Dana Nicoara
Knoxville,TN
Summary
Dynamic Registered Nurse with extensive experience at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, excelling in patient assessments and medication administration. Proven ability to enhance patient outcomes through evidence-based care and compassionate communication. Recognized for leadership in nursing staff training and commitment to infection control, ensuring high-quality care and safety in diverse healthcare settings.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
The Skin Wellness Center
Knoxville, TN
09.2007 - 02.2021
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Fostered safety culture in healthcare setting through involvement in quality improvement projects.
- 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.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- 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.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Nurse Manager from 2012-2014, responsibilities included: managing nurse schedules, diffusing negative workplace behaviors, quarterly reviews, hiring new team members, ongoing evaluations of clinic duties and performance.
- Created “New Employee Handbook” to streamline the training procedures for new nursing hires.
- Maintained OSHA trainings for staff annually and prn for new hires.
Registered Nurse
Vanderbilt Children's Hospital
Nashville, TN
08.2006 - 08.2007
- 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.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
Registered Nurse
Elite Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic
Nashville, TN
06.2005 - 08.2006
- Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- 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.
- Scheduled surgeries between multiple surgery centers and patients according to insurance plans.
Education
Bachelor Of Science In Nursing - Nursing
The University of Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee05.2005
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Medication administration
- Direct patient care
- Patient assessments
- Documentation and charting
- Patient assessment
- Patient education and counseling
- Infection control measures
- Patient care
- Professional bedside manner
- Nursing staff leadership
Timeline
Registered Nurse
The Skin Wellness Center
09.2007 - 02.2021
Registered Nurse
Vanderbilt Children's Hospital
08.2006 - 08.2007
Registered Nurse
Elite Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic
06.2005 - 08.2006
Bachelor Of Science In Nursing - Nursing
The University of Tennessee