Cynthia Riensche
Jacksonville,FL
Summary
Patient-oriented Nurse with 40 years of diverse experience in direct patient care, staff supervision and department operations. Skilled at multitasking and prioritizing patient needs and daily assignments. Offering expertise with Gerontology specialty. Seasoned nursing professional offering proven clinical knowledge, natural interpersonal strengths and technical abilities. Knowledgeable about EMR charting, medication administration and interdisciplinary collaboration focused on optimizing patient care and support. Quality-focused and efficiency-driven leader. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Health Resource Nurse
Westminster Woods On Julington Creek
10.2013 - Current
- Enhanced interdisciplinary communication through effective collaboration with physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
- Increased patient satisfaction by providing attentive and compassionate care tailored to individual needs.
- Identified areas for process improvement within the department, leading to increased efficiency and quality of care delivered to patients.
- Assisted in the development of policies and procedures that adhered to current best practice standards in nursing care.
- Promoted a culture of safety by consistently following infection control guidelines and reporting any potential hazards or safety concerns.
- Provided clinical expertise during difficult medical situations, ensuring optimal patient outcomes through sound decision-making skills.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Provided skilled and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill and injured residents.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to residents and community.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Medication management for Independent Living residents.
- Tuberculosis testing and drug screening for new hires.
- Staff assessment post injury.
- Appointment setting for Physicians and other Healthcare providers.
- Facilitate transfers between levels of care.
Instructor / PCT Clinical Coordinator
Florida Career College Of Jacksonvill
01.2011 - 10.2013
- Improved student comprehension by incorporating diverse teaching methods and materials.
- Enhanced classroom collaboration through the implementation of group projects and team-building activities.
- Increased student motivation by developing engaging lesson plans that catered to various learning styles.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
- Evaluated student assessments to identify areas of growth and improvement, adjusting instructional strategies accordingly.
- Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
- Promoted classroom safety, collaboration and best practices.
- Optimized day-to-day instruction to align educational strategies with industry best practices.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards and best practices through diligent oversight of clinical procedures, documentation, and staff training.
- Responsible for post-secondary instruction for PCT and MA in Allied Health Department
- Coordination and management of externship experiences for PCT's.
- PCT externship coordinator and hospital liason
- CPR instructor
- Medication Technician Certification Instructor
Case Manager
Brooks Home Care Advantage
06.2010 - 11.2010
- Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
- Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
- Coordinated essential services for clients, resulting in improved overall well-being and selfsufficiency.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address client needs and formulate tailored support strategies.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing emergencies, using appropriate techniques to de-escalate situations safely.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
- Evaluated program effectiveness continually through data analysis and outcome measurement metrics.
- Responsible for 140 Home Care patients
- Management of field clinicians
Director of Nursing
Sunrise Senior Living
01.2009 - 10.2010
- Enhanced staff performance by conducting regular evaluations, providing constructive feedback, and offering tailored professional development opportunities.
- Streamlined nursing operations by optimizing staffing schedules, resource allocation, and workflow processes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients with complex needs.
- Promoted a culture of safety by enforcing compliance with infection control policies and procedures.
- Mentored new nurses through orientation programs, facilitating their integration into the team and fostering their professional growth.
- Engaged with local educational institutions to support the recruitment and retention of highly skilled nurses, contributing to a robust pipeline of qualified professionals entering the workforce.
- Monitored and evaluated nursing staff performance, providing feedback and guidance to support standards of care.
- Oversaw and approved recruitment, hiring and orientation of new nursing staff.
- Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
- Established new policies and updated existing policies to improve standard of care for patients.
- Established and monitored infection control programs to provide safe, sanitary environment to prevent transmission of disease and infection.
- Evaluated work performance of 90 nursing personnel to determine wage increases and implement discipline.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
Director of Assisted Living
Westminster Woods On Julington Creek
07.2004 - 10.2008
- Improved resident satisfaction by implementing personalized care plans and regularly assessing progress.
- Enhanced staff efficiency through comprehensive training programs and consistent performance evaluations.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by conducting thorough internal audits and addressing identified issues promptly.
- Streamlined operations by developing and implementing effective policies, procedures, and protocols for the assisted living community.
- Promoted a positive work environment with regular team-building activities and open communication channels.
- Maintained a high occupancy rate through targeted marketing strategies and exceptional customer service.
- Managed budget effectively by monitoring expenses, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and optimizing resource allocation.
- Implemented safety protocols to mitigate risks and ensure a secure living environment for all residents.
- Conducted regular assessments of residents'' physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being to adjust care plans accordingly.
- Facilitated smooth transitions for new residents by coordinating move-in processes and providing ongoing support during their adjustment period.
- Kept families informed about their loved ones'' progress through regular communication channels such as newsletters, phone calls, or email updates.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop holistic care plans that addressed individual resident needs comprehensively.
- Optimized scheduling processes by utilizing efficient software tools to allocate resources according to staffing requirements effectively.
- Evaluated prospective vendors for essential supplies or services based on competitive pricing, reliability, quality assurance standards ensuring overall operational excellence in the facility.
- Developed partnerships with local educational institutions to provide internship opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in senior care.
- Conducted regular facility inspections to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for residents and their families.
- Worked in fast-paced environment with competing demands for time and attention.
- Applied reason, logic and advanced problem-solving skills to resolve complex and sensitive issues.
- Led, directed and motivated others to innovate and excel.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Responsible for 80 residents
- Managed 35 staff - LPN's, CNA's, Med Techs
- Maintained 99% occupancy.
- Decreased staff turnover from 60% - 35%
Assistant Director of Nursing
Lanier Manor
01.2003 - 06.2004
- Improved patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and protocols.
- Enhanced staff performance through regular training sessions and professional development opportunities.
- Developed comprehensive care plans for patients, ensuring optimal health outcomes and patient satisfaction.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop efficient care strategies tailored to individual patient needs.
- Managed nursing schedules and budgets, streamlining processes for cost savings while maintaining high-quality patient care.
- Contributed to the accreditation process by maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations for nursing standards.
- Mentored new nurses in clinical practice and procedures, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Evaluated staff performance regularly, providing feedback and guidance for improvement when necessary.
- Coordinated with physicians on complex cases, ensuring seamless communication among healthcare professionals involved in patient care.
- Played a key role in attaining high patient satisfaction scores by consistently delivering compassionate care and addressing concerns promptly.
- Optimized staffing levels to maintain an appropriate nurse-to-patient ratio, promoting quality of care without exceeding budget constraints.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing overall service delivery within the facility.
- Served as a role model for nursing staff by demonstrating exceptional clinical skills, ethical behavior, and commitment to continuous learning.
- Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
- Planned and assigned workload to 35-person nursing staff to direct patient care.
- Built and maintained positive working relationships with physicians and staff to support seamless healthcare operations.
- Facilitated continuing education and training programs to drive staff competency and professional development.
- Evaluated work performance of 35 nursing personnel to determine wage increases and implement discipline.
- Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.
Nurse Manager / Coordinator Triage
St. Vincent's Health System / Ascension
10.1981 - 12.2003
- Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and protocols.
- Improved patient satisfaction scores by fostering a team-oriented environment among nursing staff.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for new hires, ensuring quality care and consistency in nursing practices.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to support professional growth of nursing staff members.
- Managed budgets and controlled costs, achieving financial targets without compromising patient care quality.
- Monitored clinical outcomes closely, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
- Coordinated staffing resources during times of high patient acuity or census fluctuations to maintain optimal nurse-to-patient ratios.
- Evaluated emerging healthcare technologies to determine their potential benefits for improving nursing practice.
- Fostered open communication among nurses through regular team meetings, promoting collaboration and shared decisionmaking.
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Established and continuously optimized unit schedules and individual work assignments.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while triaging
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by responding promptly to inquiries and addressing concerns professionally.
- Contributed to business growth by identifying opportunities for process improvement and recommending actionable solutions.
- Spearheaded volunteer programs that positively impacted local communities while showcasing the company''s commitment to social responsibility.
- Oversaw scheduling tasks efficiently, ensuring optimal staff coverage during peak times without sacrificing quality of service delivery or exceeding budget constraints.
- Coached employees through day-to-day work and complex problems.
- Hired, managed, developed and trained staff, established and monitored goals, conducted performance reviews and administered salaries for staff.
- Developed and implemented CHF Compliance Counciling Program which significantly decreased hospital readmisisons during first 30 days after discharge.
- Designed and implemented Variable Compensation Plan which decreased total expenses by 4%.
- Developed patient follow-up program for after-hours triage which generated $5000.00 monthly revenue.
- Featured speaker at Florida Society Oncological Social Workers, "Creative Approaches to Oncology Social Work using the Arts as Clinical Intervention."
- Partnered with Community Hospice to field callers for Bill Moyers "On Our Own Terms" program on PBS.
- Featured in Vital Signs magazine for development of program "Dance for Life" for post mastectomy and prenatal patients.
- Partnered with Southern Community Cohort in research into minority lung cancer rates and prevention.
- Coordinated consolidation of Baptist Medical Center and St. Vincent's Medical Center physician referral and telephone triage services.
- Created responses for Health Link Unit Webpage inquires and for Channel 4 "Medical Minutes"
- Developed triage policies and procedures for Orange Park Health Center Urgent Care.
- Designed pre-screening program for Baptist Medical Center Early Lung Cancer Detection program.
- Deverloped guidelines for Primary Care after Hours program
- Published article in Telephone Triage Times targeted at hospitals and medical call centers.
- Outreach to local hotels marketing 24 hour triage services to guests.
- Staff nurse 1981-1988
- As staff nurse - created written procedure for CAPD resource team, developed skills check list for medical/surgical clinical laddering
- Consultant on the article "Prior Planning Prevents Panic in Emergencies" published by Florida Times Union.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Health Arts
University of St. Francis
IllinoisAssociate of Science - Registered Nursing
Florida Community College of Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL1980
Skills
- Clinical Judgment
- Health Promotion
- Disease Prevention
- Quality Improvement
- Infection Control
- Team Collaboration
- Delegation Skills
- Decision Making
- Patient Assessment
- Conflict Resolution
- Interpersonal Skills
- Time Management
- Emergency Response
- Crisis Intervention
- Critical Thinking
- Organizational Skills
- Patient Education
- Patient Advocacy
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Effective Communication
- Patient Condition Monitoring
- Case Management
- Vitals Monitoring
- Needs Assessment
- Care Coordination
- Direct Patient Care
- Wound Care
- Student Precepting
- Chronic Disease Management
- Patient Examination
- Prehospital Trauma Life Support
- Attention to Detail
- Immunizations and Vaccinations
- Acute Care Expertise
- Decision-Making
- Insulin Medication Assistance
- Preventive Health
- Unit Oversight
- Emergency Diagnostics
- Accurate Documentation
- Compassionate and Caring
- Preventive Healthcare
- Routine Examinations
- CPR/AED
Accomplishments
Certified Ostomy Resource Nurse
Certified Gerontology
CAPD certification
Core Trained Assisted Living Administrator
Southern Community Cohort Study Advisory Board
St. Vincent's Medical Center Educational Council
Featured speaker at Florida Society for Oncology Social Workers seminar
Featured in Vital Signs magazine for development of "Dance for Life" program for post mastectomy, lumpectomy and prenatal patients.
Published article in Telephone Triage Times
Consultant on article "Prior Planning Prevents Panic in Emergencies" published in Florida Times Union
Member of American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing
Southern Community Cohort Study Advisory Board
St. Vincent's Medical Center Educational Center
Certification
- Licensed Registered Nurse
- Certified Nurse Gerontologist
- Core Training Assisted Living Administration
Timeline
Health Resource Nurse
Westminster Woods On Julington Creek
10.2013 - Current
Instructor / PCT Clinical Coordinator
Florida Career College Of Jacksonvill
01.2011 - 10.2013
Case Manager
Brooks Home Care Advantage
06.2010 - 11.2010
Director of Nursing
Sunrise Senior Living
01.2009 - 10.2010
Director of Assisted Living
Westminster Woods On Julington Creek
07.2004 - 10.2008
Assistant Director of Nursing
Lanier Manor
01.2003 - 06.2004
Nurse Manager / Coordinator Triage
St. Vincent's Health System / Ascension
10.1981 - 12.2003
Bachelor of Science - Health Arts
University of St. Francis
Associate of Science - Registered Nursing
Florida Community College of Jacksonville
- Licensed Registered Nurse
- Certified Nurse Gerontologist
- Core Training Assisted Living Administration
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