Carrie Ann Simmonds
Broken Arrow,OK
Summary
Experienced Registered Nurse with a strong background in neuroscience, spine surgery, and intake coordination. Skilled in patient triage, infection control, crisis intervention, and discharge planning. Known for clear communication, accurate Epic charting, and effective care coordination with surgeons, therapists, and nursing staff.
Overview
1
1
Certification
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
Tulsa Spine & Specialty Hospital
Tulsa, Oklahoma
09.2019 - Current
- Reviewed spine surgery patients and entered clinical findings into electronic medical records.
- Supported coordination of care with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and specialty hospital nursing staff.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to ensure safe preoperative and postoperative care.
- Instructed patients on spine procedures, recovery plans, and discharge directions.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Documented detailed charting to enhance continuity of care across hospital units.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
- Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
- Provided patient and family health education focusing on self-management, prevention and wellness.
- Developed and evaluated patient care plans in collaboration with the medical team to optimize patient outcomes.
- Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions, and provided home care strategies.
- Educated patients and families on healthcare needs, conditions, and options.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient condition.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
Registered Nurse/Intake Coordinator
Shadow Mountain Behavioral Health System
Tulsa, Oklahoma
03.2018 - 09.2019
- Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
- Coordinated the intake process for new clients, including scheduling initial assessments and providing necessary paperwork.
- Coordinated behavioral health intake calls for Shadow Mountain admissions team.
- Facilitated comprehensive interviews with potential clients to assess eligibility for services and tailor care plans.
- Addressed and resolved client concerns or complaints related to the intake process.
- Responded to behavioral crises using de-escalation and safety protocols.
- Provided crisis intervention techniques to support clients
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Maintained HIPAA-compliant intake files and confidential patient records.
- Ensured adherence to behavioral health policies and patient privacy standards to safeguard client information.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
- Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives within the department.
- Performed triage assessments of walk-in patients in a clinic setting.
- Communicated admission status with nurses, therapists, and case managers.
- Collected patient demographics, insurance details, and referral information.
- Ensured compliance with standards of professional practice as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services.
- Monitored client's activities while at the facility and documented any changes in behavior or attitude.
- Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
- Participated in ongoing training and professional development related to intake procedures and client care.
- Conducted initial risk assessments to identify any immediate concerns or needs for intervention.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Contributed to development and implementation of policies and procedures, improving service delivery and client care.
- Developed and maintained intake procedures to enhance efficiency and client satisfaction.
Registered Nurse/Neuroscience Nurse
Saint Francis Healthcare System
Tulsa, Oklahoma
08.2007 - 03.2018
- Administered medications and monitored responses per physician orders.
- Documented nursing care in electronic medical records.
- Facilitated care planning among healthcare providers plans with physicians, therapists, and support staff.
- Educated patients and families on treatments, medications, and discharge instructions.
- Responded to urgent changes and initiated appropriate nursing interventions.
- Followed infection control and patient safety protocols throughout daily care.
- Supported Saint Francis Healthcare System teams with admissions, transfers, and discharges.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.
- Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate a safe, clean patient environment.
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress, and medication side effects.
- Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
- Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
- Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans.
- Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
- Provided patient and family health education focusing on self-management, prevention and wellness.
- Counseled patients regarding medication side effects or lifestyle changes necessary for improved health outcomes.
- Created, implemented and evaluated patient care plans with a medical team.
- Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions, and provided home care strategies.
- Maintained personal and team compliance with medication administration standards and patient care best practices.
- Ensured compliance with standards of professional practice as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services.
- Coordinated discharge planning activities including arranging follow up appointments or referrals for additional services.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in nursing practices by attending continuing education classes or seminars.
- Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
- Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives within the department.
- Educated patients and families on healthcare needs, conditions, and options.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administering to patients.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess the patient's condition.
- Tracked patient diet to support health goals, physical activity, behaviors, and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
- Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for in-patient care.
- Performed neurological assessments for Saint Francis Healthcare System neuroscience patients.
- Monitored stroke symptoms and reported changes to the care team.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary care plans with physicians and therapists.
- Educated patients and families on neurological conditions and recovery steps.
- Prepared patients for imaging, procedures, and specialist consultations.
- Supported discharge planning with Saint Francis Healthcare System case managers.
- Trained nursing staff on neuroscience unit protocols and safety practices.
- Formulated pain management strategies for patients for managing pain levels among neurologically impaired patients.
- Created a safe environment for patients by providing appropriate safety measures including fall prevention protocols.
- Responded promptly to emergencies such as seizures and strokes to deliver exceptional care.
- Assessed patients for changes in neurological symptoms and functional abilities.
- Performed physical examinations to evaluate neurological status of patients.
- Maintained effective infection control and sterilization standards to protect patients and staff.
- Conducted neurological and physical evaluations to collect data on patients' symptoms and progress with treatments.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, treatments, medications, progress notes, discharge summaries.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for neurologically impaired individuals.
- Counseled families on how to support their loved ones suffering from neurological illnesses.
- Administered prescribed medications, such as anticonvulsants or sedatives, to treat neurological diseases and disorders.
- Participated in interdisciplinary rounds involving neurology specialists from various disciplines.
- Identified potential risks associated with certain types of treatment regimens.
- Assessed patients to develop a plan of care centered around evidence-based practices and standard nursing processes.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to family members throughout the course of treatment.
- Provided patient education on neurological conditions and treatments.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, and other medical staff to develop individualized treatment plans for patients.
- Coordinated care for critical issues such as cerebral edema and intracranial pressure, hemodynamic instability and spinal injuries.
- Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact, and evaluate patient care plans.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehensible terminology.
LPN/Home Health Nurse
csco
Tulsa, Oklahoma
11.2005 - 07.2007
- Assisted the CSCO care team with daily patient assessments and nursing support.
- Documented vital signs, treatments, and care notes in patient charts.
- Supported CSCO community care operations with compassionate bedside nursing services.
- Monitored vital signs, fluid intake and output levels, glucose levels, and other medical tests results.
- Monitored patient respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels to ensure effective medical response.
- Provided patient care in accordance with physicians' orders and nursing standards of practice.
- Administered prescribed medications or started intravenous fluids, noting times and amounts on patient charts.
- Observed changes in the patient's condition and reported any significant changes to the registered nurse or physician.
- Monitored patient conditions and reported changes to supervising clinical staff.
- Collected and documented vital signs to track current patient conditions.
- Adhered to facility policies and procedures while providing quality nursing care.
- Managed emergency situations promptly according to established protocols.
- Looked for physical, emotional, and symptomatic changes in patient condition and obtained necessary care for medical concerns.
- Assessed patient complaints accurately and provided appropriate interventions.
- Coordinated scheduling of follow-up appointments with primary care providers.
- Contributed to development and implementation of nursing policies and procedures to enhance care standards.
- Administered medications and therapies in accordance with physician's orders.
- Engaged in quality improvement initiatives to promote better patient care outcomes.
- Addressed patient care needs, collected vitals, dressed wounds, and managed catheters.
- Charted changes in patient conditions and discussed concerns with the supervising healthcare provider.
- Worked as part of healthcare team to assess patient needs, plan and modify care and implement interventions.
- Assembled and used catheters, tracheotomy tubes or oxygen suppliers.
- Assessed care needs of CSCO patients during home visits.
- Provided wound care and dressing changes in patient homes
- Administered medications and injections following physician orders
- Documented assessments, treatments, and patient responses in records
- Coordinated with physicians, therapists, and social workers on care needs
- Provided home health care services such as wound care, medication administration, and IV therapy.
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living and functional mobility to increase comfort and quality of life.
- Maintained accurate records of all visits made to patients' homes along with any changes in their conditions or treatments prescribed by physicians.
- Monitored vital signs such as blood pressure or pulse rate to detect changes in a patient's condition.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care.
- Trained new home health nurses, sharing best practices and clinical expertise.
- Conducted risk assessments in home environments to ensure patient safety.
- Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors, and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
TCC
Tulsa, OK05-2007
LPN
Tulsa Technology Center
Tulsa, OK10-2005
Skills
- Medication administration
- Epic charting
- Neurological assessment
- Care planning
- Discharge planning
- Patient triage
- Infection control
- Crisis intervention
Certification
- Registered Nurse, Oklahoma Board of Nursing, 2007, RN0090124 08/23/2007
- LPN, L0051964, 11/07/2005
- ACLS
- PALS
Accomplishments
- Daisy Nurse of the year 2025
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Tulsa Spine & Specialty Hospital
09.2019 - Current
Registered Nurse/Intake Coordinator
Shadow Mountain Behavioral Health System
03.2018 - 09.2019
Registered Nurse/Neuroscience Nurse
Saint Francis Healthcare System
08.2007 - 03.2018
LPN/Home Health Nurse
csco
11.2005 - 07.2007
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
TCC
LPN
Tulsa Technology Center