Candace James
Needville,TX
Summary
Proven Registered Nurse with a track record of enhancing patient outcomes at AMG Specialty Hospital through expert medication and IV administration and compassionate direct patient care. Skilled in patient assessments and documentation, adept at fostering patient satisfaction and recovery. Demonstrated ability to mentor staff, reducing hospital readmissions by implementing comprehensive care plans.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
AMG Specialty Hospital
10.2019 - Current
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
Registered Nurse
Compass Behavioral Center
05.2018 - 10.2019
- Managed medication administration by closely monitoring dosages, side effects, and potential interactions while maintaining strict adherence to established guidelines.
- Increased patient satisfaction by creating a safe and welcoming environment for patients and their families.
- Provided individualized nursing care, including medication administration, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with activities of daily living.
- Led patient support groups aimed at promoting social interaction among peers while fostering emotional wellbeing.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient observations, assessments, interventions, progress notes, and overall treatment plan.
- Educated patients and families about mental health disorders, treatments, and resources available for support.
- Conducted group therapy sessions tailored to address common challenges faced by geriatric psychiatric patients.
- Improved patient care by developing and implementing specialized treatment plans for geriatric psychiatric patients.
- Facilitated family meetings focused on discussing treatment goals, expectations during recovery processes, and post-discharge planning.
- Developed strong therapeutic relationships with patients to promote trust and facilitate healing.
- Assessed incoming patients for appropriate placement within the facility based on their specific needs and diagnoses.
- Advocated for patients'' rights, ensuring their needs and preferences were respected throughout the treatment process.
- Managed challenging behaviors in the geriatric population using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and behavioral modification plans.
- Assisted patients with dressing, eating and bathing and encouraged patients to perform basic needs independently to promote self-esteem.
- Closely monitored acute conditions related to falls and accidents, as well as chronic conditions, such as arthritis and COPD.
- Recognized and managed geriatric syndromes common to older adults and aided physician during examination and treatment of patient.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- 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.
Charge RN
AMG Specialty Hospital
08.2015 - 05.2018
- Maintained an organized clinical environment conducive to efficient workflow by regularly evaluating unit needs and implementing necessary adjustments.
- Conducted ongoing assessments to monitor and adjust treatment plans, improving overall patient health outcomes.
- Improved continuity of care across shifts through concise shift reports detailing pertinent updates on patients'' conditions and treatment plans.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by participating in quality assurance initiatives and identifying opportunities for process enhancement.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
- Conducted daily shift briefs to inform staff of changes in patient care assignments.
- Developed and maintained close relationships with patients and families to facilitate smooth communications, provide encouragement and build trust.
- Promoted a safe working environment by adhering to infection control policies and regularly reviewing safety protocols.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to provide quality patient care.
- Monitored nursing care, patient assessment processes, and treatment implementations.
- Served as a liaison between nursing staff, physicians, and management, fostering open communication channels among all parties involved in patient care.
- Supervised and managed daily scheduling, tasking, and administration.
Registered Nurse
Promise Specialty Hospital
08.2012 - 08.2015
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing individualized care plans.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities for process enhancements that ultimately led to better patient care experiences.
- Prevented medical errors by maintaining accurate medication administration records and closely monitoring potential drug interactions.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient care and treatment plan adherence.
- Advocated for patients'' needs within the healthcare system, ensuring access to appropriate resources and services required for optimal recovery.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities regularly, staying current on best practices for delivering high-quality nursing care in the LTAC setting.
- Assessed and responded to changes in patient condition rapidly, initiating appropriate interventions as needed to prevent complications or decline.
- Administered intravenous therapies safely and accurately while monitoring potential side effects closely, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
- Mentored new nursing staff members, facilitating smooth transitions into their roles within the LTAC setting.
- Increased staff competency by conducting regular skills training sessions and providing constructive feedback on performance.
- Managed ventilator-dependent patients effectively, preventing complications such as pneumonia or respiratory failure while promoting weaning success rates.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by providing thorough discharge education to patients and families.
- Coordinated wound care interventions for complex wounds, leading to faster healing times and reduced risk of infection.
- Promoted infection control practices, resulting in decreased rates of hospital-acquired infections.
- Assessed and managed various patient treatments for numerous patient diagnoses from sepsis to acute respiratory distress.
- Oversaw various aspects of telemetry by administering pa catheters and arterials, vasoactive drugs, titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation, and chest tubes.
- Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out, and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery.
Registered Nurse
Silver Linings
09.2011 - 07.2012
- Managed medication administration by closely monitoring dosages, side effects, and potential interactions while maintaining strict adherence to established guidelines.
- Increased patient satisfaction by creating a safe and welcoming environment for patients and their families.
- Provided individualized nursing care, including medication administration, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with activities of daily living.
- Enhanced communication with family members by providing regular updates on patients'' progress and addressing concerns.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient observations, assessments, interventions, progress notes, and overall treatment plan.
- Led patient support groups aimed at promoting social interaction among peers while fostering emotional wellbeing.
- Educated patients and families about mental health disorders, treatments, and resources available for support.
- Conducted group therapy sessions tailored to address common challenges faced by geriatric psychiatric patients.
- Improved patient care by developing and implementing specialized treatment plans for geriatric psychiatric patients.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in geriatric psychiatry nursing.
- Developed strong therapeutic relationships with patients to promote trust and facilitate healing.
- Assessed incoming patients for appropriate placement within the facility based on their specific needs and diagnoses.
- Managed challenging behaviors in the geriatric population using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and behavioral modification plans.
- Assisted patients with dressing, eating and bathing and encouraged patients to perform basic needs independently to promote self-esteem.
- Anticipated needs of aging adults and worked closely with multidisciplinary team to provide individualized care to elderly patients.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Comanche County Memorial Hospital
09.2010 - 09.2011
- 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.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction with compassionate, personalized nursing care tailored to each individual''s needs.
- Demonstrated flexibility in managing multiple priorities concurrently during high-stress periods while maintaining a calm demeanor.
Education
Interdisciplinary Studies -
Cameron University
Lawton, OKAssociate Degree In Nursing - Nursing
Western Oklahoma State College
Altus, OK05.2010
Diploma - General Studies
Acadiana High School
Lafayette, LA05.1998
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Medication Administration
- Direct Patient Care
- Patient Assessments
- Documentation and Charting
- Patient Assessment
Timeline
Registered Nurse
AMG Specialty Hospital
10.2019 - Current
Registered Nurse
Compass Behavioral Center
05.2018 - 10.2019
Charge RN
AMG Specialty Hospital
08.2015 - 05.2018
Registered Nurse
Promise Specialty Hospital
08.2012 - 08.2015
Registered Nurse
Silver Linings
09.2011 - 07.2012
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Comanche County Memorial Hospital
09.2010 - 09.2011
Interdisciplinary Studies -
Cameron University
Associate Degree In Nursing - Nursing
Western Oklahoma State College
Diploma - General Studies
Acadiana High School
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