Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

CAROLINE MEKALA, MSN, APRN-FNP-C

Fulshear,TX

Summary

PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS: Advanced Nurse Practitioner with comprehensive experience providing acute care, chronic disease management and health & wellness exams for diverse populations in a geriatric medicine setting. Skilled at analyzing patient histories and preliminary test results to build diagnosis. In -depth knowledge of e- clinical works, gEHRimed and Point Click Care documentation software. Over 12 years of nursing practice and 7 years in advanced practice nursing in medical healthcare environments. Lifelong learner involved in inquiry for better practices and emergent strategies that guarantee effective patient care/satisfaction.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Family Nurse Practitioner

Collaborative Geriatrics
06.2023 - Current
  • Managed acute and chronic illnesses, developing personalized treatment plans that addressed patients'' unique needs for about 62 residents , skilled and long term care.
  • Performed comprehensive physical assessments, accurately diagnosing conditions, and determining appropriate interventions.
  • Utilized evidence-based and holistic approaches to care in family practice settings.
  • Educated patients on treatment options, medical needs, and non-medical options for treatments and therapy.
  • Coordinated with physicians, specialists, and other medical staff to develop treatment plans for chronic conditions.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to concerns.
  • Monitored patient progress and adjusted treatments accordingly.
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based care and treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
  • Promoted health maintenance and disease prevention through patient education and counseling on lifestyle modifications.
  • Advanced cultural competence within the practice environment through ongoing education efforts focused on diversity and inclusion.
  • Facilitated patient referrals to specialists and other healthcare providers.

Registered Nurse- Telemetry

CHI St Luke's Health- Sugar Land
03.2022 - 02.2023
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
  • Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
  • Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners and verifying interventions met treatment goals.

Nurse Practitioner- Internal Medicine

Medical Associates Of Katy
09.2021 - 06.2022
  • Assessed patients to determine individual needs and develop care plans in coordination with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
  • Coordinated with physicians, specialists and other medical staff to develop treatment plans for acute/chronic conditions.
  • Worked with families, caregivers and patients to determine best options for treatment, diagnosis and prevention.
  • Contributed to revenue generation through quality patient care, increased patient satisfaction scores and collaborative feedback.

Nursing Instructor

Odessa College Associates Degree Nursing
09.2017 - 05.2021
  • Lesson planning and teaching classes for 30 students on subjects ranging from foundations of nursing practice, medical surgical nursing, geriatrics, health care research, clinical decision making, evidence-based practice and evaluation of student outcomes.
  • Increased student retention rates through advisement and mentoring.
  • Created and facilitated foundations of nursing practice course for both online and face to face instruction.
  • Leadership, strategic planning and, decision- making in nursing department committee/other college committees.

Registered Nurse

Angels Of Care Pediatric Home Health
01.2016 - 09.2018
  • Implemented strategies to reduce second- hand smoke exposure to pediatric patients which led to 98% reduction of upper respiratory infections.
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration/communication.
  • Managed care from admission to discharge, including patient assessments, care planning, health educations and discharge support which led to reduction of hospital readmission.

Registered Nurse- Ortho- Neuro/ Post-surgical

Medical Center Hospital
03.2015 - 01.2016
  • Improved unit budget previous quarters through monitoring use of supplies, reducing waste and cross- training.
  • Educating and providing necessary guidance to patients on important actions for quick recovery and disease control and prevention.
  • Inquire into best practices for improved care provision and patient training.
  • Collaborated with physical and occupational therapy to improve patient outcomes.

Registered Nurse- Medical Surgical

Terrace West Nursing and Rehabilitation
01.2013 - 03.2015
  • Managed over 30 patients each shift with acute/chronic illnesses requiring different needs.
  • Leadership and supervision: Appropriate delegation of duties to nursing staff.
  • Professional Communication: Ensuring vital information is communicated within interdisciplinary team.
  • Preparation of patient – Patient teaching, diagnostic studies, timely referrals, informed consents and honoring advanced directives.
  • Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources for patients.

Education

Master of Science - Nursing

The University of Texas At Tyler
Tyler, TX
05.2018

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Lubbock Christian University
Lubbock, TX
12.2014

Associate Degree - Nursing

Midland College
Midland, TX
12.2012

Skills

  • Chronic/acute disease management
  • Quality improvement
  • Patient education
  • Preventive healthcare
  • Health promotion
  • Telehealth services
  • Mental health and wellness
  • Work planning and prioritization
  • Procedures- Incision and drainage, suturing, toenail removal, subungual hematoma drainage, skin biopsy, joint injections(shoulder/knee), splinting and casting, ear irrigation
  • Research utilization

Additional Information

  • Registered Nurse License- January 2013- October 31st, 2025, Nurse Practitioner License- July 2018 to October 31st, 2025, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification- June 21, 2018 to June 20th, 2028, DEA- Expiration: 01/31/2025, Prescriptive Authority: Expiration 10/31/2025.

Timeline

Family Nurse Practitioner

Collaborative Geriatrics
06.2023 - Current

Registered Nurse- Telemetry

CHI St Luke's Health- Sugar Land
03.2022 - 02.2023

Nurse Practitioner- Internal Medicine

Medical Associates Of Katy
09.2021 - 06.2022

Nursing Instructor

Odessa College Associates Degree Nursing
09.2017 - 05.2021

Registered Nurse

Angels Of Care Pediatric Home Health
01.2016 - 09.2018

Registered Nurse- Ortho- Neuro/ Post-surgical

Medical Center Hospital
03.2015 - 01.2016

Registered Nurse- Medical Surgical

Terrace West Nursing and Rehabilitation
01.2013 - 03.2015

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Lubbock Christian University

Master of Science - Nursing

The University of Texas At Tyler

Associate Degree - Nursing

Midland College

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CAROLINE MEKALA, MSN, APRN-FNP-C