Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Caroyln W. Brackett

Maylene

Summary

Dynamic MDS Coordinator at Choctaw General Hospital with expertise in care planning and compliance. Proven ability to enhance patient outcomes through effective interdisciplinary collaboration and meticulous documentation. Skilled in MDS software and committed to continuous improvement, fostering a culture of safety and quality in healthcare delivery.

Overview

2019
2019
years of professional experience

Work History

MDS Coordinator

Choctaw General Hospital

Implemented the swing bed program

Swing bed coordinator- utilizing MDS. 3.0

Monitored and assessed patients progress according to protocol.

MDS certification 2012 State of Alabama

Facilitated weekly care plans/ discharge planning meetings with safe and family members on patient progress according

Liason between MD nurses and other team members

Discharge Planning Social Services Nurse

Choctaw General Hospital
  • Educated patients on health management, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care strategies for patients.
  • Assisted in the implementation of quality improvement initiatives within nursing practices.
  • Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records for continuity of care.
  • Performed accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with regulatory standards.

Infection Control Nurse/ Employee Health Nurse

Choctaw General Hospital
  • Implemented infection prevention protocols to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
  • Conducted thorough surveillance of infection data, identifying trends and potential outbreaks.
  • Educated nursing staff on best practices for infection control and prevention strategies.
  • Assisted in the development of training materials for staff on infection prevention techniques.
  • Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient safety outcomes.
  • Maintained accurate records of infection incidents, ensuring timely communication with stakeholders.
  • Implemented isolation precautions for high-risk patients, minimizing exposure risks to others within the healthcare environment.
  • Conducted regular audits of clinical practices related to infection control measures, identifying areas for improvement and providing targeted recommendations.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of existing infection control policies and procedures, making necessary revisions to adapt to changing needs within the healthcare environment.
  • Investigated outbreaks and revamped control measures to prevent future incidents.
  • Educated patients and families about infectious disease prevention strategies, fostering increased understanding and engagement in self-care activities.
  • Improved employee health by conducting regular assessments and implementing tailored wellness programs.
  • Reduced workplace injuries by providing ongoing training on proper lifting techniques and ergonomics.
  • Managed workers'' compensation claims efficiently, facilitating timely return-to-work plans for affected employees.
  • Assisted in planning annual health fairs to increase awareness of available resources and promote overall wellness among employees.
  • Conducted nursing assessment, triage, treatment and education for employee health concerns.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.

Utilization Review Nurse

Choctaw General Hospital
01.2012 - 08.2018
  • Conducted comprehensive reviews of patient treatment plans for medical necessity and appropriateness.
  • Collaborated with healthcare teams to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and policies.
  • Evaluated admission and continued stay criteria for various medical conditions.
  • Developed and maintained detailed documentation of utilization review activities and decisions.
  • Facilitated effective communication between providers, patients, and payers regarding care options.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary meetings to discuss patient care strategies and resource allocation.
  • Evaluated medical guidelines and benefit coverage to determine appropriateness of services.
  • Improved patient care quality by conducting thorough utilization reviews and making recommendations for optimal treatment plans.
  • Served as a vital liaison between patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies, fostering effective communication and coordination among all parties involved in the care process.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous learning by actively participating in departmental meetings, trainings, and continuing education opportunities related to utilization review.
  • Minimized financial risk associated with denials or payment discrepancies through diligent validation of medical necessity prior to service provision.
  • Increased staff efficiency by providing ongoing education on proper documentation techniques necessary for accurate claims processing.
  • Obtained authorizations from multiple insurance carriers for various levels of care.

Registered Nurse

Lifepoint Health
09.2013 - 01.2014
  • Assisted in delivering patient care under supervision, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
  • Tracked vital signs and communicated changes to healthcare team swiftly.
  • Assisted in the administration of medications following established guidelines.
  • Provided support in maintaining accurate patient records and documentation.
  • Participated in patient education initiatives, promoting health literacy and self-care.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of nursing stations and patient areas.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Monitored vital signs and reported changes to healthcare team promptly.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • 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.
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
  • Implemented evidence-based fall prevention strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in patient falls within the unit.
  • Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
  • Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.

Swing Bed Coordinated

Choctaw General Hospital
01.2012 - 08.2013
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.

Swing Bed

Thomasville Hospital
07.2006 - 09.2011
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Education

Associate Degree in Nursing - Registered Nurse

George C Wallace Community College
Dothan, AL
1997

Skills

  • HIPAA compliance
  • Electronic health records proficiency
  • Medical record management
  • Research and data collection
  • Delegation and supervision
  • Care planning
  • Goal setting
  • Care plan development
  • Policy and procedure development
  • Budget management
  • Case management experience
  • Billing review
  • Long-term care experience
  • Medicare reimbursement knowledge
  • MDS software familiarity
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving abilities

Timeline

Registered Nurse

Lifepoint Health
09.2013 - 01.2014

Utilization Review Nurse

Choctaw General Hospital
01.2012 - 08.2018

Swing Bed Coordinated

Choctaw General Hospital
01.2012 - 08.2013

Swing Bed

Thomasville Hospital
07.2006 - 09.2011

MDS Coordinator

Choctaw General Hospital

Discharge Planning Social Services Nurse

Choctaw General Hospital

Infection Control Nurse/ Employee Health Nurse

Choctaw General Hospital

Associate Degree in Nursing - Registered Nurse

George C Wallace Community College