Catherine Thompson-Allan
Wilmington,NC
Summary
Resourceful Behavioral Health Registered Nurse committed to providing excellent care to patients of all ages. Expertise in performing admission assessments and discharges and participating in crisis interventions. Kind and caring professional with eight years of experience monitoring treatment of patients diagnosed with disabilities, illnesses and distress.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Charge Nurse
Hospital Corporation Of America, HCA
2023.01 - Current
- Contributed to the ongoing development and evaluation of nursing policies, procedures, and best practices within the behavioral health unit.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of current nursing interventions and adjusted care plans as needed based on patient response or changes in condition.
- Developed strong therapeutic relationships with patients by actively listening and responding empathetically to their concerns and needs.
- Assessed patients for risk of self-harm or harm to others and implemented appropriate safety interventions in collaboration with the care team.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based practices in daily nursing care.
- Maintained detailed documentation of patient interactions, interventions, and outcomes in electronic medical records system.
- Collaborated with physicians to ensure accurate diagnosis, treatment, and proper medication administration for mental health clients.
- Served as an advocate for patients during treatment planning sessions with psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.
- Led psychoeducational groups focused on topics such as medication management, self-care strategies, stress reduction techniques, and relapse prevention skills development.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity while working with diverse populations experiencing a wide range of mental health issues.
- Mentored new nurses on best practices for managing complex behavioral health cases, increasing overall staff competency levels.
- Provided crisis intervention services as needed, utilizing de-escalation techniques and coordinating with emergency response teams when necessary.
- Enhanced patient care by providing comprehensive behavioral health assessments and creating tailored treatment plans.
- Educated patients and families about mental health, diagnoses and treatment options.
- Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Administered medication and treatments to patients to observe and record responses.
- Performed patient assessments to monitor expected response to medications and altering treatment plans.
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
- Monitored vital signs, nutritional intake and signs and symptoms of complications to report deviations to supervisor.
- Monitored primary care needs for patients to coordinate access to appropriate providers.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
Travel Registered Nurse
Aya Healthcare
2022.06 - 2022.12
- Demonstrated adaptability when assigned to different units or shifts as needed, seamlessly integrating into diverse healthcare teams while maintaining exceptional performance levels.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Prevented complications in critical situations by promptly recognizing symptoms and initiating appropriate interventions.
- Safeguarded patient privacy rights through diligent compliance with HIPAA regulations during all interactions with medical records and personal information.
- Coordinated psychiatric evaluations for travel assignments across different states, adhering to local regulations regarding licensure requirements and scope of practice limitations as necessary.
- Improved patient satisfaction scores by implementing personalized care plans and addressing unique needs in a culturally sensitive manner.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory standards, ensuring the delivery of high-quality behavioral healthcare services.
- Ensured the delivery of holistic care by addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients throughout their treatment journeys.
- Advocated for patient rights while maintaining professional boundaries during interactions between patients'' families, healthcare providers, and insurance companies.
- Provided crisis intervention support to patients experiencing severe mental health episodes, de-escalating situations safely and effectively.
- Facilitated continuity of care by effectively communicating with healthcare team members during shift handoffs.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to recognize early signs of patient deterioration, initiating appropriate interventions and notifying the healthcare team promptly.
- Developed rapport with patients and families, fostering trust while providing emotional support throughout treatment processes.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities such as conferences, webinars, and trainings to stay current with best practices in behavioral health nursing care.
- Promoted a safe and therapeutic environment through adherence to infection control protocols, medication administration, and timely documentation.
- Assisted physicians in diagnostic evaluations by collecting pertinent information and preparing patients for examinations or procedures.
- Managed complex caseloads involving multiple diagnoses while prioritizing time-sensitive tasks efficiently under pressure.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for improved patient outcomes and streamlined care processes.
- Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Educated patients and families about mental health, diagnoses and treatment options.
- Provided direct quality care to patients by monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
- Coordinated with medical and paramedical professionals to provide appropriate input and effectively formulate and implement treatment plans for patients.
- Acted as Charge Nurse when needed
Travel Registered Nurse
Aya Healthcare
2020.12 - 2022.05
- Worked in a float pool of a 260 bed psychiatric hospital
- Took care of patients throughout the life span through acute psychiatric hospitalizations and detox
- Supported facility needs by working flexible schedule and contributing to multiple units
- Assessed patients medically and if needed sent them to medical facilities for higher level of care
- Educated patients and family members on changing conditions and upcoming changes to treatments
- Assisted with smooth admissions and discharges, coordinating paperwork and seeing to patients' medical and personal needs
- Intervened in crisis situations, employing nursing standards and protocols to handle different issues
- Completed charting throughout shifts to avoid errors, incorrect times, or missing information
- Obtained licenses in multiple states for flexibility in nursing assignments
- Learned new hospital rules, procedures and processes quickly for optimal patient care delivery
- Helped coordinate transfer and discharge paperwork for patients leaving unit
- Expanded professional network and broadened nursing horizons through work in different healthcare systems nationwide
- Delivered evidence-based, cost-effective care to every patient based on extensive experience in psychiatric care
- Administered medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects to quickly intervene in serious issues
- Resolved or reduced patient symptoms with intramuscular, intravenous and oral medicines.
Registered Nurse
Indiana University Health
2020.01 - 2020.12
- Developed and implemented treatment plans for patients with various acute and chronic concerns
- Dressed, cleaned and redressed wound and incision areas
- Administered oral, IV and intramuscular medications as part of patient treatments
- Managed direct care of patients, conducted assessments and documented care activities
- Met post-surgical patient needs, monitored catheters and handled personal hygiene tasks
- Supported patient nutrition needs with assistive feeding and management of gastric tubes
- Monitored consistent use of aseptic techniques to protect against infection
- Educated patients on preventive care and lifestyle choices to improve overall health
- Trained and mentored student nurses, interns and new graduates in proper procedures and care techniques
- Stabilized patients experiencing emergency complications and decompensations
- Educated patients and caregivers on proper at-home care and treatment regimens
- Managed patient flows for the unit, handled admissions and processed discharge paperwork
- Administered oxygen and monitored respiratory performance and stability
- Recorded changes in patient conditions and laboratory test results
- Alleviated patient fears of treatments using kind, empathetic communication
- Resolved or reduced patient symptoms with intramuscular, intravenous and oral medicines
- Treated patients with mental health issues alongside a multidisciplinary team
- Controlled infection risks with careful care of wounds and thorough sanitizing techniques
- Prepared patients for and assisted with examinations, treatments and surgical procedures
- Administered medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects to quickly intervene in serious issues.
Registered Nurse
LewisGale Alleghany Regional Hospital
2016.08 - 2019.12
- Worked on a high acuity geriatric psych unit
- Managed direct care of patients, conducted assessments and documented care activities
- Developed and implemented treatment plans for patients with various acute and chronic concerns
- Administered oral and intramuscular medications as part of patient treatments
- Administered oxygen and monitored respiratory performance and stability
- Conducted accurate chart updates in the computer system
- Recorded changes in patient conditions and laboratory test results
- Supported patient nutrition needs with assistive feeding and ensured adequate nutritional intake with supplements as needed
- Alleviated patient fears of treatments using kind, empathetic communication
- Dressed, cleaned and redressed wound and incision areas
- Educated patients and caregivers on proper at-home care and treatment regimens
- Managed patient flows for the unit, handled admissions and processed discharge paperwork
- Contributed to team efficiency, optimal patient flow and accuracy in treatments by maintaining accurate and detailed reports and records
- Enhanced patient outcomes through careful monitoring of conditions and comprehensive support
- Controlled infection risks with careful care of wounds and thorough sanitizing techniques
- Delivered evidence-based, cost-effective care to every patient based on extensive experience in psychiatric care
- Treated patients with mental health issues alongside multidisciplinary team
- Administered medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects to quickly intervene in serious issues
- Acted as Charge Nurse from 2017-2019
- Verified legal paperwork in regards to involuntary commitments and court ordered medication orders
- Conducted group activities when needed
- Assisted case management and social work scheduling follow up care on discharge.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY12.2024
Associate Degree of Nursing: Nursing -
Dabney S. Lancaster Community College
05.2016
Skills
- Family education
- Patient assessment
- Analytical thinking
- Task prioritization
- Written communication
- Time management
- Therapeutic Communication
- Team Leadership
- Compassionate and Patient
- Calm and Composed
- Mentoring and Coaching
- Staff Supervision
Certification
BLS
CPI
Timeline
Charge Nurse
Hospital Corporation Of America, HCA
2023.01 - Current
Travel Registered Nurse
Aya Healthcare
2022.06 - 2022.12
Travel Registered Nurse
Aya Healthcare
2020.12 - 2022.05
Registered Nurse
Indiana University Health
2020.01 - 2020.12
Registered Nurse
LewisGale Alleghany Regional Hospital
2016.08 - 2019.12
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Louisville
Associate Degree of Nursing: Nursing -
Dabney S. Lancaster Community College
BLS
CPI
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