Christina Wheelock
Cambridge,IL
Summary
With a proven track record at UnityPoint at Home, I excel in delivering compassionate patient care and advanced medication administration. My leadership in nursing, underscored by effective team coordination and a commitment to infection control, has significantly enhanced patient outcomes. Skilled in both clinical judgment and fostering patient and family advocacy, I bring a holistic approach to healthcare.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
UnityPoint at Home
Moline, IL
05.2021 - Current
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
- Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
- Implemented evidence-based fall prevention strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in patient falls within the unit.
- Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
- Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for complex cases.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse
Cambridge Ambulance Servic
Cambridge, IL
09.2018 - Current
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
Director of Nursing
Hope Creek Care Center
East Moline, IL
10.2017 - 05.2021
- Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
- Oversaw and approved recruitment, hiring and orientation of new nursing staff.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by staying current on industry standards and updating policies accordingly.
- Monitored and evaluated nursing staff performance, providing feedback and guidance to support standards of care.
- Built and maintained positive working relationships with physicians and staff to support seamless healthcare operations.
- Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents, and families.
- Streamlined nursing operations by optimizing staffing schedules, resource allocation, and workflow processes.
- Developed positive employee relations, incentives, and recognition programs to promote teamwork and mutual respect.
- Worked closely administration to develop and implement best practices to improve patient outcomes.
- Established and monitored infection control programs to provide safe, sanitary environment to prevent transmission of disease and infection.
- Facilitated continuing education and training programs to drive staff competency and professional development.
- Identified department issues to recommend corrective actions.
- Enhanced staff performance by conducting regular evaluations, providing constructive feedback, and offering tailored professional development opportunities.
- Promoted a culture of safety by enforcing compliance with infection control policies and procedures.
- Managed budgets effectively, identifying cost-saving measures while maintaining high-quality patient care standards.
- Led quality improvement projects aimed at enhancing clinical outcomes through data-driven analysis and targeted interventions.
- Conducted regular risk assessments within the department to identify areas of potential vulnerability and implement corrective actions where necessary.
- Increased patient satisfaction scores by fostering a compassionate and supportive environment within the nursing department.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
- Monitored and inspected staff processes to eliminate hazards posed for both residents and staff while ensuring continuous compliance with regulations.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
Assistant Director of Nursing
Toulon Nursing and Rehabilitation
Toulon, IL
10.2014 - 10.2017
- Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
- Collaborated with staff, management, and external groups to coordinate patient care.
- Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents, and families.
- Managed nursing schedules and budgets, streamlining processes for cost savings while maintaining high-quality patient care.
- Mentored new nurses in clinical practice and procedures, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Served as a role model for nursing staff by demonstrating exceptional clinical skills, ethical behavior, and commitment to continuous learning.
- Enhanced staff performance through regular training sessions and professional development opportunities.
- Coordinated with physicians on complex cases, ensuring seamless communication among healthcare professionals involved in patient care.
- Promoted a culture of teamwork by encouraging open communication among staff members and facilitating collaboration across departments.
- Optimized staffing levels to maintain an appropriate nurse-to-patient ratio, promoting quality of care without exceeding budget constraints.
- Evaluated staff performance regularly, providing feedback and guidance for improvement when necessary.
- Established and monitored infection control programs to provide safe, sanitary environment to prevent transmission of disease and infection.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing overall service delivery within the facility.
- Implemented infection control measures, reducing hospital-acquired infections significantly over time.
- Improved patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and protocols.
- Worked closely administration to develop and implement best practices to improve patient outcomes.
Education
MSN-FNP - Nursing
Bradley University
Peoria, IL05.2025
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ05-2016
Associate of Science - Nursing
Black Hawk College
Moline, IL05-2005
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Medication administration
- Direct patient care
- Patient assessments
- Documentation and charting
- Patient assessment
- Strong clinical judgment
- Patient education and counseling
- Clinical judgment
- Patient and family advocacy
- Infection control measures
- Patient care
- Wound care
- Compassion and empathy
- Patient monitoring
- Intravenous therapy
- Care planning
- Patient management
- Care plan development
- Professional bedside manner
- Physical assessments
- Patient evaluation
- Family education
- Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification
- Taking vitals
- Medication distribution
- Precepting
- Patient discharge
- Lab result interpretation
- Team coordination
- EMR systems
- Complex Problem-solving
- Proper catheter insertion/removal
- Maintaining privacy
- Relationship building
- Chart updating
- Vaccine administration
- Diabetes management
- Insulin medication assistance
- EMR / EHR
- High level of autonomy
- Chronic disease management
- Medical assessment
- ADL assistance
- Staff supervision
- Diabetes and nutrition education
- Home care
- Setting up referrals
Timeline
Registered Nurse
UnityPoint at Home
05.2021 - Current
Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse
Cambridge Ambulance Servic
09.2018 - Current
Director of Nursing
Hope Creek Care Center
10.2017 - 05.2021
Assistant Director of Nursing
Toulon Nursing and Rehabilitation
10.2014 - 10.2017
MSN-FNP - Nursing
Bradley University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Phoenix
Associate of Science - Nursing
Black Hawk College
Certification
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Cardiac Life Support (PALS)
- Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
Accomplishments
- Participated in infection control QUAPI improvement plans.
- Participated in improved wound management and implementation of improved monitoring of wounds in the home care setting, on wound committee.
- Spear-heading multiple fundraising events for the volunteer service.
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursWork Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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