Chris Walter
Gillette,WY
Summary
Quality-driven and patient-focused Registered Nurse with 15+ years of diverse experience in conducting thorough assessments, facilitating discharge planning, and training healthcare staff while possessing expertise in performing telephone triage and EMR charting. Proven ability in supporting patients with chronic diseases and ambulatory surgical patients. Adept at educating patients and families and handling multiple cases with in-depth knowledge of medical terminologies. Posseses a record of developing assessment tools, deploying quality improvement measures and classifying diagnostic procedures.
Overview
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pre and Post Operative Registered Nurse
Black Hills Surgery Center
Gillette, WY
08 2023 - 03 2024
- Enhanced patient comfort and safety by delivering comprehensive care to orthopedic surgical patients in pre- and post-anesthesia care units within ASC environment while supporting anesthesiologists in administering nerve blocks as ordered.
- Monitored vital signs and levels of consciousness with precision to confirm proper sedation recovery and ensure patients fully regained awareness without complications.
- Evaluated patient pain, nausea, respiratory status, and agitation in the recovery room, implementing targeted nursing interventions to effectively handle vulnerabilities and prioritize a smooth recovery process.
- Maintained follow-up communication with patients to track recovery progress and resolve any concerns.
- Audited and reviewed health care records, ensuring accuracy of documentation, compliance with healthcare regulations, and evaluation of patient testing/diagnostic studies to fit diagnoses.
PACU RN
Center for Surgical Excellence
Gillette, WY
09 2018 - 08 2023
- Assisted over 1,000 ambulatory surgical patients annually in the post-anesthesia care unit, providing specialized support for a safe and comfortable recovery after surgery.
- Educated patients and families, addressing questions and conveying crucial care information to foster understanding of treatment plans and enable informed decision-making.
- Improved patient care and nursing practices across various areas through the implementation of quality improvement projects and the PDSA cycle framework.
- Devised new documentation systems to streamline workflow and decrease staff’s time spent on charting and auditing.
Assisted Living Registered Nurse
Primrose Retirement Community, Assisted Living
Gillette, WY
09 2017 - 12 2019
- Provided comprehensive support to 50 assisted living patients with chronic illnesses while administering medications and treatments with consistent observation of patient responses.
- Audited healthcare records to verify documentation accuracy and compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Analyzed patient test results and diagnostic studies to accurately align findings with appropriate diagnoses, facilitating personalized treatment planning.
- Identified areas for improvement to train LPNs and CNAs on proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
Dermatology RN
Central Wyoming Skin Clinic
Gillette, WY
10 2015 - 09 2017
- Aided in precise diagnosis and treatment planning by assessing patient histories, complaints, and symptoms, effectively communicating findings to the physician.
- Performed dressing changes and suture removal to promote proper wound healing and provide quality patient care.
- Documented follow-up care, medication administration, treatments, and discharge instructions to maintain comprehensive healthcare records.
- Optimized inventory levels by monitoring and ordering the appropriate stock of medications and supplies.
Urgent Care RN
Campbell County Health Walk-In Clinic
Gillette, WY
06 2013 - 08 2015
- Determined the severity of injuries and illnesses by performing triage on incoming patients, as well as conducting telephone triage as required.
- Conducted telephone follow-ups with patients to monitor their care and response to treatment, and arranged necessary referrals to ensure continuity of care and effectiveness of healthcare services.
- Managed approximately 100 patients daily at the Walk-In Clinic, offering high-quality care and assistance.
Women's Health Care Registered Nurse
Revitalize, LLC
Gillette, WY
01 2012 - 05 2013
- Aided in precise diagnosis and treatment planning by assessing patient histories, complaints, and symptoms, effectively communicating findings to the physician.
- Obtained accurate sampling for diagnostic testing by collecting laboratory specimens, including blood draws and urinalysis, as well as nasal and throat swabs.
- Prioritized patient well-being by clearly explaining care plans and medication side effects in simple, easy-to-understand language.
- Encouraged proactive health management by providing preventive health advice on diet, smoking cessation, immunizations, annual exams, mammograms, and skin care.
Occupational Health RN
Coalition Family Health Care/Premise Health
Gillette, WY
09 2009 - 10 2011
- Supported physicians by assisting in procedures and treatments to address the diverse needs of patients.
- Collaborated with the healthcare team to develop, implement, and improve treatment strategies, promoting integrated patient care and support.
- Conducted occupational health care screenings, including EKGs and PFTs, following standard protocols while performing phlebotomy draws and other laboratory tests as ordered, maintaining precision in specimen collection.
- Improved patient well-being by offering advice on preventive health measures and wellness coaching.
RAI Coordinator
Pioneer Manor Nursing Home | MDS
Gillette WY
03 1999 - 09 2009
- Completed and coordinated the RAI process for 50 skilled care residents to sustain comprehensive assessments.
- Verified prompt and accurate completion of MDS activities for billing.
- Expedited quality assurance reviews to verify accuracy and reliability of data.
- Supervised weekly utilization review meetings to review recent clinical activities and follow up on outstanding clinical items within established timelines for optimal care delivery.
- Created a new assessment tool to improve documentation accuracy and data collection.
Wound Care RN
Pioneer Manor Nursing Home
Gillette WY
06 1997 - 03 1999
- Delivered specialized wound, ostomy, and continence care to patients in a skilled nursing facility, effectively managing vascular and diabetic ulcers, draining wounds and burns to promote optimal healing while preventing infection risk.
- Managed education and training to other staff members on wound care, monitoring, and treatments required.
- Devised a comprehensive treatment program, reducing facility-acquired wounds from 19% to 6% within 18 months.
Home Health Care RN
Pioneer Manor Home Health
Gillette WY
- Oversaw chronic disease management for approx. 40 geriatric home health patients to improve health outcomes.
- Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
- Incorporated therapeutic, rehabilitative and nursing goals into detailed, individualized care plans based on diagnoses.
- Empowered patients by educating them on the use and benefits of home equipment such as blood pressure cuffs and glucose meters.
- Trained, guided, supported, educated and supervised home health aide care providers.
- Delivered after-hours care to patients based on strict role-call rotations.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Northern Wyoming Community College
Skills
- Patient Monitoring & Assessment, Medication Administration, Discharge Planning
- Utilization Review & Management
- Staff Scheduling, Staff Training & Development
- Critical Thinking and Strong Clinical Judgement
- Patient Advocacy, Relationship Building and Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Technical Proficiency in EMR/EMH Systems: Meditech, SIS, Greenway, Vision
- Languages: English (Full Professional Proficiency)
Certification
BLS/ACLS/PALS Certification | American Heart Association
Timeline
Pre and Post Operative Registered Nurse
Black Hills Surgery Center
08 2023 - 03 2024
PACU RN
Center for Surgical Excellence
09 2018 - 08 2023
Assisted Living Registered Nurse
Primrose Retirement Community, Assisted Living
09 2017 - 12 2019
Dermatology RN
Central Wyoming Skin Clinic
10 2015 - 09 2017
Urgent Care RN
Campbell County Health Walk-In Clinic
06 2013 - 08 2015
Women's Health Care Registered Nurse
Revitalize, LLC
01 2012 - 05 2013
Occupational Health RN
Coalition Family Health Care/Premise Health
09 2009 - 10 2011
RAI Coordinator
Pioneer Manor Nursing Home | MDS
03 1999 - 09 2009
Wound Care RN
Pioneer Manor Nursing Home
06 1997 - 03 1999
Home Health Care RN
Pioneer Manor Home Health
Associate of Science - Nursing
Northern Wyoming Community College