Clara Holifield
Pelahatchie,MS
Summary
Dedicated Registered Nurse with expertise in patient care, clinical judgment, and team coordination. Committed to enhancing patient outcomes and fostering effective communication within interdisciplinary teams. More than 18 years of nursing experience in long term care facility. Experience in PEG tube care, tracheostomy care, and wound care.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse
Hudspeth Regional Center
Whitfield, MS
06.2002 - 07.2026
- Worked as an Administrative Assistant for 3 years prior to nursing school.
- Ensured all evaluations from interdisciplinary team was completed and delivered to patient families.
- Oversaw employees time sheets were correct.
- Delivered high-quality patient care by assessing individual needs and implementing appropriate nursing interventions.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for residents.
- Monitored vital signs and recognized changes in patients' conditions, adjusting care as necessary.
- Educated interdisciplinary team and families about health management, fostering understanding and compliance with treatment plans.
- Communicated with the Nurse Practitioner and Doctor daily regarding patient care.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- 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.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
- 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.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- 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 patient's families in easy-to-understand terms.
- 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.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Supervised other LPN's and RN's during shift.
- Mentored junior nursing staff on best practices, enhancing team performance and patient outcomes.
- Advocated for patient rights and emotional well-being, ensuring a supportive care environment.
- Implemented infection control protocols, maintaining high standards of safety within the facility.
- 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.
After-School Teacher
Rankin County School District Frontiers
Flowood, MS
08.2001 - 05.2002
- Fostered a positive learning environment to encourage student participation.
- Coordinated after-school activities promoting teamwork and social skills.
- Observed and monitored children's play activities to promote healthy, safe environment.
- Organized and supervised games and recreational activities to promote physical, mental and social development in children.
- Prepared after-school enrichment activities for children to encourage student participation.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Hinds Community College
Raymond, Mississippi, MS05-2007
Associate of Arts - Social Work
Hinds Community College
Raymond, Mississippi, MS05-2003
Skills
- Medication and occasional IV administration
- Direct patient care
- Patient assessments
- Documentation and charting
- Strong clinical judgment
- Patient and family advocacy
- Infection control measures
- Wound care
- Compassion and empathy
- Patient monitoring
- Patient management
- Professional bedside manner
- Patient care planning
- Family education
- Licensed RN
- Taking vitals
- Nursing staff leadership
- Tracheostomy care
- Lab result interpretation
- Team coordination
- Proper catheter insertion/removal
- Intake and discharge
- Emergency response
- Maintaining privacy
- Relationship building
- Chart updating
- Vaccine administration
- Diabetes management
- Insulin medication assistance
- Chronic disease management
- Staff supervision
- Long-term care
Certification
- BLS certification
- TB certification
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Hudspeth Regional Center
06.2002 - 07.2026
After-School Teacher
Rankin County School District Frontiers
08.2001 - 05.2002
Associate of Science - Nursing
Hinds Community College
Associate of Arts - Social Work
Hinds Community College