Casey Wardlaw
Del Rio,TX
Summary
Accomplished Referral Management Nurse Contractor at Defense Health Agency, adept in clinical documentation and patient education, significantly enhanced referral processing efficiency. Skilled in compassionate care, led initiatives saving $48,000 in 2023, and earned "TRUSTED CARE HERO" recognition twice. Demonstrates exceptional clinical judgment and patient management, fostering superior patient outcomes and healthcare team trust.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Referral Management Nurse Contractor
Defense Health Agency
09.2017 - 04.2024
- Participated in development of guidelines for referral processing, tracking, clear and legible report retrieval in a timely manner ranking the team as one of the top referral centers in the Air Force. Processing over 4,000 referrals annually, and uploading over 8,000 clear and legible reports on specialty care back to originating referring providers, promoting the most ideal outcome for patients care, consisting of Active Duty Service Members, Family Members of Active Duty Service Members, as well as Retirees.
- Contributed to cost-saving initiatives by identifying areas for waste reduction without compromising patient care quality. Keeping in house laboratory costs and coordination efforts with other bases to save the Air Force of 48,000 dollars in fiscal year 2023.
- Participated in development of guidelines for DHA's new software system GENESIS. After trial and errors in the program, offering guidance on what information is efficient and plausible and what information is not effective or not needed.
- Attended multiple meetings with Medical Group Commanders and Department of Defense Leaders initiating efforts for process improvements and keeping up with current guidelines, standards, and practices. Enhancing compliance and performance improvement. Maintained up-to-date knowledge on emerging trends in nursing practice to enhance effectiveness in delivering quality care.
- Provided emotional support to patients'' family members during critical incidents, strengthening overall trust in the healthcare team. Earning the "TRUSTED CARE HERO" recognition twice from the Air Force Deputy Surgeon General, Sean L. Murphy, Major General, USAF, MC, FS.
- Utilized strong clinical judgment in prioritizing patient needs during high-stress situations, ensuring optimal outcomes. Promoted a safe and comfortable healing environment by addressing patient concerns promptly and professionally.
- Remained calm during high-stress, critical situations, demonstrating sustained focus and problem-solving in real-time.
- Assessed patients to determine individual needs and develop care plans in coordination with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
- Improved patient satisfaction ratings by delivering compassionate and personalized care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimized patient treatment plans, outcomes, and efficient care coordination.
- Mentored and trained new medical group team members frequently, fostering teamwork and improving unit efficiency.
- Attended and assisted planning social collaborated events with local specialty facilities developing working professional relationships fostering superior care for patients.
- Streamlined communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive understanding of care plans with Humana Military, private insurers, and Medicare.
- Assisted with claims processing and resolution pertaining to referrals.
- Identified and assisted with opportunities for performance improvement activities on unit and with other service areas.
- Evaluated charting procedures for adherence to best practices, reviewing, updating, and training on mishaps assisting in eliminating frequency of errors and keeping considering the workload, to minimal reoccurrences.
- Encouraged, promoted, researched, and assisted in implementing electronic fax system, leading to a substantial revenue return to logistics of over 3,000 dollars monthly.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
- Audited and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Provided guidance to team and routing of medical services to cut expenditures on patient travel reimbursement while maintaining an exceptional quality of care and service options.
- Quickly responded with a calming, caring presence to intervene and de-escalate multiple interactions between patients and team members.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Reported findings to quality departments after conducting routine daily operations leading to discover safety concerns and proactively encouraged leadership to devise corrective actions for deficiencies. Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving team building, employee satisfaction, and morale.
- Delivered outstanding service to customers to maintain and extend relationships for future business opportunities.
LPN Cryotherapy Esthetician
Derma Laser MD Med Spa
02.2020 - 07.2020
- Utilized time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively, allowing for efficient completion of daily responsibilities.
- Performed Cryotherapy aesthetic procedures on patients under supervision of MD.
- Performed Micro Needling skin treatments on patients under supervision of MD.
- Assisted with Botox Injections, Derma Fillers, and Laser Therapy under supervision of MD.
- Obtained all additional certifications needed to perform duties safely and effectively.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all relevant clinical data, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Implemented infection control measures, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patients and staff.
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge base and skill set as an LPN.
- Demonstrated adaptability in working with diverse patient populations across various healthcare settings.
- Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs, and preferences.
Clinical Nurse
Val Verde Regional Medical Center
09.2013 - 09.2017
- Maintained strong working relationships with physicians and ancillary staff, fostering a collaborative approach to patient care delivery to over 30-40 patients daily.
- Volunteer work with community based departments on diabetic education and performed health screenings.
- Volunteer work with Physician performing health screenings and triage of poverty afflicted communities.
- Primarily steadily working in OB/Gyn and Family Practice, floating to other departments including Orthopedics, Pediatrics, and Walk-in Clinics receiving recognition as a star employee.
- Responded to patient emergencies to provide prompt and correct intervention .
- Educated patients and families to increase understanding of condition and best ways to manage.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient outcomes and efficient care coordination.
- Mentored new nursing staff, fostering professional growth and team building within the unit.
- Administered medications and treatments to manage patient's condition.
- Demonstrated knowledge of technical procedures and proper equipment use.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, promoting open communication channels for effective collaboration in treatment plans.
- Ensured accurate documentation of all patient records, contributing to improved quality assurance measures.
- Maintained patient confidentiality by protecting unauthorized access to personal information.
- Promoted a culture of safety by maintaining strict adherence to infection control protocols and reporting potential hazards.
- Developed and maintained collaborative relationships with healthcare providers.
- Monitored and maintained clinical supplies, materials and inventory.
- Facilitated patient and family education and counseling.
- Explained side effects from medications and provided in-depth education to patients on diabetes, asthma, cancer, and other diseases.
- Created educational materials for patients.
- Provided hands on clinical nursing care and duties, medication management, health screenings, operating medical equipment, triaging patients, advising on laboratory and other test results under the direction of a physician, operating in multiple electronic health records systems. Administered medications and injections to patients.
- Assisted physicians with diagnostic testing and procedural support for optimal treatment decisions.
- Answered incoming phone calls from patients to provide basic assistance and triage medical concerns.
- Promoted a culture of teamwork through active participation in unit meetings, performance improvement initiatives, and collaborative problem-solving efforts.
- Minimized staff and patient infection risk by cleaning and disinfecting equipment instruments.
- Reviewed patient history to verify conditions and current medications.
- Delivered emotional support to patients and families during challenging times.
- Took samples to complete diagnostic and routine assessment tests.
- Managed various general office duties such as answering multiple telephone lines, completing medical forms and necessary paperwork for further treatment, returning patients calls and assessing/triaging needs, additionally taking the best course of action to resolve concerns. Faxing and/or verbally relaying necessary information to additional medical facilities. Phoning and faxing prescription orders and refills per providers request.
- Increased patient satisfaction scores by consistently delivering high-quality nursing care tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Product Designer
Alamo Saddlery
01.2000 - 01.2011
- Assisted in the development of company branding guidelines, ensuring consistency across all marketing materials and products.
- Coordinated with developers throughout the entire product lifecycle, ensuring alignment between design vision and technical specifications.
- Utilized data-driven design approaches to create compelling solutions that catered to diverse user needs.
- Brainstormed with peers and other members of design team to determine enhancements and product features.
- Established strong relationships with clients through effective communication, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
- Converted project specifications into drawings and other materials that would be used to create product.
- Increased client satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality designs within tight deadlines.
- Developed innovative product concepts through extensive market research and competitor analysis.
- Contributed to a positive team environment by actively participating in brainstorming sessions, sharing insights, and collaborating on project goals.
- Traveled to manufacturing facilities to evaluate product creation.
- Championed a culture of innovation by consistently exploring new design methodologies.
- Visited with vendors and manufacturers on pricing and shipping windows.
- Researched and identified best-fit materials for new products.
- Traveled and setup at multiple wholesale markets across the U.S.
- Coordinated booth layout, setup, and tear down at National and International wholesale markets.
- Entered orders and worked in sales with multiple clients world wide.
- Gained insight on international factories and cross border shipment, trade and factory operations knowledge.
- Obtained operational insight on warehouse operations and office management and telemarketing skills.
- Designed cutting edge products in the western saddle and tack industry. Collaborating with team of designers and developers to produce new innovative inventory.
Retail Sales Associate
The Personal Touch
09.1998 - 01.2000
- Greeted customers and helped with product questions, selections, and purchases.
- Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
- Maintained clean sales floor and straightened and faced merchandise.
- Maintained a clean and organized store environment, enhancing the overall shopping experience for customers.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
- Checked pricing, scanned items, applied discounts, and printed receipts to ring up customers.
- Handled returns and exchanges professionally, resolving customer issues while adhering to company policies.
- Organized store merchandise racks and displays to promote and maintain visually appealing environments.
- Monitored sales floor and merchandise displays for presentable condition, taking corrective action such as restocking or reorganizing products.
- Managed cash register after end of shift to balance and record accurate transactions.
- Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
- Assisted in managing inventory levels, accurately processing shipments, and restocking merchandise as needed.
- Boosted customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and addressing concerns promptly.
- Offered each customer top-notch, personal service to boost sales and customer satisfaction.
- Processed transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems, minimizing wait times for customers at checkout.
- Developed strong relationships with repeat clients, leading to increased loyalty and return visits.
- Enhanced visual merchandising displays by arranging products strategically, attracting more customers to the store.
- Utilized upselling techniques to promote additional products and increase sales.
- Trained and supervised new employees to use selling strategies and apply best practices.
- Increased sales revenue through effective product recommendations tailored to individual customers.
- Assisted in planning and executing successful in-store events that drove foot traffic, increased sales, and enhanced brand loyalty among customers.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store sales, payment policies and security standards.
- Exquisitely boxed, wrapped, prepared purchased items for customer gifting with satisfactory feedback.
- Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.
Head Lifeguard
City Of Mason And Uvalde Junior College
06.1997 - 05.1998
- Learned and maintained proficiency in first responder skills such as First Aid and CPR to offer individuals in distress optimal support.
- Trained and managed team of lifeguards on pool safety and risk management protocols.
- Provided customer service and responded to inquiries and complaints for optimal guest satisfaction.
- Enhanced swimmer safety by enforcing pool rules and regulations consistently.
- Responded to life-threatening emergencies and provided first aid and CPR.
- Cooperated fully with manager to identify areas of concern and ascertain reliable methods for remediation.
- Performed pool tests, recorded results and adjusted chemical levels to reach appropriate measurements.
- Monitored assigned areas for unsafe activity and took corrective actions.
- Detailed safety rules and procedures regarding activities to customers and guests.
- Streamlined administrative tasks by implementing efficient record-keeping systems for attendance, incident reports, and maintenance logs.
- Encouraged teamwork, camaraderie among lifeguard staff organizing team-building events activities outside of work hours.
- Ensured optimal pool water quality by monitoring chemical levels and maintaining proper filtration systems.
- Conducted maintenance checks and repairs regularly on pool equipment to enhance safety.
- Entered water immediately to pull struggling swimmers to safety.
- Completed daily pool maintenance duties by checking chlorine levels, pH levels and other water chemistry.
- Observed recreational users to detect safety concerns and prevent ongoing violations.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness throughout the facility with diligent attention to detail during routine cleaning operations.
- Minimized risk of accidents with thorough daily inspections of pool equipment and surrounding areas.
- Optimized facility usage by coordinating scheduling for swim lessons, special events, and lifeguard rotations.
- Fostered an inclusive environment for swimmers of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, facilitating recreational opportunities that catered to diverse community needs.
- Promoted health-conscious behavior among patrons through educational materials on water safety, hygiene practices, and sun protection measures.
- Attentively monitored swimmers to identify distress.
Education
109 Combined College Hours General Studies
South West Texas College
Del Rio, TXAssociate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
South West Texas College
Uvalde, TX08.2013
Licensed Vocational Nursing - Nursing
South West Texas College
Del Rio, Tx 05.2013
Skills
- Case Management
- Expense Control
- Patient Safety
- Training and mentoring
- Employee Supervision/Staff Management
- HIPAA Guidelines
- Employee Recruitment and Hiring
- Patient Advocacy
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Patient Relations
- Process Implementation
- Data Analysis
- Health Information Systems
- Clinical Documentation
Accomplishments
- 2017 USAF Health Plan Management Team of the Year
- 2018 USAF Health Plan Management Team of the Year
- 2018 April through June Team of the Quarter
- 2018 October through December Team of the Quarter
- 2019 October through December Team of the Quarter
- 2021 USAF Health Plan Management Team of the Year
- 2022 October through December Team of the Quarter
- 2023 USAF Health Plan Management Team of the Year
- Two time Trusted Care Hero Sean L. Murphy Major General, USAF, MC, FS, Air Force Deputy Surgeon General
- Recaptured a "Great Catch" on BRCA Lab testing expenditure, saving 48, 000 dollars
- Spearheaded e-fax implementation logistically recapturing 3-4,000 dollars per month
- Implemented a CLR HUNTER tracking system adopted by military bases across the Air Force organizing and expediting clear and legible report retrieval
- Assisted organization and management of GENESIS software system discerned reports tracking electronic system upgrade
Timeline
LPN Cryotherapy Esthetician
Derma Laser MD Med Spa
02.2020 - 07.2020
Referral Management Nurse Contractor
Defense Health Agency
09.2017 - 04.2024
Clinical Nurse
Val Verde Regional Medical Center
09.2013 - 09.2017
Product Designer
Alamo Saddlery
01.2000 - 01.2011
Retail Sales Associate
The Personal Touch
09.1998 - 01.2000
Head Lifeguard
City Of Mason And Uvalde Junior College
06.1997 - 05.1998
109 Combined College Hours General Studies
South West Texas College
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
South West Texas College
Licensed Vocational Nursing - Nursing
South West Texas College