Open To Work
Colleen Vance
RN
Hutto,TX
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workDesired Job Title
Agency RNWork Type
Full TimePart TimeContract WorkSalary Range
90000/yr - 200000/yrImportant To Me
Flexible work hoursWork-life balanceHealthcare benefitsSummary
I have 30+ years as an RN. I have had the privilege of working in diverse areas from pediatric and newborns to geriatric. My most recent experience is on a busy 40 bed med/surg tele floor with an average stay under two days, as a patient care nurse . Prior to that position I worked a post surgical floor caring for surgery patients preparing them for home. They included ortho, GI, urology, gynecology and podiatry patients, plus others. I have worked in 2 units that have initiated an EMR system. I have been the charge nurse on units ranging from 8 to 36+ beds. I have 4 years of working in two different Level II Trauma Centers. I worked several years in a busy 10 bed private surgical center which focused on procedures caring for pediatric to geriatric populations, including college athletes and well-known political and professional patients.
At the VA Medical Center, I worked with Psych, Detox, Urology and Cataract patients including many diabetic patients. We did team nursing with averages of 6-8 patients per licensed professional.
I have also spent 3 years working Mother/Baby and NICU Level II babies. I drew labs, did patient teaching including breast feeding and cared for the babies from just after birth until discharge.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
RN
Cedar Park Regional Medical Center
Cedar Park, TX
08.2019 - 02.2022
- Delivered outstanding care to patients with various diagnoses and managed care from treatment initiation through to completion.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Oversaw delivery of care for all patients on 36-bed medical-surgical unit, providing direct care to up to 6 patients, delegating nursing assignments and supervising team comprised of nurses, LPNs, technicians and unit clerks.
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, including treatment, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions and follow-up care.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
RN
Good Samaritan Hospital
Puyallup, WA
09.2016 - 07.2019
- Our patient population included orthopedic patients needing joint replacements, spine surgeries, GI surgeries and procedures, urology surgeries, and other general surgeries. Patients with possibility of surgery also were on our floor.
- Independently assessed and evaluated patients needs and condition. Cared for patients following nursing process and policy and procedure of my facility.
- Supported the hospital's missions and goals.
- Informally mentored the new graduate nurses.
- Taught patients and families how to care for themselves.
- Took responsibility for improving my work process and eliminating unnecessary activity.
- Facilitated and promoted a positive work environment, starting with myself first.
- Participated in QA activities.
Agency RN
Good Samaritan Hospital
Puyallup, WA
03.2016 - 09.2016
- As a travel RN I filled gaps in schedule, maintained flexibility in my schedule
- Floated to other units as needed
- Fellow staff utilized myself as a resource from the time I started.
- Hired on full time to facility
RN
Treasure Valley Hospital RN
Boise, ID
04.2009 - 03.2016
- Our patient population at Treasure Valley Hospital were orthopedic patients and other same day and overnight stay patients.
- Orthopedic patients were predominantly for patient with spine surgeries but also have many total hip, knee, and shoulder surgeries, and other orthopedic procedures. EENT patients included Septo-SMRTS, T&A and thyroidectomy patients. Pediatric to gerontological populations of patients were cared for.
- I implement the care plan, assess patient status, evaluate the effects of treatments and medications, and facilitate communication between health care team members to enhance the patient's experience, caring for patient from initial contact to discharge.
- My skills include medication administration, IV therapy including inserting IV's, orthopedic positioning, pain therapy, and the cares needed for a post-op patients of all types.
- Assessed need for, ordered, obtained and interpreted appropriate lab tests.
- Self-directed with astute judgment skills. High level of personal accountability.
- Liaised between patients and physicians to ensure patient comprehension of treatment plans.
- Instructed patients and family members on proper discharge care.
- 36 hours weekly 5/2014 to 12/2015, and 6/2010 to 8/2013. 24-30 hours weekly from 4/2009 to 6/2010 and 8/2013 to 5/2014.
RN
Queen of the Valley Medical Center
Napa, CA
04.2007 - 04.2009
- Our patient population at Queen of the Valley was orthopedic patient, including trauma patients.
- We cared predominantly for patient with total hip, knee, and shoulder surgeries, and other orthopedic procedures.
- I was charge nurse for the unit of 18 beds and 4-5 staff members 50% of my shifts.
- I would implement the care plan, assess patient status, evaluate the effects of treatments and medications, and facilitate communication between health care team members to enhance the patient's experience.
- My skills include medication administration, IV therapy including inserting IV's, orthopedic positioning, pain therapy, and the cares needed for a post-op patient.
- Documented patient information obtained from interviews.
- Plan and implement patient care, including assessments, evaluations and nursing diagnoses.
- One of staff support when implementing EMR throughout hospital.
- 28 hours weekly from 10/2007 to 04/2009, 32 hours weekly from 4/2007 to 10/2007
Senior RN
Idaho State Veterans Home
Boise, ID
06.2006 - 01.2007
- Liaised between patients and physicians to ensure patient comprehension of treatment plans.
- Closely monitored acute conditions, medicated patients, diabetic care, foley care and tube feedings as needed.
- Delegated care of residents to staff.
- Followed infection control procedures.
- Assisted patients with daily functions.
- Monitored fluid intake and output levels.
- Provided all daily living tasks to enhance quality of life for elderly patients.
- Assisted residents with bathing, dressing, feeding, lifting and transferring.
- Experience with various medical conditions including Parkinson's, Dementia, Diabetes, Cancer, Alzheimer's and Paget's disease.
- RN in charge on night shifts for facility
- Worked 20 hours per week
- Chronic patient care in med-surg unit, adeptly handling all aspects of treatment from medication to wound care to monitoring for [number] patients per shift.
RN
Banner Lassen Community Medical Center
Susanville, CA
01.2005 - 05.2006
- Our patient population at Banner Lassen Community Medical Center were medical and surgical patients of a small community hospital.
- I would implement the care plan, assess patient status, evaluate the effects of treatments and medications, and facilitate communication between health care team members to enhance the patient's experience.
- My skills include medication administration, IV therapy including inserting IV's, pain therapy, and the cares needed for a patient ranging in age from infant to end of life.
- 24 hours weekly while employed.
RN Admissions
Renown Medical Center
Reno, NV
06.2005 - 08.2005
- Facilitated quick admissions on an admit unit, initiated plan of care, started IV's and stat treatments and medications.
- Goal was to get patient admitted from our unit to their room in one hour.
- Assessed need for, ordered, obtained and interpreted appropriate lab tests.
- Developed and implemented nursing care plans.
- Followed infection control procedures.
- Delegated staff nurse duties.
- Documented patient information obtained from interviews.
- Developed patient care plans, including assessments, evaluations and nursing diagnoses.
- Closely monitored acute conditions.
- Pain management initiated.
- Worked 36 hours per week.
RN
St. Alphonsus Medical Center
Boise, ID
05.2002 - 05.2004
- Managed care for post-operative patients through discharge.
- 34 Bed Orthopedic unit in Trauma II Medical Center.
- Liaised between patients and physicians to ensure patient comprehension of treatment plans.
- Utilized computerized charting.
- Cared for micro-surgery patients, where a hand, thumb, finger or other limb is saved using special methods to increase circulation to area. This included every 15 minute temperature checks of extremity, increased temperature of room, and utilizing leaches to increase blood flow.
- Charge RN of up to 6 personal plus myself to care for patients.
- Liaison with other charge personnel to ensure patient care managed throughout hospital.
- Worked 30 hours per week from 5/2002 until 5/2003, then 24 hours per week from 5/2003 to 5/2004.
- Wound care, dressing changes, IV and epidural medication and pain management, blood administration, positioning and encouraged activity of post-operative patients. Also managed medical issues of patients, including diabetes, CHF, CVA or other complications as they occurred.
RN
United Regional Medical Center
Wichita Falls, TX
04.2000 - 05.2002
- Mother Baby unit and nursery. Cared for babies from the point they were stabilized until discharge. PRN assisted in NICU. Cared for up to 8 patients, mother and baby counted as 2, per shift.
- Admitted and prepped patients for surgery, including skin-care, shaving (was allowed at this time), IV insertion, foley if needed and labwork drawn. Was backup assistant for staff unable to get IV or lab as needed.
- Breast-feeding and new baby care teaching along with discharge planning and teaching of patients.
- Labwork drawn on Mothers and babies and sent to lab.
- NRP and S.T.A.B.L.E., plus breast feeding coursework done.
- Charge at times of 4-5 RN's, LVN's and CNA's
- Acted as unit clerk along with charge duties at night.
- 44 hours weekly from 9/2001 until 5/2002, prn an average of 16 hours weekly from 4/2000 until 9/2001.
RN
Avera McKennan Medical Center
Sioux Falls, SD
04.1999 - 11.1999
- 18 bed NICU, hired as temporary employee while spouse overseas. Cared for Level II babies. Floated to other units and cared for mother/baby and pediatric patients.
- Instructed parents in care of their special needs infants.
- Liaised between parents and physicians to ensure patient comprehension of treatment plans.
- Tube feedings, oxygen administration, BiPap, IV and other medications as ordered by MD's and NP's.
- Collected blood, urine and other laboratory specimens and prepared them for lab testing, tested for urine specific gravity and other point of care testing as qualified.
- Ensured efficacy of treatments through monitoring of treatment regimens.
- Performed basic physical assessments of newborns and infants.
- Developed and implemented nursing care plans.
RN
Rapid City Medical Center
Rapid City, SD
08.1993 - 02.1999
- Worked in multiple areas of hospital over course of my career at this medical center.
- Float Pool. Hospital wide, worked on all medical surgical units caring from pediatric to geriatric patients and in between. Also floated to mother/baby unit and NICU, Oncology, and Rehab.
- 12 bed NICU, Cared for Level II babies. Floated to other units and cared for mother/baby and pediatric patients.Instructed parents in care of their special needs infants.Liaised between parents and physicians to ensure patient comprehension of treatment plans.Tube feedings, oxygen administration, BiPap, IV and other medications as ordered by MD's and NP's. Collected blood, urine and other laboratory specimens and prepared them for lab testing, tested for urine specific gravity and other point of care testing as qualified.Ensured efficacy of treatments through monitoring of treatment regimens.Performed basic physical assessments of newborns and infants.Developed and implemented nursing care plans.
- 33 Bed Ortho-Neuro unit. Cared for patients with CVA, diabetes, falls and trauma, joint replacements, craniotomies, and many other orthopedic and neuro diagnoses and repairs. Wound care. Blood administration. Medications and IV care.
- My hours varied greatly while employed. Average of approximately 24 per week.
RN
Hot Springs VA Medical Center
Hot Springs, SD
07.1992 - 07.1993
- Team nursing care of Psychiatric, Detox, and Surgical patients, predominantly urology and cataract procedures with some general surgery, including team lead position at times.
- Plan, coordinate, implement and evaluate interventions to optimize patient care within the guidelines of policy and procedure in caring for these challenging patients.
- Multi-cultural awareness of patients, cared for non-VA patients from nearby Indian Reservation.
- Multi-bed wards provided the challenge of caring for a population that would escalate if calm, therapeutic interventions not used.
- PTSD, depression, anxiety, alcoholism and multi-drug abuse patient population.
- Managed care for post-operative patients through discharge.
- Instructed patients and family members on proper discharge care.
- Closely monitored acute conditions, both post-op and throughout detox or psychiatric crisis.
RN
Madison Community Hospital
Madison, SD
03.1992 - 06.1992
- Chronic patient care in med-surg and skilled nursing home unit of small rural hospital, adeptly handling all aspects of treatment from medication to wound care to monitoring for up to 10 patients per shift.
- Plan, coordinate, implement and evaluate interventions to care for patients in the best way to return them to the community and their homes when possible.
- Admit and prepare patients for same day surgery.
- 36 hours per week.
RN Staff Nurse
Seton Medical Center Harker Heights
06.2023 - Current
- Med Surg Tele floor of up to 40 patients.
- Administered medications and IV therapies as per protocols and patient care plans.
- Collected specimens for laboratory testing while adhering to infection control guidelines.
- Monitored vital signs and documented changes in patient conditions throughout shifts.
- Educated patients and families on discharge instructions and self-care techniques effectively.
RN
Clintonville Community Hospital
Clintonville, WI
06.1991 - 01.1992
- PRN nurse in small community hospital
- Worked about 8 hours per week, hospital went out of business.
- Cared for pediatric to geriatric patients, general surgical patients, diabetic care, chest tubes, pneumonia, COPD, CHF, sepsis, urology care of patients, and patients detoxing from alcohol withdrawal. Patients could be monitored for cardiac rhythms, was done at distance location.
- Plan, Implement, evaluate care of patient. Supervise CNA and LPN as needed.
RN
St. Joseph Hospital
Marshfield, WI
06.1990 - 10.1991
- 40 bed unit caring for neurology, rheumatology, dermatology and pulmonary medical surgical patients, included 2 seizure rooms and the care of long term ventilator patients. St Joseph is a 500+ bed teaching hospital.
- Planned, coordinated, implemented and evaluated interventions. Supervised, and delegated care as appropriate to CNA and other staff.
- Spinal surgeries, craniotomies including drains, and other neuro surgeries. Seizure monitoring and interventions.
- Chronically ill dermatology patients related to systemic infections requiring hospitalization
- Assisted with in room procedures, spinal taps, PICC lines, thoracentesis.
- Worked with residents and MD's to implement a multi-dimensional level of care.
- Rheumatology patients with multiple conditions requiring IV pain medication, medical intervention and treatment.
- Experience with various medical conditions including Parkinson's, Dementia, Diabetes, CVA, and Alzheimer's.
- Worked 32 hours per week.
- Developed patient care plans, including assessments, evaluations and nursing diagnoses.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
1990
Nursing
Dean's List Fall 1988, Spring 1989 and Summer 1989
National Dean's List
Classwork Only - Chemistry, Engineering
Classwork Only - Chemistry, general studies
Skills
- Strong clinical judgment
- Neurology awareness
- Acute care expertise
- Orthopedic care/intervention
- OB-GYN care/intervention in the past
- EENT care/intervention
- Diabetes management
- Cardiac care
- NIH
- BLS and ACLS
High level of autonomy
Patient/family focused
Pain management
Patient evaluation/intervention
Preceptor
Effective discharge instructor and planner
Certification
Texas RN license 672262
Under Colleen WIlson, in process of returning to former name of Colleen Vance
ACLS
NIH
BLS
Additional Information
References
Faith Paradeza Charge RN Seton Medical Center Harker Heights
Jalynn Powell Clinical Coordinator Cedar Park Regional Medical Center
Katie Bird, former Medical Surgical Director
Timeline
RN Staff Nurse - Seton Medical Center Harker Heights
06.2023 - Current
RN - Cedar Park Regional Medical Center
08.2019 - 02.2022
RN - Good Samaritan Hospital
09.2016 - 07.2019
Agency RN - Good Samaritan Hospital
03.2016 - 09.2016
RN - Treasure Valley Hospital RN
04.2009 - 03.2016
RN - Queen of the Valley Medical Center
04.2007 - 04.2009
Senior RN - Idaho State Veterans Home
06.2006 - 01.2007
RN Admissions - Renown Medical Center
06.2005 - 08.2005
RN - Banner Lassen Community Medical Center
01.2005 - 05.2006
RN - St. Alphonsus Medical Center
05.2002 - 05.2004
RN - United Regional Medical Center
04.2000 - 05.2002
RN - Avera McKennan Medical Center
04.1999 - 11.1999
RN - Rapid City Medical Center
08.1993 - 02.1999
RN - Hot Springs VA Medical Center
07.1992 - 07.1993
RN - Madison Community Hospital
03.1992 - 06.1992
RN - Clintonville Community Hospital
06.1991 - 01.1992
RN - St. Joseph Hospital
06.1990 - 10.1991
Huron University - Associate of Science, Nursing
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology - Classwork Only, Chemistry, Engineering
Iowa State University - Classwork Only, Chemistry, general studies