Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
RegisteredNurse

Christine Smith

Hermitage,PA

Summary

Compassionate Registered Nurse with over 20 years of experience in offering comprehensive patient care in Critical care, Intermediate car e, Telemetry and Medical/ Surgical environments. Work well with diverse patient population and foster trusting relationships to improve outcomes. Efficiently coordinate with healthcare professionals to advance patient care.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Nurse

Sharon Refional Medical Center
Sharon, PA
05.2020 - Current
  • Partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, nutritionists and case managers to develop and implement individualized care plans and documented all patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems.
  • Started intravenous fluids, administered medications and documented patient charts by recording food and fluid output and intake.
  • Managed caseload of 8 patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy and wound care
  • Educated patients and families on medical-surgical procedures, therapeutic regimens and pain management techniques.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
  • Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, including treatment, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions and follow-up care.
  • Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
  • Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
  • Delivered outstanding care to patients with various diagnoses and managed care from treatment initiation through to completion.
  • Informed patients and families of effective treatment options and at-home care strategies, enhancing long-term outcomes.
  • Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.

Critical Care Registered Nurse

UPMC Horizion
Farrell, PA
12.2009 - 01.2020
  • Guided and educated patients and caregivers on diagnoses, disease management, preventative measures, medication use and self-care to foster consistency in care administration
  • Oversaw various aspects of telemetry by monitoring PA catheters and arterial, vasoactive drugs, titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation and chest tubes
  • Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery
  • Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements
  • Assessed and managed various patient treatments for numerous patient diagnoses from sepsis to acute respiratory distress
  • Performed patient treatment according to urgency of condition while multitasking and delegating treatment needs to qualified staff to ensure effective and safe care to promote better outcomes
  • Delivered outstanding patient care in a 6 bed critical care unit
  • Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, treatments, medications, discharge instructions, and follow-up care
  • Cooperated and communicated effectively with physicians to ensure client satisfaction and compliance with set standards
  • Confirmed accurate completion of forms and reports for admission, transfer and/or discharge of each resident
  • Evaluated patient care needs, prioritized treatment, and maintained patient flow
  • Diagnosed and treated patients with chronic and acute health problems such as MI, arrhythmia's, asthma, COPD and pneumonia
  • Certified that equipment and supplies were properly maintained for quality patient care and safety
  • Participated in facility surveys and inspections made by authorized governmental agencies
  • Managed care for post-operative patients from initial recovery through discharge
  • Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing
  • Facilitated on-going assessment of patient and family needs and implementation of interdisciplinary team care plan
  • Strengthened unit care standards and policies with focus on patient safety and dignity
  • Built rapport with patients and family members to deliver exceptional care
  • Addressed issues with multiple organ systems in patients with critical illnesses
  • Used procedures such as intubation, central lines and chest tubes to address critical symptoms and prevent further decay in patient conditions
  • Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom re-occurrence
  • Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale

Correctional Nurse Administrator

Mercer County Prison
Mercer, PA
10.2005 - 09.2009
  • Assessed prisoners suffering injuries through falls, stabbings or other means and stabilized each prior to transport to nearest medical facility
  • Identified issues related to mental health conditions and recommended specific therapies for patients
  • Developed and coordinated patient care plans for prisoners with COPD, diabetes or other chronic conditions
  • Reached out to patients to convey lab results and provide care instructions
  • Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehensible terminology
  • Participated in continuing education programs and Blood Borne Pathogen workshops to enhance training and nursing knowledge
  • Administered oral, intramuscular and IV medications to patients and monitored responses
  • Ensured quality patient care from admission to discharge through direct supervision of all nursing and ancillary staff
  • Conducted patient assessments and diagnostic tests to provide physician with important patient health information used to create focused treatment plans and manage ongoing care
  • Maintained staff safety during prisoner treatments by observing all security procedures and regulations
  • Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions
  • Immunized patients against diseases such as influenza and pneumonia to protect vulnerable populations from serious illnesses
  • Treated patients using pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment modalities to address various disorders, diseases and injuries

Education

Associate of Science - Nursing

Mercy College of Ohio
Toledo, OH
05.2017

Diploma - Practical Nursing

Mercer County Career Center
Mercer, PA
07.2004

Skills

  • Analytical thinking
  • Critical care
  • Precepting
  • Patient and family advocacy
  • Patient-focused care
  • Strong clinical judgment

Certification

  • PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
  • Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania, License number RN700587
  • Critical Care Certified
  • NIHSS Certification

Timeline

Registered Nurse

Sharon Refional Medical Center
05.2020 - Current

Critical Care Registered Nurse

UPMC Horizion
12.2009 - 01.2020

Correctional Nurse Administrator

Mercer County Prison
10.2005 - 09.2009

Associate of Science - Nursing

Mercy College of Ohio

Diploma - Practical Nursing

Mercer County Career Center
Christine Smith