Christy Helms
Columbia,Tennessee
Summary
Patient-oriented Nurse with more than 18 years of diverse experience in direct patient care, staff supervision,department operation as well as home health and travel experience. Skilled at multitasking and prioritizing patient needs and daily assignments. Offering expertise with ICU, ER, PACU and home health specialties just to name a few. A critical-thinker with the ability to administer care in a timely manner with a calm demeanor, carrying out physician orders with effectiveness and determination. Team player dedicated to workplace satisfaction and patient healing through caring and mentoring. I started my career in a Level 1 Burn and Trauma ICU and continued to build my education in areas of all ICUs as well as PACU and ER services. Hardworking and passionate with strong organizational skills eager to further my education to obtain my masters degree with a focus on Psychiatric-Mental health to become a Nurse Practitioner.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
PACU Registered Nurse
Vanderbilt Medical Center
05.2023 - Current
- Enhanced patient safety by diligently monitoring vital signs and administering medications postsurgery.
- Reduced recovery times through effective pain management and close collaboration with the surgical team.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care and maintaining open communication with patients and families.
- Ensured seamless transitions to inpatient units by preparing thorough documentation for handoffs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans, optimizing patient outcomes.
- Increased patient comfort during recovery by addressing anxiety and concerns about surgery results.
- Assisted surgeons in post-operative procedures, ensuring optimal wound healing and preventing complications.
- Promoted teamwork among nursing staff, fostering a supportive environment conducive to high-quality patient care.
- Mentored new PACU nurses, sharing best practices for efficient patient turnover and discharge processes.
- Maintained accurate records of medication administration, vital signs monitoring, and other critical data points for proper evaluation of patients'' progress during recovery.
- Prevented potential adverse reactions by carefully screening patients'' allergies before administering medications or performing interventions.
Travel Registered Nurse, ICU
ProLink Healthcare Norton Brownsboro Hospital
03.2022 - 06.2022
- Enhanced patient care in ICU by closely monitoring vital signs and administering appropriate treatments.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by providing thorough discharge instructions and follow-up care to patients.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
- Streamlined communication between medical professionals, ensuring timely updates on patient status and treatment plans.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during difficult situations, fostering a compassionate environment.
- Mentored new nursing staff on best practices in ICU care, promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Conducted thorough assessments of critically ill patients to develop individualized care plans that addressed their unique needs.
PACU/ER Travel RN
Prolink Healthcare Norton Brownsboro Hospital
03.2022 - 06.2022
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and individualized care during travel assignments.
- Enhanced team efficiency with effective communication and collaborative problem-solving for optimal patient outcomes.
- Maintained high-quality patient care standards by adhering to facility protocols, policies, and procedures.
- Increased patient safety through diligent monitoring of vital signs, administering medications accurately, and promptly addressing any concerns.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering strong relationships with fellow staff members and interdisciplinary teams.
- Expedited patient recovery by developing tailored care plans in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals.
- Promoted health education for patients and families, empowering them to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.
- Provided critical support during medical emergencies, implementing appropriate interventions to stabilize patients'' conditions.
ICU Travel RN
Prolink- Florida Medical Center
08.2021 - 11.2021
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and individualized care during travel assignments.
- Enhanced team efficiency with effective communication and collaborative problem-solving for optimal patient outcomes.
- Maintained high-quality patient care standards by adhering to facility protocols, policies, and procedures.
- Increased patient safety through diligent monitoring of vital signs, administering medications accurately, and promptly addressing any concerns.
- Expedited patient recovery by developing tailored care plans in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals.
- Adapted quickly to new environments, swiftly becoming familiar with facility-specific workflows and practices while maintaining a high level of performance.
- Efficiently managed caseloads at various locations, ensuring timely assessment and intervention for each assigned patient.
- Facilitated seamless transitions between shifts by delivering detailed handoffs that effectively communicated pertinent information related to each patient''s condition and ongoing treatment plan.
Float ICU PRN RN
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
07.2018 - 08.2021
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and implementing evidence-based practices.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Managed complex cases of critically ill patients, ensuring optimal treatment plans were executed effectively.
- Educated patients on disease management and self-care techniques, promoting lifestyle changes for improved health.
- Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
- Utilized advanced clinical skills such as wound care management or IV therapy administration, leading to faster recovery times for patients treated under my supervision.
- Managed patient caseloads effectively, ensuring timely interventions and thorough follow-ups to mitigate potential complications.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
ICU Travel RN
Banner Boswell Medical Center
01.2021 - 03.2021
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and individualized care during travel assignments.
- Enhanced team efficiency with effective communication and collaborative problem-solving for optimal patient outcomes.
ICU Travel RN
Banner University Medical Center South Campus
07.2020 - 09.2020
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and individualized care during travel assignments.
- Enhanced team efficiency with effective communication and collaborative problem-solving for optimal patient outcomes.
- Maintained high-quality patient care standards by adhering to facility protocols, policies, and procedures.
- Increased patient safety through diligent monitoring of vital signs, administering medications accurately, and promptly addressing any concerns.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering strong relationships with fellow staff members and interdisciplinary teams.
ICU Travel RN
Cookeville Regional Medical Center
07.2019 - 04.2020
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and individualized care during travel assignments.
- Enhanced team efficiency with effective communication and collaborative problem-solving for optimal patient outcomes.
- Maintained high-quality patient care standards by adhering to facility protocols, policies, and procedures.
- Increased patient safety through diligent monitoring of vital signs, administering medications accurately, and promptly addressing any concerns.
- Expedited patient recovery by developing tailored care plans in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals.
- Provided critical support during medical emergencies, implementing appropriate interventions to stabilize patients'' conditions.
- Facilitated seamless transitions between shifts by delivering detailed handoffs that effectively communicated pertinent information related to each patient''s condition and ongoing treatment plan.
- Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in adjusting to varying acuity levels within diverse units while maintaining consistent attention to detail.
ICU Travel RN
South Georgia Medical Center
04.2019 - 07.2019
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and individualized care during travel assignments.
- Enhanced team efficiency with effective communication and collaborative problem-solving for optimal patient outcomes.
- Maintained high-quality patient care standards by adhering to facility protocols, policies, and procedures.
- Increased patient safety through diligent monitoring of vital signs, administering medications accurately, and promptly addressing any concerns.
- Promoted health education for patients and families, empowering them to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.
- Collaborated closely with multidisciplinary teams for the coordination of specialized care for patients with complex medical conditions.
ICU Travel RN
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
12.2018 - 04.2019
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and individualized care during travel assignments.
- Enhanced team efficiency with effective communication and collaborative problem-solving for optimal patient outcomes.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering strong relationships with fellow staff members and interdisciplinary teams.
- Promoted health education for patients and families, empowering them to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.
- Facilitated seamless transitions between shifts by delivering detailed handoffs that effectively communicated pertinent information related to each patient''s condition and ongoing treatment plan.
- Upheld patient confidentiality while advocating for their rights and needs, ensuring all interactions were conducted ethically and with dignity.
- Delivered outstanding care to patients with various diagnoses and managed care from treatment initiation through to completion.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
ICU Travel RN
Rappahannock General Hospital
07.2018 - 11.2018
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and individualized care during travel assignments.
- Enhanced team efficiency with effective communication and collaborative problem-solving for optimal patient outcomes.
- Enhanced patient care in ICU by closely monitoring vital signs and administering appropriate treatments.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by providing thorough discharge instructions and follow-up care to patients.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
- Effectively prioritized interventions for multiple patients under high-stress conditions, maintaining optimal quality of care.
- Demonstrated strong clinical judgment and decision-making skills in rapidly changing situations, contributing to positive patient outcomes.
- Coordinated with physicians on complex cases to develop appropriate treatment strategies and ensure seamless continuity of care.
- Educated family members about their loved one''s condition, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding treatment options.
- Managed the administration of medication safely and accurately, reducing potential errors or adverse reactions among ICU patients.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all aspects of patient care as mandated by regulatory standards.
- Contributed towards efficient workflow within the ICU by effectively delegating tasks among team members as needed.
- Participated actively in performance improvement initiatives to optimize patient care processes and outcomes.
- Demonstrated adaptability in handling diverse patient populations and complex cases, showcasing versatility as a Travel Registered Nurse in the ICU setting.
- Delivered age-appropriate medical care for adult, adolescent, and geriatric ICU patients.
- 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.
ICU Registered Nurse
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
05.2004 - 07.2018
- Enhanced interdisciplinary communication by participating in daily rounds and collaborating with multidisciplinary medical teams.
- Promoted family-centered care, involving parents in the decision-making process and educating them about their infant''s condition.
- Managed complex cases, addressing needs of premature infants requiring ventilator support, IV therapy, and total parenteral nutrition.
- Mentored new nursing staff, fostering a supportive learning environment that contributed to improved team performance.
- Provided emotional support to families during difficult times, demonstrating empathy and understanding in high-stress situations.
- Utilized advanced assessment skills to identify subtle changes in patient conditions promptly initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Advocated for patients and families, ensuring their needs were met and concerns were addressed in a timely manner.
Education
Nursing- BSN -
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, Tennessee05.2004
Skills
- Time Management
- Autonomous
- Compassionate Care
- Excellent Communication skills
- Treatment Planning
- Documentation
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Multitasking Abilities
- Acute care expertise
Timeline
PACU Registered Nurse
Vanderbilt Medical Center
05.2023 - Current
Travel Registered Nurse, ICU
ProLink Healthcare Norton Brownsboro Hospital
03.2022 - 06.2022
PACU/ER Travel RN
Prolink Healthcare Norton Brownsboro Hospital
03.2022 - 06.2022
ICU Travel RN
Prolink- Florida Medical Center
08.2021 - 11.2021
ICU Travel RN
Banner Boswell Medical Center
01.2021 - 03.2021
ICU Travel RN
Banner University Medical Center South Campus
07.2020 - 09.2020
ICU Travel RN
Cookeville Regional Medical Center
07.2019 - 04.2020
ICU Travel RN
South Georgia Medical Center
04.2019 - 07.2019
ICU Travel RN
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
12.2018 - 04.2019
Float ICU PRN RN
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
07.2018 - 08.2021
ICU Travel RN
Rappahannock General Hospital
07.2018 - 11.2018
ICU Registered Nurse
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
05.2004 - 07.2018
Nursing- BSN -
Tennessee Technological University
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