Charon McElrath
Columbus,OH
Summary
Competent and caring Hemodialysis RN offering 20 years of experience in coordinating and carrying out patient-centered care in Acute and Chronic settings, as well as managerial leadership. Proactive leader with strength in communication and collaboration. Qualified at managing concurrent objectives to promote efficiency and influence positive outcomes.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Acute Hemodialysis Registered Nurse
Ohio State University Hospital
Columbus, OH
11.2022 - Current
- Assessed patient's condition before, during and after hemodialysis treatments.
- Monitored vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate and temperature.
- Provided education to patients about their renal disease and dialysis treatments.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient care services in the medical records system.
- Administered medications as prescribed by physicians.
- Performed venipuncture for access for hemodialysis treatment.
- Responded to emergency situations quickly and calmly according to established protocols.
- Determined appropriate solutions for complex clinical problems related to hemodialysis treatments.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Educated patients on self-care techniques, such as diet modifications and fluid restrictions.
- Prepared dialysate solution according to individualized needs of each patient.
- Operated dialysis machines safely and effectively while monitoring patient status throughout treatment process.
- Interpreted laboratory results and adjusted medication dosages accordingly.
- Managed acute changes in electrolyte levels due to illness or medication side effects.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable safety regulations and standards.
- Conducted regular quality assurance checks on equipment used during hemodialysis procedures.
- Engaged in research activities aimed at improving delivery of care for hemodialysis patients.
- Updated medical records with current vitals, behavioral observations and medication details.
- Documented patients' assessment results, interventions, medications, patient responses and treatment changes.
- Analyzed therapeutic interventions to monitor risk complications and contraindications.
- Provided multi-system care to critically-ill patients.
Clinic Manager
American Renal Associates
Columbus, OH
04.2021 - 10.2022
- Oversaw 12 assistants, technicians and office administrators.
- Created and maintained electronic record management (EMR) systems to store data and develop
- Implemented policy changes and communicated information and procedures through organizational staff meetings.
- Managed recruitment, hiring and training of staff on areas such as regulatory requirements and diagnostic guidelines.
- Mentored and coached interns and newly hired team members on office procedures and computer systems.
- Coordinated and organized patient records for maximum efficiency.
- Complied with OSHA and HIPAA regulations.
- Employed active listening and interpersonal talents to effectively interact with various individuals, including physicians, patients and fellow employees.
- Supervised day-to-day operations of facility, complying with strict corporate policies and guidelines.
- Oversaw the billing procedures at the facility level to insure that all financial aspects of the facility operations are sound. Such as admissions, accounts receivable, payable and purchase orders.
- Implements and ensures compliance with ARA policies and procedures and develops unit specific policies and procedures.
- Participates in recruiting, hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary procedures, employees relations and maintaining and monitoring of employee health files.
- Ensure that documentation on medical records is complete and in compliance with State and Federal Regulations.
- Maintain a positive relationship with hospitals, agencies and the local community.
- Responsible for submission of data in CROWNWeb and NHSN.
- Worked closely with the Medical Director to ensure the best quality of care for all dialysis patients in accordance with the policies and procedures of the facility. Attended care plan meetings, performed record audits, in-services and training.
Dialysis Charge RN
American Renal Associates
Columbus, OH
01.2016 - 04.2021
- Initiated and documented ongoing quality assurance activities to improve patient care and safety.
- Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact and evaluate patient care plans.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Offered clinical leadership and oversight to 70 patients in an outpatient clinic, including daily scheduling, tasking and administration.
- Meets regularly with clinic manager to discuss staff and patient issues regarding shift operations.
- Responsible monthly for tracking Hgb with Anemia Management. Assisting Physician with monthly Progress Reports, As well as Nursing progress reports, checking billing, Pain Assessment, Patient Education.
- Delivered quality patient care from admission to discharge through direct supervision of all nursing and ancillary staff.
- Coordinated care with physicians an other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions and enhance continuum care to deliver comprehensive services.
- Developed and maintained quality care systems and standard, including improving medical protocols and guidelines.
- Maintained infection control logs, streamlined charting process, and improved patient outcomes through training and leadership.
Dialysis Staff RN
American Renal Associates
Columbus, OH
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Administered scheduled medications and therapies intravenously, rectally, orally, subcutaneously and via intramuscular injections while overseeing pain management plans.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Counseled patients and caregivers, providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support.
- Immunized patients against influenza and pneumonia to protect vulnerable populations from serious illnesses.
- Participated in continuing education programs and workshops to enhance training and nursing knowledge.
- Reached out to patients to convey lab results and provide care instructions.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, and standards of care.
- Developed and adapted individualized treatment plans according to patient recovery goals.
- Used facility EMR system to update patient records, transmit prescriptions and transfer files.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
Acute Dialysis RN
American Renal Associates
Columbus, OH
03.2008 - 01.2012
- Participated in discussions with physicians to inform of significant patient health changes.
- Learned through hands-on experience about proper renal functions, various types of renal diseases and dialytic treatment.
- Collected and analyzed patient data before, during and after treatments and documented all information in patient medical records.
- Monitored patient status during treatment and reported variances and adverse reactions to care teams.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Evaluated and adjusted life support equipment, tubing and peripheral devices providing critical assistance to fragile patients.
- Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions and enhance continuum of care to deliver comprehensive services.
- Delivered quality care and comfort to patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and end-stage renal disease.
- Offered clinical leadership and oversight to 3-6 bed acute care medical-surgical unit, including daily scheduling, tasking and administration.
Clinical Nurse - Retired Major
Ohio Air National Guard
Columbus, OH
06.1990 - 12.2011
Education
PMHNP
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, OH05-2027
MHA -Masters Health Administration
Franklin University
Columbus, OH05.2018
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Mount Carmel College Of Nursing
Columbus, OH08.1996
Skills
- Time Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Decision-Making
- Critical Thinking
- Customer Service
- People Skills
- Flexible and Reliable
- Working Collaboratively
- Detail Oriented
- Proficient in Microsoft Word Applications
Timeline
Acute Hemodialysis Registered Nurse
Ohio State University Hospital
11.2022 - Current
Clinic Manager
American Renal Associates
04.2021 - 10.2022
Dialysis Charge RN
American Renal Associates
01.2016 - 04.2021
Dialysis Staff RN
American Renal Associates
01.2012 - 01.2016
Acute Dialysis RN
American Renal Associates
03.2008 - 01.2012
Clinical Nurse - Retired Major
Ohio Air National Guard
06.1990 - 12.2011
MHA -Masters Health Administration
Franklin University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Mount Carmel College Of Nursing
PMHNP
The Ohio State University