patients based on strict role-call rotations.
  • Collaborated with vendors to procure medical equipment, supplies and services.
  • Developed and implemented discharge plans to promote continued care after discharge.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Educated patients and families on disease processes, medications and treatments
  • Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians
  • Monitored vital signs, developed and implemented care plans, and documented patient progress
  • Provided physical assessments, medication, and chronic disease management to home health patients
  • Coordinated with other healthcare team members to support patient needs
  • Documented patient vitals, behaviors and conditions to communicate concerns to supervising nurse
  • Provided emotional support and kind companionship to patients and families to increase overall wellness

Pediatric Home Health Nurse

Continuum Pediatric Nursing
06.2016 - Current
  • Provided compassionate nursing care to medically fragile children in home settings.
  • Handled medication administration, ventilation monitoring and wound care.
  • Communicated with patients and family members, providing detailed information regarding care and medications.
  • Tracked patients' progress through careful reporting and documentation at each visit.
  • Identified health issues while at home care visits and contacted patient's physician to discuss best method for resolution.
  • Documented patient vitals, behaviors and conditions to communicate concerns to supervising nurse.
  • Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
  • Provided physical assessments, medication, and chronic disease management to home health patients.
  • Provided compassionate nursing care to medically fragile children in home settings
  • Communicated with patients and family members, providing detailed information regarding care and medications
  • Documented patient vitals, behaviors and conditions to communicate concerns to supervising nurse

Staff Nurse

Blake Management Group
07.2019 - 01.2020
  • Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
  • Administered medications via oral, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
  • Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care.
  • Collected blood, tissue, and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
  • Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
  • Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.

Home Health LVN

Team Select Home Care
06.2014 - 12.2016
  • Assessed patients' temperature, pulse, and blood pressure and recorded in electronic medical records.
  • Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
  • Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
  • Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
  • Responded to patient requests with appropriate clinical and personal assistance.
  • Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
  • Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
  • Administered controlled narcotics, and performed catheterizations.

Memory Care Staff Nurse

Cedar Crest (JEA Senior Living)
01.2016 - 04.2016
  • Documented client progress and services performed, reporting changes in client condition to manager or supervisor.
  • Administered medication as directed by physician.
  • Maintained clean personal areas and prepared healthy meals to support client nutritional needs.
  • Provided safe mobility support to help patients move around personal and public spaces.
  • Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
  • Remained alert to problems or health issues of clients and competently responded.
  • Recognized and reported abnormalities or changes in patients' health status to case manager.
  • Monitored and assisted residents through individual service plans.
  • Determined specific needs and provided most appropriate level of services for patient well-being.
  • Recorded temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration rate as directed by medical or nursing staff.
  • Scheduled and accompanied clients to medical appointments.
  • Applied clean dressings, stockings or support bandages under direction of nurse or physician.
  • Exercised comatose, paralyzed or restricted mobility patients to maintain flexibility and muscle tone.

MDS Coordinator

Edgewood Point Care Center
07.2015 - 01.2016
  • Hired and trained 50 new staff members on facility policies, patient care and medicine distribution.
  • Ordered lab work and scheduled appointments with doctors, patients and families to discuss results.
  • Created staff and care events, bathing, medication distribution and visiting hours.
  • Interacted kindly with patients and families and displayed positive, outgoing attitude, resulting in establishment of long-term, professional relationships.
  • Furthered skills by actively taking part in employee training and taking classes to improve skills.
  • Administered medications to patients and remained vigilant for negative side effects.
  • Remained alert to problems or health issues of clients and competently responded.
  • Monitored and assisted residents through individual service plans.
  • Monitored and maintained cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assigned station and service areas.
  • Educated families and patients on current facility procedures, medical diagnoses and best courses of action.
  • Complied with federal and state regulations for completion and coordination of RAI process.
  • Verified prompt and accurate completion of MDS activities for billing.
  • Led weekly utilization review to go over recent clinical activities.
  • Reviewed missing assessment reports and analyzed issues for leadership team.
  • Set schedules for staff to start and complete MDS assessments and care plan meetings.
  • Trained staff in correct techniques for completing and signing MDS assessments.
  • Followed up on outstanding clinical items within established timelines for optimal care delivery.
  • Participated in quality assurance reviews to verify accuracy and reliability of data.
  • Enforced strict data validation rules to maintain accuracy and completeness of clinical data.
  • Developed comprehensive data dictionary for efficient and accurate data tracking.

AHA CPR Instructor

Green Valley Fire Department
08.2014 - 01.2016
  • Conducted clinical simulations and provided feedback for each individual student.
  • Evaluated students' competencies through written assignments and examinations.
  • Provided immediate and constructive feedback to students individually and as group.
  • Delivered individualized instruction on observation, assessment, decision-making and patient health teaching.
  • Instructed students on how to perform head-to-toe assessments on patients and how to intervene in medical emergencies.
  • Analyzed clinical settings' success in helping students achieve course and program outcomes.
  • Updated instructional materials, ordered equipment and supplies and utilized various learning modalities to enhance instruction.
  • Implemented new educational techniques to boost student comprehension while reducing learning time.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.

Assistant Director of Nursing

Mountain Park Senior Living
01.2015 - 05.2015
  • Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
  • Established and monitored infection control programs to provide safe, sanitary environment to prevent transmission of disease and infection.
  • Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents, and families.
  • Prepared and reviewed infection control surveillance reports to identify trends and develop effective actions to control and prevent infections.
  • Identified department issues to recommend corrective actions.
  • Collaborated with staff, management, and external groups to coordinate patient care.
  • Planned and assigned workload to 100-person nursing staff to direct patient care.
  • Established new policies and updated existing policies to improve standard of care for patients.
  • Monitored and evaluated nursing staff performance, providing feedback and guidance to support standards of care.
  • Built and maintained positive working relationships with physicians and staff to support seamless healthcare operations.
  • Oversaw and approved recruitment, hiring and orientation of new nursing staff.
  • Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.

Director of Nursing Coordinator

Westerchester Senior Living (volunteers Of America
10.2013 - 01.2015
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
  • Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
  • Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
  • Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.
  • Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
  • Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
  • Implemented successful healthcare program through professionalism, quality of care, medical teaching and patient satisfaction.
  • Designed and introduced leadership development, coaching and team management model, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibility.
  • Monitored and inspected staff processes to eliminate hazards posed for both residents and staff while ensuring continuous compliance with regulations.
  • Ordered all pharmacy supplies and kept check on inventory levels.
  • Defined testing protocols, quality assurance initiatives and clinic policies and procedures.
  • Developed policies and procedures for effective pharmacy management.
  • Successfully negotiated client contract renewals to create increased revenue.
  • Worked closely administration to develop and implement best practices to improve patient outcomes
  • Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns
  • Monitored and evaluated nursing staff performance, providing feedback and guidance to support standards of care
  • Built and maintained positive working relationships with physicians and staff to support seamless healthcare operations
  • Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents, and families
  • Collaborated with staff, management, and external groups to coordinate patient care

Personal Caregiver

Prestige Assisted Living
02.2013 - 07.2013
  • Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
  • Cleaned house, ran errands, managed laundry, and completed weekly grocery shopping.
  • Transported individuals to events and activities, medical appointments, and shopping trips.
  • Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
  • Provided basic grooming and hygiene assistance to patients.
  • Provided safe mobility support to help patients move around personal and public spaces.
  • Entertained, conversed, and read aloud to keep patients mentally alert.
  • Documented vitals, behaviors, and medications in client medical records.
  • Conferred with supervisor to discuss patient condition and medical care.
  • Built strong relationships with clients to deliver emotional support and companionship.
  • Assisted with dressing guidance, grooming, meal preparation, and medication reminders.

Massage Therapist

Full Body Connections
05.2007 - 02.2013
  • Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients through professional communication and follow-up to increase satisfactions and build rapport.
  • Created comfortable and professional environment for clients by setting up massage tables and preparing treatment area.
  • Provided safe, effective, and appropriate massage therapy techniques during customer appointments.
  • Booked appointments, answered phones, greeted clients, handled payments, and created client service tickets.
  • Utilized deep tissue, Swedish and myofascial massage therapy techniques to provide options to customers.
  • Researched new techniques to stay up to date with trends and developments in massage therapy industry.
  • Assessed medical histories and conditions of clients to determine contraindications to massage services.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of anatomy and physiology to better understand body and inform massage techniques.
  • Evaluated client conditions to recommend appropriate massage therapy methods.
  • Offered aromatherapy, hot stones and cupping as part of massage treatments.
  • Provided clear, concise instructions to clients to prepare for massage services.

AHA Cpr Intructor

Northeast Community College
02.2007 - 02.2013
  • Conducted clinical simulations and provided feedback for each individual student.
  • Evaluated students' competencies through written assignments and examinations.
  • Provided immediate and constructive feedback to students individually and as group.
  • Delivered individualized instruction on observation, assessment, decision-making and patient health teaching.
  • Updated instructional materials, ordered equipment and supplies and utilized various learning modalities to enhance instruction.
  • Supervised students when administering medications to maintain patient safety.
  • Analyzed clinical settings' success in helping students achieve course and program outcomes.
  • Instructed students on how to perform head-to-toe assessments on patients and how to intervene in medical emergencies.

Staff Charge Nurse

Good Samaritan Society
08.2002 - 02.2013
  • Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Documented information in patients' electronic medical record, relaying information to clinicians and care providers to facilitate continuity of care.

Assistant Director of Nursing Coordinator

Makee Manor
02.2007 - 12.2012
  • Monitored and evaluated nursing staff performance, providing feedback and guidance to support standards of care.
  • Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
  • Worked closely administration to develop and implement best practices to improve patient outcomes.
  • Built and maintained positive working relationships with physicians and staff to support seamless healthcare operations.
  • Identified department issues to recommend corrective actions.
  • Established and monitored infection control programs to provide safe, sanitary environment to prevent transmission of disease and infection.
  • Prepared and reviewed infection control surveillance reports to identify trends and develop effective actions to control and prevent infections.

QA Manager, Charge Nurse

Northgate Care Center
10.2004 - 08.2008
  • Investigated customer complaints and performed corrective actions to resolve quality issues.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive quality assurance plans to monitor product quality and adherence to regulatory standards.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement process and system improvements.
  • Assessed product quality by monitoring quality assurance metrics, reports and dashboards.
  • Monitored staff organization and suggested improvements to daily functionality.
  • Evaluated interactions between associates and customers to assess personnel performance.
  • Performed root cause analysis to identify and resolve quality issues and defects.
  • Conducted process and system audits to identify areas of improvement and enforce compliance with industry standards.
  • Recorded, analyzed, and distributed statistical information.
  • Implemented new quality assurance and customer service standards.
  • Reported production malfunctions to managers and production supervisors.

Charge Licensed Practical Nurse

Great River Care Center
01.2006 - 12.2007
  • Assessed patients' temperature, pulse, and blood pressure and recorded in electronic medical records.
  • Delivered direct quality care to patients by evaluating medical conditions and managing and assessing treatments.
  • Established cordial relationships with medical personnel and staff to promote teamwork and maintain positive attitude.
  • Assembled and used equipment such as catheters, tracheotomy tubes, or oxygen suppliers to effectively manage patient care.
  • Assisted in coordinating transfers, discharges and admissions to establish smooth transition of patients.
  • Maintained and promoted autonomy and rights of patients to provide protection and enforce dignity and respect.
  • Analyzed patient assessments and laboratory data to bring any issues to attention of physicians.
  • Documented patient care plans and progress to enable tracking history and maintain updated records.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to establish proper patient care and provide education to patients and family members.
  • Educated patients to provide information on health promotion and disease prevention.
  • Promoted patient independence by teaching self-care skills and explaining conditions and medications.
  • Managed daily staff assignments and patient scheduling to guarantee clinic coverage and flow.
  • Participated in development and implementation of quality improvement initiatives to raise healthcare standards.
  • Administered medications and injections to patients.
  • Monitored patient health conditions to report changes to assigned physician.
  • Delivered emotional support to patients and families during challenging times.
  • Responded to patient requests with appropriate clinical and personal assistance.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - PN, Massage Therapy, AA, AS, CPR Instructor

Northeast Community Collage Calmar, IA
Calmar, IA
05.2002

High School Diploma -

Grand Rapids Senior High School
Grand Rapids, MN
05.1984

Skills

  • Oral Conditions
  • Physician Collaboration
  • Recording Vital Signs
  • Medication Side Effect Knowledge
  • Privacy and Confidentiality
  • Patient Health Information Access
  • Medical Records Management
  • Nursing Assistance
  • Oral Comprehension
  • Medication Administration

Certification

  • home health nurse, charge nurse, MDS License - 2002 to present


Timeline

Staff Nurse

Blake Management Group
07.2019 - 01.2020

Home Health Nurse

Maxim Healthcare
02.2019 - Current

Pediatric Home Health Nurse

Continuum Pediatric Nursing
06.2016 - Current

Memory Care Staff Nurse

Cedar Crest (JEA Senior Living)
01.2016 - 04.2016

MDS Coordinator

Edgewood Point Care Center
07.2015 - 01.2016

Assistant Director of Nursing

Mountain Park Senior Living
01.2015 - 05.2015

AHA CPR Instructor

Green Valley Fire Department
08.2014 - 01.2016

Home Health LVN

Team Select Home Care
06.2014 - 12.2016

Director of Nursing Coordinator

Westerchester Senior Living (volunteers Of America
10.2013 - 01.2015

Personal Caregiver

Prestige Assisted Living
02.2013 - 07.2013

Massage Therapist

Full Body Connections
05.2007 - 02.2013

AHA Cpr Intructor

Northeast Community College
02.2007 - 02.2013

Assistant Director of Nursing Coordinator

Makee Manor
02.2007 - 12.2012

Charge Licensed Practical Nurse

Great River Care Center
01.2006 - 12.2007

QA Manager, Charge Nurse

Northgate Care Center
10.2004 - 08.2008

Staff Charge Nurse

Good Samaritan Society
08.2002 - 02.2013

Associate of Applied Science - PN, Massage Therapy, AA, AS, CPR Instructor

Northeast Community Collage Calmar, IA

High School Diploma -

Grand Rapids Senior High School

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Brenda Newman Howes