Colleen Clayton
Mt. Vernon,IL
Summary
Dynamic Registered Nurse with extensive experience at White Oak Healthcare And Rehabilitation Center, showcasing expertise in medication and IV administration and exceptional patient advocacy. Proven track record in improving patient outcomes through evidence-based care and comprehensive patient education. Skilled in leading nursing teams and adept at critical problem-solving, ensuring high-quality, compassionate care across diverse healthcare settings. Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with progressive career history in direct patient care, triage and care coordination in fast-paced environment. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
White Oak Healthcare And Rehabilitation Center
Mt Vernnon , IL
2021.11 - 2024.05
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- 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.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Set schedules for staff to start and complete MDS assessments and care plan meetings.
- Ensured timely completion of all MDS assessments, maintaining full compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on CMS guidelines and changes to ensure accuracy in reporting and reimbursement processes.
- Collaborated closely with therapy departments to accurately capture rehabilitation needs within MDS documentation, supporting appropriate resource allocation for residents'' needs.
- Assessed electronic medical record for required documentation to support MDS coding.
- Collaborated with nursing staff to provide accurate and timely clinical assessments for each resident, leading to improved overall care.
- Enhanced patient care quality by implementing comprehensive MDS assessments and care plans.
- Verified prompt and accurate completion of MDS activities for billing.
- Provided ongoing education for nursing staff regarding MDS best practices, contributing to a knowledgeable and skilled workforce.
- Monitored changing regulations related to RAI/MDS requirements, keeping staff informed about updates that impact their daily work routines.
- Completed minimum data set assessments with strong collaboration across business, provider and clinical disciplines.
- Implemented interdisciplinary meetings focused on individualized care plan development, resulting in more targeted interventions and improved resident outcomes.
- Developed a comprehensive system for tracking MDS completion deadlines, ensuring timely submissions and minimizing the risk of financial penalties.
- Established regular review processes to evaluate the accuracy and completeness of MDS records, leading to proactive identification of potential issues before they escalate.
- Reduced errors in data collection by streamlining the MDS process and improving communication among interdisciplinary teams.
- Led weekly utilization review to go over recent clinical activities.
- Conducted audits of current MDS records to identify discrepancies and improve record accuracy, enhancing reimbursement rates for the facility.
- Provided guidance to nursing staff on accurate completion of Section GG assessments, enhancing overall documentation quality and supporting appropriate Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement rates.
- Complied with federal and state regulations for completion and coordination of RAI process.
- Trained staff in correct techniques for completing and signing MDS assessments.
- Supported facility-wide initiatives aimed at reducing hospital readmissions by closely monitoring MDS data for trends and potential areas of concern.
- Identified areas of improvement in the facility''s quality measures through thorough analysis of MDS data, resulting in targeted interventions and better outcomes for residents.
- Improved communication between departments by establishing clear protocols regarding assessment timelines, leading to more efficient care planning processes.
- Reviewed missing assessment reports and analyzed issues for leadership team.
- Followed up on outstanding clinical items within established timelines for optimal care delivery.
- Completed assessments for residents admitted under assessments requiring [Number] day books.
- Participated in quality assurance reviews to verify accuracy and reliability of data.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
- Reduced hospital readmissions through effective discharge planning, patient education, and follow-up care coordination.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
Registered Nurse: ADON, MDSC Coordinator
Petersen Healthcare: Mt Vernon Healthcare Center
Mt Vernon , IL
2019.10 - 2021.10
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- 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.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- 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.
- 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.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- 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.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and other conditions.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
- Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
- Implemented evidence-based fall prevention strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in patient falls within the unit.
- Oversaw delivery of care for patients on medical-surgical unit, providing direct care, delegating nursing assignments and supervising team comprised of nurses, LPNs, technicians, and unit clerks.
- Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
- Managed quality care for patients with heart failure, end-stage renal disease and coronary artery disease.
- Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- 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.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Crossroads Community Hospital
Mt Vernon , IL
2018.11 - 2019.03
- Evaluated patient progress and adjusted care plans accordingly, ensuring continuity of care across all healthcare settings.
- Provided education and support to patients and families, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure appropriate resource utilization for complex cases.
- Improved patient outcomes by consistently providing comprehensive assessments and developing tailored care plans.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary team communication through regular case conferences, promoting effective collaboration for optimal patient care.
- Responded promptly and professionally to patient questions and concerns.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on refining case management skills in alignment with industry bestpractices.
- Participated in patient and family planning process, as well as provided instructions and addressed question and concerns.
- Conducted regular re-evaluations to address changes in needs and conditions, introducing revisions to care plans.
- Completed initial assessments of patients and family to determine and address individual home care needs. ·
- Developed professional relationships with community partners to enhance available support services for patients transitioning from acute care settings.
- Provided timely feedback to healthcare providers regarding patient concerns, facilitating prompt resolution of issues and contributing to a positive patient experience.
- Worked with suppliers and vendors on provision of medical equipment, items and services.
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery
Jupiter Medical Center
Jupiter , FL
2013.05 - 2017.04
- Provided emotional support and guidance to new mothers and families during labor, delivery and postpartum.
- Responded to emergency situations such as pre-eclampsia, early labor, and fetal distress.
- Assisted physician during delivery, examination and surgical procedures by anticipating needs, encouraging patient, and attending to baby after birth.
- Supported physicians in both planned and emergency Cesarean section procedures.
- Assessed infant health directly after birth using APGAR and monitored health for specified amount of time for any changes in status.
- Managed epidural analgesia infusions and monitored vital signs during labor and delivery.
- Coached new mothers with breastfeeding techniques, postpartum self-care and infant care to promote easier transition into motherhood.
- Aided with induction of labor for women suffering from complications such as preeclampsia.
- Coordinated care of low and high-risk laboring women of childbearing age and immediate stabilization of newborn following delivery.
- Worked closely with doctors and midwives in coaching pregnant women through childbirth and post-natal recovery.
- Assisted obstetricians and midwives with deliveries and cared for newborns directly after birth.
- Performed vital signs checks and administered vaccinations to infants following birth.
- Conducted comprehensive physical assessments and assisted with pain management.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve labor and delivery processes and patient outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to foster smooth transitions of newborns to maternal child unit.
- Anticipated potential complications early in the labor process through vigilant assessment of both mother and fetus vital signs data.
- Prevented infections by diligently adhering to proper hand hygiene standards as well as utilizing personal protective equipment when required.
- Mentored new nursing staff members, sharing best practices and offering guidance to ensure a high level of patient care.
- Assisted physicians in performing complex medical procedures, including cesarean sections and forceps deliveries.
- Promoted maternal-infant bonding by educating new parents on infant care techniques such as breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact.
- Streamlined communication between healthcare providers, fostering a supportive atmosphere for patients and families.
- Provided emotional support to patients experiencing difficult births or pregnancy complications.
- Contributed to the continuous improvement of department policies and procedures through active participation in quality improvement initiatives.
- Improved overall patient outcomes by continuously updating clinical knowledge through professional development opportunities.
- Increased patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, individualized care throughout the labor and delivery process.
- Educated expectant mothers on available pain management options during the birthing process while respecting individual preferences.
- Participated in regular departmental meetings, providing valuable insight and suggestions for improvement.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between prenatal care, labor, delivery, postpartum care, ensuring continuity of care for patients.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for high-risk pregnancies.
- Advocated for patient autonomy by involving them in decision-making processes regarding their birth plan.
- Reduced complications during childbirth by closely monitoring patients and providing timely interventions.
- Maintained a safe and sterile environment, ensuring optimal conditions for successful deliveries.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices in labor and delivery procedures.
- Actively participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss complex cases, leading to more effective treatment plans.
- Administered medications accurately and safely under physician guidance during labor induction or augmentation processes.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
Registered Nurse: Home Health
Nurse On Call Home Health Agency
Port St Lucie , FL
2011.02 - 2013.05
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- 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.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and other conditions.
- Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
- Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
- Managed quality care for patients with heart failure, end-stage renal disease and coronary artery disease.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
Education
No Degree - HIV/Infectious Disease/ TB Certificatio
Illinois Department of Public Health
Rock Falls, IL04.1999
No Degree - Certificate: Advanced Level Pediatric Assessment
Triton College
River Grove, IL1994
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Rend Lake College
Ina, IL05.1984
Associate of Science - Science
Rend Lake College
Ina, IL05.1982
No Degree - Certificate Practical Nursing
Rend Lake College
Ina, IL05.1982
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Medication Administration
- Direct Patient Care
- Patient Assessments
- Documentation and Charting
- Patient Assessment
- Strong Clinical Judgment
- Patient education and counseling
- Clinical judgment
- Patient and family advocacy
- Infection control measures
- Patient Care
- Wound Care
- Intravenous therapy
- Patient Management
- Care Plan Development
- Professional Bedside Manner
- Family Education
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
- Nursing staff leadership
- Medication Distribution
- Precepting
- Lab result interpretation
- EMR Systems
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Proper catheter insertion/removal
- Intake and discharge
- Emergency Response
- Vaccine administration
- Diabetes management
- Insulin medication assistance
- EMR / EHR
- Procedure preparations
- Staff Supervision
- Diabetes and nutrition education
- Emergency Procedures
- HIPAA Education
- Administering immunizations
- Acute care expertise
- Hospice and palliative care
- Long-Term Care
- Case Management
- Geriatric Nursing
- Removing sutures
- Managing deadlines
- Preventive health
- Family advocacy
- Home care
- Home Health Care
- Call triaging
Accomplishments
Daisey Award Recepient
- Documentation - Ensured charting accuracy through precise documentation.
- Quality Assurance - Ensured and enforced medical office compliance with HIPAA, OSHA and CLIA regulations for maximum quality and control.
- Surgical Preparation - Assisted in patient surgery preparation by administering proper medication, monitoring patients' conditions and charting abnormalities.
- Perinatal Care - Assisted physicians in focus studies in prenatal care.Performed basic physical assessments of newborns and infants.
- Supervision - Headed onboarding process for new nursing staff.
- Patient Care - Delivered compassionate care that exceeded hospital requirements.Successfully provided quality care to [number of] patients in [type of] environment.
Timeline
Registered Nurse
White Oak Healthcare And Rehabilitation Center
2021.11 - 2024.05
Registered Nurse: ADON, MDSC Coordinator
Petersen Healthcare: Mt Vernon Healthcare Center
2019.10 - 2021.10
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Crossroads Community Hospital
2018.11 - 2019.03
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery
Jupiter Medical Center
2013.05 - 2017.04
Registered Nurse: Home Health
Nurse On Call Home Health Agency
2011.02 - 2013.05
No Degree - HIV/Infectious Disease/ TB Certificatio
Illinois Department of Public Health
No Degree - Certificate: Advanced Level Pediatric Assessment
Triton College
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Rend Lake College
Associate of Science - Science
Rend Lake College
No Degree - Certificate Practical Nursing
Rend Lake College
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