Cari Ford
4456 Sanibel Circle, Suite 107, Virginia Beach,VA
Summary
Experienced nursing professional with strong leadership skills in team coordination and patient management. Known for enhancing patient safety and comfort while mentoring staff to ensure optimal care delivery.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, Unit Coordinator
Sentara Princess Anne Hospital
Virginia Beach, VA
07.2005 - Current
- Administered comprehensive care focused on enhancing patient care, safety and comfort within a diverse 24-bed cardiac unit.
- Delivered comprehensive health management education to patients and families, fostering a deeper understanding of treatment protocols.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Streamlined documentation processes, improving accuracy and compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
Registered Nurse- Team Leader
South County Hospital
Narragansett, RI
05.2000 - 07.2005
- Led nursing team to deliver high-quality patient care and improve clinical outcomes.
- Streamlined workflow processes, enhancing efficiency in patient admission and discharge procedures.
- Mentored new nursing staff, fostering professional development and adherence to best practices.
- Delegated tasks effectively based on team member strengths, maximizing efficiency within the unit.
- Mentored new nurses, providing guidance on clinical skills and professional development.
- Increased patient satisfaction ratings by fostering a compassionate environment and addressing concerns promptly.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Sentara Bayside Hospital
Virginia Beach, VA
06.1997 - 05.2000
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols and patient care plans.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes in patient conditions promptly to healthcare providers.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
Nursing Care Partner
Sentara Bayside Hospital
Virginia Beach, VA
09.1995 - 06.1997
- Assisted nursing staff with patient care and daily activities, enhancing patient comfort and safety.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff, ensuring timely medical interventions.
- Supported patients with mobility and hygiene tasks, fostering independence and dignity in care.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to implement individualized care plans, improving overall patient experience.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
American Sentinel University
CO11-2018
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Thomas Nelson Community College
Hampton, VA05-1997
Skills
- Strong clinical judgment
- Patient and family advocacy
- Patient management
- Professional bedside manner
- Licensed RN
- Basic life support (BLS) certification
- Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification
- Nursing staff leadership
- Team coordination
- Relationship building
Certification
- Certified Med-Surg Registered Nurse 2/2013 - 12/2022
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Unit Coordinator
Sentara Princess Anne Hospital
07.2005 - Current
Registered Nurse- Team Leader
South County Hospital
05.2000 - 07.2005
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Sentara Bayside Hospital
06.1997 - 05.2000
Nursing Care Partner
Sentara Bayside Hospital
09.1995 - 06.1997
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
American Sentinel University
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Thomas Nelson Community College
Awards
ACE Award Recipient- 1998
Nursing Excellence Award Recipient-(2021, 2025)
Daisy Award Recipient- (2016, 2021, 2025(Team Award))