Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
AWARDS / HONORS
Timeline
Generic

Claudia P. Walker - Lewis

Jacksonville,USA

Summary

Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive background in psychiatric and mental health services, delivering impactful patient care. Skilled in patient assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions, with strong focus on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Collaborative team player, adaptable to changing needs, and reliable in achieving results. Known for excellent communication, empathy, and critical thinking skills.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Tapestry Health
10.2000 - Current
  • Delivered comprehensive assessments and diagnosis of psychiatric conditions for diverse patient populations.
  • Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans to enhance patient mental health outcomes.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate patient care and support recovery initiatives.
  • Educated patients and families on mental health management strategies and medication adherence.
  • Conducted thorough psychiatric evaluations to accurately diagnose mental health conditions and inform appropriate treatment decisions.
  • Maintained comprehensive, accurate, and timely electronic health records to support ongoing assessment and treatment planning efforts.
  • Utilized telehealth technologies as necessary to provide remote consultations while ensuring adequate patient monitoring during periods of distance-based care.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices through continuous professional development opportunities and attending relevant conferences.

Registered Nurse

Rochester Psychiatric Center
08.2017 - 07.2020
  • Delivered high-quality nursing care to clients with behavioral health conditions, including geriatric and forensic populations.
  • Ensured continuous monitoring and safety of psychiatric patients during restraint and seclusion interventions.
  • Responded to psychiatric emergencies, utilizing verbal and nonverbal therapeutic de-escalation techniques.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized treatment plans.
  • Served as charge nurse in the absence of the unit manager, providing leadership and coordination of unit operations.
  • Administered medications and monitored vital signs for psychiatric patients.

Registered Nurse

Worldwide Travel Staffing Limited
01.2017 - 08.2017
  • Assessed patient mental health status through thorough evaluations and observations.
  • Developed and implemented individualized care plans based on patient needs and treatment goals.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate comprehensive psychiatric care for patients.
  • Monitored and documented patient progress, adjusting treatment strategies as needed for optimal outcomes.

Nurse Educator

Western State Hospital
06.2015 - 12.2016
  • Participated in the recruitment and onboarding of new employees.
  • Oriented new staff to hospital policies, procedures, and best practices.
  • Provided training on the electronic health record (EHR) and electronic medication administration systems.
  • Assisted in new equipment rollouts, including the training and support of designated super users.
  • Developed and delivered in-service education sessions to enhance clinical and professional competencies.
  • Taught American Heart Association (AHA) CPR certification courses to new employees.
  • Contributed to peer review initiatives, including the evaluation and revision of hospital policies.
  • Implemented staff education programs to promote ongoing learning and professional development.
  • Conducted performance evaluations for new employees and documented educational outcomes.
  • Served as a resource and mentor for international nursing staff, facilitating smooth integration into the hospital system.

Registered Nurse

Western State Hospital
05.2013 - 06.2015
  • Delivered high-quality nursing care to adult clients with behavioral health conditions, including geriatric and forensic populations.
  • Ensured continuous monitoring and safety of psychiatric patients during restraint and seclusion interventions.
  • Responded to psychiatric emergencies, utilizing verbal and nonverbal therapeutic de-escalation techniques.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized treatment plans.
  • Served as charge nurse in the absence of the unit manager, providing leadership and coordination of unit operations.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

St. Ann Health Department
08.2010 - 05.2013
  • Conducted comprehensive physical and mental health assessments and formulated diagnoses using DSM criteria.
  • Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans in collaboration with psychiatrists and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Ordered, reviewed, and interpreted diagnostic tests in accordance with clinical protocols.
  • Screened and referred patients with co-morbid medical conditions to appropriate healthcare providers.
  • Evaluated clinical outcomes and made recommendations for admission, discharge, and community referrals.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of evidence-based psychiatric practices through ongoing professional development.


Administrative & Educational Responsibilities

  • Provided clinical, educational, and administrative leadership within the Community Psychiatry Program.
  • Supervised and mentored BSN and MSN nursing students during psychiatric/mental health field placements.
  • Delegated and supervised staff activities, ensuring safe and effective delivery of care.
  • Contributed to quality assurance initiatives, program evaluations, and regional health planning.
  • Delivered presentations and educational sessions at nursing conferences, workshops, and community events.
  • Promoted quality, ethical, and cost-effective psychiatric care through continuous evaluation and improvement efforts.

Mental Health Officer

St. Ann Health Department
07.2006 - 08.2010
  • Delivered community-based psychiatric care.
  • Provided mental health assessments, counseling, and health education in clinics, infirmaries, and clients’ homes.
  • Conducted crisis interventions for clients and their families.
  • Performed home visits for initial assessments, ongoing monitoring of medications, and mental health status.
  • Planned and implemented psycho-educational and health promotion programs for clients, families, and communities to support health protection and disease prevention.

Registered Nurse

St. Ann’s Bay Regional General Hospital
01.2000 - 07.2006
  • Administered medications and monitored patient responses to ensure optimal care outcomes.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify patient needs and develop tailored care plans.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance treatment strategies for diverse patient populations.
  • Implemented evidence-based practices to improve patient safety and quality of care across units.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.

Education

Master of Science - Nursing, Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

SUNY Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, NY, USA
01.2020

Master of Science in Nursing, With Distinction - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

University of the West Indies
Mona, St Andrew, Jamaica
01.2010

Certificate - Psychiatric Nursing

Ministry of Health
Kingston, St Andrew, Jamaica
01.2004

Certificate - Venipuncture

Ministry of Health
Kingston, St Andrew, Jamaica
01.2003

Certificate - Nursing

Kingston School of Nursing
Kingston, St Andrew, Jamaica
01.1999

Skills

  • Psychiatric evaluation /Diagnostic assessment
  • Medication management/ Psychopharmacology expertise
  • Gradual dose reduction (GDR) and psychotropic stewardship
  • Results interpretation
  • Outpatient / Senior Nursing Facility mental health services
  • Clinical documentation
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration
  • Patient-centered care
  • Treatment Planning

Affiliations

  • Member, American Psychiatric Nurses Association

Certification

  • Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry (FL, NY, OH, IA,VA, MN)

AWARDS / HONORS

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), CUM LAUDE – SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2020
  • Master of Science in Mental Health/Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, with Distinction – University of the West Indies, 2010
  • Top Student Award, Psychiatric Nursing Program – Ministry of Health, 2004
  • Director’s Award for Professional Conduct – Kingston School of Nursing, 1999
  • Senior Tutors’ Award for Most Academic Credits – Kingston School of Nursing, 1999

Timeline

Registered Nurse

Rochester Psychiatric Center
08.2017 - 07.2020

Registered Nurse

Worldwide Travel Staffing Limited
01.2017 - 08.2017

Nurse Educator

Western State Hospital
06.2015 - 12.2016

Registered Nurse

Western State Hospital
05.2013 - 06.2015

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

St. Ann Health Department
08.2010 - 05.2013

Mental Health Officer

St. Ann Health Department
07.2006 - 08.2010

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Tapestry Health
10.2000 - Current

Registered Nurse

St. Ann’s Bay Regional General Hospital
01.2000 - 07.2006

Master of Science in Nursing, With Distinction - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

University of the West Indies

Certificate - Psychiatric Nursing

Ministry of Health

Certificate - Venipuncture

Ministry of Health

Certificate - Nursing

Kingston School of Nursing

Master of Science - Nursing, Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

SUNY Upstate Medical University
Claudia P. Walker - Lewis