Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Cheryl Thacker

Hickory,NC

Summary

Caring, hardworking and service-oriented Registered Nurse with more than 20 years of Labor and Delivery experience. Well-versed in offering evidence-based, therapeutic care for patients dealing with high risk and general labor and delivery. Collaborative and motivational leader with expertise in training new nursing staff while providing top-notch care to 8-22 patients. Knowledgeable Registered Nurse with over 20 years of experience in delivering comprehensive patient care. Advanced skill working with diverse patient populations. Demonstrated ability to foster relationships and coordinate with healthcare professionals to advance patient care.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery

Catawba Valley Medical Center
Hickory, NC
05.2021 - Current
  • Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
  • Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
  • Coordinated discharge planning activities including arranging follow up appointments or referrals for additional services.
  • Ensured compliance with regulatory agencies such as The Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
  • Counseled patients regarding medication side effects or lifestyle changes necessary for improved health outcomes.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in nursing practices by attending continuing education classes or seminars.
  • Ensured compliance with standards of professional practice as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services.
  • Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
  • Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans.
  • Developed educational materials for use in teaching sessions with patients or their families.
  • Assisted physicians during examinations or surgical procedures.
  • Performed triage assessments of walk-in patients in a clinic setting.
  • Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
  • Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives within the department.
  • Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
  • Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
  • Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
  • Instructed patients on proper self-care techniques at home following discharge from the hospital.
  • Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
  • Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate safe, clean patient environment.
  • Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
  • Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
  • Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
  • Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
  • Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
  • Acted as patient advocate and implemented total patient care through team nursing process.
  • Monitored and managed various treatment and care interventions.
  • Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
  • Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions, and provided home care strategies.
  • Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
  • Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
  • Managed staffing levels within the unit while ensuring optimal levels of patient care.

Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery

UNC Caldwell
Lenoir, NC
09.2014 - Current
  • Offered clinical leadership and oversight to an 8-bed acute care Labor and Delivery unit, and a 5-bed Med Surg unit, including daily scheduling, tasking, and administration.
  • Served as nursery nurse on shift per week.
  • Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions, and enhance the continuum of care to deliver comprehensive services.
  • Monitored and recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
  • Administered medications, tracked dosages and documented patient conditions.
  • Assisted patients with healing and recovery after surgery by closely monitoring and caring for wounds, answering questions and educating about continued care strategies.
  • Inserted and managed central, arterial and PICC lines.
  • Used facility EMR system to update patient records, transmit prescriptions and transfer files.
  • Maintained composure and efficiency during rapid response situation and emergency codes.
  • Advanced nursing competencies through participation in simulation exercises and practice improvement projects.
  • Treated patients using pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment modalities to address various disorders, diseases and injuries.
  • Cared for patients in recovery from medical procedures by caring for wounds, monitoring vitals and managing pain.
  • Conducted patient assessments and diagnostic tests to provide physician with important patient health information.

Registered Nurse

Duke Lifepoint Frye Regional
Hickory, NC
09.2018 - 03.2020
  • Monitored and recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
  • Administered medications, tracked dosages and documented patient conditions.
  • Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions and enhance continuum of care to deliver comprehensive services.
  • Admit, Preop, and Anesthesia recovery, and discharge of surgical patients.

Registered Nurse

Carolinas HealthCare System
Charlotte, NC
01.2001 - 09.2015
  • Monitored and recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
  • Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions and enhance continuum of care to deliver comprehensive services.
  • Administered medications, tracked dosages and documented patient conditions.
  • Acted as patient advocate and implemented total patient care through team nursing process covering 8 to 22 high acuity patients per shift.
  • Improved patient outcomes and quality of care by determining and suggesting changes to processes.
  • Oversaw nursing operations for staff of 23 in 28-bed facility, providing personnel with guidance and patients with high-quality care.
  • Met training objectives by instructing new and prospective nursing staff in clinical skills and organizational procedures.
  • Conducted post-op reviews, tracked patients' vitals and monitored fluids to reach optimal care targets.
  • Prepared for HIPAA and Joint Commission reviews, making required brochures and pamphlets available to patients in all clinics.
  • Oversee Triage unit
  • Assist residents and Private Physicians in care of patients
  • Performed blood and blood product transfusions and intravenous infusions to address patient symptoms or underlying causes.
  • Circulating nurse
  • Baby Nurse
  • Scrub Nurse

Education

Diploma of Nursing - Nursing

Mercy School Of Nursing
Charlotte, NC
12.2000

Registered Nurse First Assist Certification -

North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, NC
04.2012

Skills

High Risk Labor and Delivery

Scrub competent

Port access certified

PICC and Central Line

Wound care including wound vacs

IV's

Internal and external monitoring

Advanced EFM

Cerner

Epic

Obix

OB Traceview

Meditech

Neonatal and maternity specialist

Postpartum care

Nursery

Certification

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification current
  • CPR certified through American Heart Association
  • ACLS
  • Advanced EFM
  • Registered Nurse First Assist
  • NRP
  • CNOR
  • C-EFM

Timeline

Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery

Catawba Valley Medical Center
05.2021 - Current

Registered Nurse

Duke Lifepoint Frye Regional
09.2018 - 03.2020

Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery

UNC Caldwell
09.2014 - Current

Registered Nurse

Carolinas HealthCare System
01.2001 - 09.2015

Diploma of Nursing - Nursing

Mercy School Of Nursing

Registered Nurse First Assist Certification -

North Carolina A & T State University