Cheryl Hightower
Fort Worth,TX
Summary
Well-qualified nurse with full Texas credentials and extensive experience. Passionate about delivering compassionate patient care with respect to individual patient needs. Open and clear communicator with analytical problem-solving abilities and advanced clinical expertise. Observant Medical Surgical Registered Nurse offering 18-years background preparing and administering medications, providing bedside care and monitoring patient condition. Kind and compassionate professional with expertise in performing diagnostic procedures, and patient centered care.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
School Nurse
FWISD
Fort Worth, TX
08.2017 - 06.2022
- Oversaw health services for school of 1300 students and faculty.
- Performed health screening for students and faculty by conducting hearing and vision evaluations.
- Participated in development of school safety plans to address areas of concern.
- Provided medical consultations to other school personnel to promote well-coordinated school health and safety efforts.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
Staff Nurse
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center
Fort Worth, TX
08.2016 - 03.2018
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring and specimen collection.
- Directed patient care by initiating and following through with plan of care, continuing care and discharge instructions.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic and cognitive status of patients.
- Identified patient care requirements by establishing personal rapport with patients and families.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
- Managed elements of patient care from admission to discharge or transfer to other units.
- Gathered patient health data through interviews and observation, documenting data in electronic records.
- Assessed medical status of patients pre- and post-operation by checking vital parameters and supervising food intake.
- Identified learning needs of patients and families and responded with advocacy and health education.
- Worked within interdisciplinary health care team to develop, implement and make adjustments to patient care plans, individualizing strategies and methods to improve health and meet recovery goals.
Staff Registered Nurse
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital
Fort Worth, TX
04.2006 - 03.2015
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Effectively prioritized assignments, executing care based on each patient's relative condition and delegating tasks to available personnel deliver safe and efficient care.
- Worked within interdisciplinary health care team to develop, implement and make adjustments to patient care plans, individualizing strategies and methods to improve health and meet recovery goals.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Verified patients had information necessary for ongoing care, providing guidance on diagnoses, management of medications and prevention methods.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
The University of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TX05.2013
Associate of Science - Nursing
Tarrant County College District
Fort Worth, TX12.2003
Skills
- Medication Administration
- Lice Control Procedures
- Blood Draw and Sample Collection
- Patient Health Information Access
- Acute Illness Recognition
- Treatment Preparation
Timeline
School Nurse
FWISD
08.2017 - 06.2022
Staff Nurse
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center
08.2016 - 03.2018
Staff Registered Nurse
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital
04.2006 - 03.2015
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
The University of Texas At Arlington
Associate of Science - Nursing
Tarrant County College District