Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Christopher Novak

Sioux Falls,SD

Summary

Experienced and detail-oriented RN with a strong background in clinical assessments, patient care management, and medical record review. Skilled in applying MCG (Milliman Care Guidelines) to evaluate medical necessity, ensure appropriate levels of care, and support utilization management and compliance initiatives. Proficient in analyzing clinical documentation for accuracy and quality while maintaining alignment with regulatory standards. Adept at using EMR systems to streamline workflows and enhance interdisciplinary communication. Known for critical thinking, professional integrity, and a collaborative approach to improving patient outcomes in both clinical and administrative settings.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Registered Nurse - Referral Coordination Team

Royal C. Johnson VA Medical Center
08.2022 - Current
  • Collaborated with medical staff to develop effective triage protocols, enhancing patient flow efficiency.
  • Obtained case history and gathered triage information to determine appropriate avenue for care.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by efficiently prioritizing and addressing urgent medical concerns in a timely manner.
  • Improved communication among healthcare team members by serving as a liaison between patients, physicians, and nursing staff.
  • Assisted with training new nursing staff on triage procedures, contributing to the overall growth of the team's competencies.
  • Utilized MCG to assist as a triage tool to determine clinical appropriateness of pending consults for specialty services.

Register Nurse Case Manager - SCI/TBI/Amputee

Royal C. Johnson VA Medical Center
10.2017 - 08.2022
  • Conducted comprehensive patient assessments to develop individualized care plans.
  • Coordinated interdisciplinary team meetings to optimize patient outcomes and streamline communication.
  • Managed complex cases, ensuring adherence to treatment protocols and regulatory compliance.
  • Educated patients and families on disease management, promoting self-care and health literacy.
  • Implemented quality improvement initiatives, enhancing care delivery processes across departments.
  • Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive care plans tailored to individual needs.
  • Reduced hospital readmission rates by closely monitoring patients' progress and promptly addressing potential complications.
  • Maintained meticulous documentation of all case management activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitating seamless transitions of care between providers.
  • Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.

RN Case Manager - Primary Care

Royal C. Johnson VA Medical Center
09.2015 - 10.2017
  • Coordinated patient care plans to ensure seamless transitions and continuity of services.
  • Assessed and monitored patient progress, adjusting care strategies as needed for optimal outcomes.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment protocols.
  • Educated patients and families on health management and available resources for community support.
  • Facilitated communication between healthcare providers, patients, and families for effective care coordination.
  • Implemented quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient satisfaction.

Registered Nurse, Emergency Department

Royal C. Johnson VA Medical Center
07.2012 - 09.2015
  • Led emergency response teams in high-pressure situations, ensuring optimal patient care and safety.
  • Provided critical assessments and interventions for diverse patient populations in trauma settings.
  • Implemented evidence-based practices to enhance clinical outcomes in the emergency department.
  • Streamlined triage processes, improving efficiency in patient flow and resource allocation.
  • Demonstrated strong clinical reasoning skills when assessing patients' conditions, initiating appropriate interventions, and escalating concerns to physicians as needed.
  • Acted as a resource for colleagues by sharing clinical expertise, participating in educational opportunities, and serving as a preceptor for new nurses joining the Emergency Department team.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.

Registered Nurse

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center
06.2003 - 07.2012
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Assisted physicians during invasive procedures such as central line insertions or intubations, ensuring safe and accurate completion of tasks.
  • Streamlined emergency room operations by efficiently triaging patients according to the severity of their condition.
  • Facilitated clear communication with patients, families, and colleagues, fostering a positive environment in a fast-paced setting.
  • Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds, and thoracic trauma.
  • Provided leadership to fellow nurses while fulfilling the role of charge nurse.

Education

Associate of Science - Nursing Science

Dakota Wesleyan University
Mitchell, SD
07-2002

Skills

  • Service coordination
  • Patient assessments
  • Evidence-based clinical reasoning
  • Documentation and charting
  • Strong clinical judgment
  • EMR / EHR
  • Care coordination
  • Discharge planning
  • Case evaluation
  • High level of autonomy
  • Time management

Timeline

Registered Nurse - Referral Coordination Team

Royal C. Johnson VA Medical Center
08.2022 - Current

Register Nurse Case Manager - SCI/TBI/Amputee

Royal C. Johnson VA Medical Center
10.2017 - 08.2022

RN Case Manager - Primary Care

Royal C. Johnson VA Medical Center
09.2015 - 10.2017

Registered Nurse, Emergency Department

Royal C. Johnson VA Medical Center
07.2012 - 09.2015

Registered Nurse

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center
06.2003 - 07.2012

Associate of Science - Nursing Science

Dakota Wesleyan University