Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Cheryl Ruggles

Wheelersburg,OH

Summary

Organized and knowledgeable Registered Nurse with 30 plus years of experience delivering high-quality nursing care to patients. Successful in providing fast and accurate assessments and working calmly under pressure. Recognized for collaborating well with physicians and other health care disciplines within the Acute, Long-term, Home, and Outpatient Care settings. Committed to patient education and advocacy. Quality-driven, with strong interpersonal skills

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Nurse Skilled Nursing Unit

Best Care Health and Rehab
Wheelersburg, OH
10.2023 - Current
  • Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
  • Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
  • Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
  • Ensured compliance with standards of professional practice as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services.
  • Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
  • Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
  • Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
  • Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate safe, clean patient environment.
  • Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
  • Acted as patient advocate and implemented total patient care through team nursing process.
  • Collaborated with doctors to plan post-treatment home care and prevent return hospitalization.

Registered Nurse Skilled Nursing Unit

Portsmouth Health And Rehab
Portsmouth, OH
04.2023 - Current
  • Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
  • Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
  • Ensured compliance with standards of professional practice as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services.
  • Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
  • Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
  • Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results
  • Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate safe, clean patient environment.
  • Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
  • Counseled patients regarding medication side effects or lifestyle changes necessary for improved health outcomes.
  • Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
  • Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.

Assistant Director of Nursing

Concord Healthcare & Rehab Center
Wheelersburg, OH
09.2022 - 03.2023
  • Assessed competency of clinical staff to promote quality, continuity and safety.
  • Provided leadership support during times of crisis or emergency situations.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to promote patient safety and quality care outcomes.
  • Communicated effectively with staff members, colleagues and other healthcare providers.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop best practices for patient care delivery.
  • Coordinated the planning, implementation, evaluation, and documentation of nursing care plans.
  • Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to coordinate optimal care for each patient.
  • Maintained detailed records of all diagnoses, treatments, medications, test results and other information related to patient care/
  • Kept patient information confidential and respected patients' rights to privacy according to HIPAA requirements.
  • Conducted regular rounds at hospitals or nursing homes to monitor the progress of patients under their care.
  • Performed weekly rounds with facility Medical Director. Followed up on changes in status, new orders, referrals. Providing education to patients, family members, and facility staff as warranted. Documented information in accordance with facility, state, and federal guidelines.
  • Performed weekly rounds with facility Wound Care Practitioner. Assisted with treatments, measurements, new orders, and documentation. Maintained weekly records on all facility wounds. Submitted weekly report to corporate wound care nurse in accordance with facility, state, and federal guidelines.
  • Responsible for follow up on pharmacy requisitions. Communications with ordering practitioners regarding pharmacy recommendations and compliance within guidelines of facility, state, and federal enities.

Registered Nurse

Concord Healthcare & Rehab Center
Wheelersburg, OH
03.2020 - 09.2022
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
  • Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
  • Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
  • Administered medications and treatments according to physician orders.
  • Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
  • Acted as patient advocate and implemented total patient care through team nursing process.
  • Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
  • Counseled patients regarding medication side effects or lifestyle changes necessary for improved health outcomes.
  • Counseled patients and caregivers, providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support.
  • Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
  • Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.

Hospice Registered Nurse Case Manager

Community Hospice and Pallative Care
Ashland, KY
07.2017 - 03.2020
  • Coordinated with interdisciplinary team members to ensure quality care for all patients.
  • Conducted regular visits with assigned patients in their home setting or at long-term care facilities to assess health status changes.
  • Created and applied tailored care plans that would meet each patient's individualized needs.
  • Ensured timely completion of all required documentation including admission paperwork, discharge summaries.
  • Provided patient and family education regarding disease process, symptom management, end-of-life issues, and available resources.
  • Guided patients' loved ones and caregivers in pain management, wound care and medication dosing.
  • Provided emotional support to families during difficult times through active listening skills.
  • Assessed patients' physical and psychological needs, developed individualized care plans, and monitored progress in meeting goals.
  • Maintained accurate records of patient assessments, treatments, medications, and other relevant information within the electronic medical record system.
  • Attended weekly case conferences to review current cases and develop treatment plans for new admissions.
  • Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
  • Acted as a liaison between the patient, family members and hospice staff, physicians regarding treatment options or prognosis updates.
  • Facilitated referrals for additional services such as social work counseling or spiritual care when necessary.

Cardiac Stepdown Registered Nurse

Southern Ohio Medical Center
Portsmouth, OH
02.2017 - 07.2017
  • Collaborated with physicians to develop individualized plans of care that met patients' needs.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary rounds on assigned unit.
  • Provided continuous monitoring of patient's vital signs and cardiac rhythms.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of cardiac pathophysiology through competent performance of nursing skills related to cardiovascular assessments and interventions.
  • Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
  • Implemented appropriate pain management strategies based on individual patient needs.
  • Maintained a safe environment for all patients by implementing infection control measures in accordance with hospital policy guidelines.
  • Recognized early signs and symptoms of possible complications related to cardiac conditions or treatments and reported them immediately to physician team members.
  • Assessed, monitored, and documented patients' progress in the medical record.
  • Educated patients about their condition and disease process and post-discharge care instructions.
  • Promoted continuity of care by accurately communicating pertinent information between shifts or departments.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Nursing

University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College
Rio Grande, OH
08-2016

Associate of Applied Science - Health Technology

Ohio University Southern
Ironton, OH
05-2014

Certificate of Completion - Licensed Practical Nursing

Columbus School of Practical Nursing
Columbus, OH
02-1992

Skills

  • Nursing Staff Leadership
  • Staff Supervision
  • Geriatric Treatment Knowledge
  • Long-Term Care
  • Hospice Care
  • Palliative and Pain Management
  • Direct Patient Care
  • Case Management
  • Chronic Disease Management
  • Wound Care
  • Diabetes Management
  • Strong Medical Ethic

Languages

English
Professional

Certification

  • RN.435699
  • Multi-State Licensure

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Registered Nurse Skilled Nursing Unit

Best Care Health and Rehab
10.2023 - Current

Registered Nurse Skilled Nursing Unit

Portsmouth Health And Rehab
04.2023 - Current

Assistant Director of Nursing

Concord Healthcare & Rehab Center
09.2022 - 03.2023

Registered Nurse

Concord Healthcare & Rehab Center
03.2020 - 09.2022

Hospice Registered Nurse Case Manager

Community Hospice and Pallative Care
07.2017 - 03.2020

Cardiac Stepdown Registered Nurse

Southern Ohio Medical Center
02.2017 - 07.2017

Associate of Applied Science - Nursing

University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College

Associate of Applied Science - Health Technology

Ohio University Southern

Certificate of Completion - Licensed Practical Nursing

Columbus School of Practical Nursing
  • RN.435699
  • Multi-State Licensure
Cheryl Ruggles