Cathy Montgomery
OSWEGO
Summary
Dynamic nursing leader with extensive experience at the Association For Individual Development, excelling in compassionate care and quality improvement. Proven track record in staff development and clinical supervision, enhancing patient outcomes through evidence-based practices. Skilled in interdisciplinary collaboration and medication administration, fostering a culture of safety and excellence in healthcare delivery.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Nursing of Health Services
Association For Individual Development
04.2016 - 09.2025
- Provided supervision to 40 residential CILAS.
- Led nursing team along with dietary to improve patient care standards and outcomes.
- Streamlined documentation processes using electronic health record systems.
- Conducted performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to nurses.
- Ensured compliance with healthcare regulations and best practice protocols.
- Improved patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and protocols.
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
- Established and maintained effective communication with interdisciplinary team, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care. Collaborated with Psychiatrists and Nurse Practitioners during outpatient Psychiatric clinics.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees. Developed and implemented effective nursing scheduling to optimize nursing staffing levels.
Behavioral Health Registered Nurse
Association For Individual Development
08.2009 - 03.2016
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to ensure effective treatment outcomes.
- Conducted comprehensive behavioral assessments to identify patients' needs and tailor interventions accordingly.
- Educated patients and families on mental health conditions, treatment options, and community resources available.
- Engaged in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in psychiatric care and nursing standards.
- Increased patient satisfaction by establishing trust and rapport through compassionate listening and empathetic communication.
- Collaborated with psychiatrists to adjust medication regimens, optimizing therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing side effects. Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to develop personalized care plans for diverse client population.
- Provided crisis intervention and stabilization for acute behavioral health situations, ensuring patient safety and proper treatment implementation.
- Scheduled and supervised multiple Psychiatric outpatient clinics weekly for medication management
- Implemented and led weekly classes to individuals that attended day programming at the behavioral health outpatient center to provide insight to mental illness and promote wellness and medication compliance.
Registered Nurse/Nurse Trainer
Association For Individual Development
08.1999 - 08.2009
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to healthcare providers.
- Educated patients and families on health management and recovery strategies.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Remained calm during high-stress, critical situations, demonstrating sustained focus and problem-solving in real-time.
- Taught monthly medication classes and according to Rule 116 standards. Completed CBTA with authorized staff to be able to assist clients in medication administration.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Lombard, IL08-2015
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Waubonsee Junior College
Sugar Grove, IL06-1998
Skills
- Patient centered care
- Continuous improvement initiatives
- Clinical nursing expertise
- Integrity in professional conduct
- Employee training programs
- Supervisory experience in clinical settings
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Patient education and advocacy
- Coaching and mentoring staff
- Effective teamwork skills
- Skilled in safe medication delivery
- Meticulous attention to detail
Accomplishments
- Chaired Health & Wellness Committee to promote wellness for clients and staff.
- Monitored medication errors for the agency and implemented ways to decrease errors.
- Implemented and onboarded a new Pharmacy for 200 clients to be able to receive their medications.
- Organized Flu and Covid vaccine clinics for clients, staff, and family members.
- Organized monthly podiatry clinic for clients to receive diabetic foot care, and podiatry services.
- Supervision - Headed onboarding process for new nursing staff.
- Recipient of the. Extra Mile Award-nominated by colleagues and family members.
Certification
- Registered Professional Nurse, State of IL. License-041309209
- Registered Nurse-Nurse Trainer
- Adult and Child BLS CPR/AED -Certified American Heart Association
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Director of Nursing of Health Services
Association For Individual Development
04.2016 - 09.2025
Behavioral Health Registered Nurse
Association For Individual Development
08.2009 - 03.2016
Registered Nurse/Nurse Trainer
Association For Individual Development
08.1999 - 08.2009
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Waubonsee Junior College