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
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
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
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
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 TimeWork Location
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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