Dara Smithers
Nursing
Newark,DE
Summary
Experienced, detail-oriented nursing professional with strong organizational and critical thinking skills. Self starter with the ability to handle multiple projects efficiently and simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Health Nurse
State Of Delaware Division Of Public Health
08.2023 - Current
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- 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.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Enhanced community health through delivering educational presentations on disease prevention, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles.
- Managed immunization clinics, ensuring timely administration of vaccinations and reducing the spread of communicable diseases.
- Participated in community outreach events promoting public health resources and services available to local residents.
- Established strong partnerships with local organizations supporting community health initiatives aligned with organizational goals.
- Collaborated with other health-focused organizations and agencies to promote community health.
RN Complex Case Manager
Highmark Delaware
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Manage a caseload of 50 complex Long-Term Services and Support (LTSS) Medicaid members
- Conduct weekly outreach and quarterly face-to-face comprehensive assessments on each assigned member
- Developed strong relationships with patients' families, providing emotional support while addressing concerns or questions about care plans.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing effective case management strategies and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
- Reduced hospital readmissions through proactive discharge planning and post-discharge follow-up with patients.
- Streamlined complex cases by coordinating services, resources, and support systems for patients and families.
- Improved patient outcomes by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing individualized care plans.
- Facilitated timely access to healthcare services for patients by navigating insurance coverage and advocating on their behalf.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices in case management through diligent documentation and reporting.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to optimize care coordination, streamline communication, and improve overall patient experience.
- Identified gaps in care or services for high-risk patients, initiating interventions to address needs proactively.
- Developed strong relationships with community organizations to expand available resources for patients requiring complex care.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, healthcare providers, insurers.
- Proactively identified potential barriers to care delivery or recovery success.
Perioperative Registered Nurse
St. Francis Healthcare
06.2021 - 12.2022
- Enhanced patient safety by conducting thorough preoperative assessments and effectively communicating with the surgical team.
- Reduced surgical site infections through meticulous adherence to aseptic techniques and infection control protocols.
- Provided quality perioperative care by closely monitoring patients throughout their surgical experience.
- Minimized complications during surgery by assisting surgeons in maintaining a sterile field and passing instruments efficiently.
- Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes and streamline the surgical process.
- Ensured accurate documentation of patient information by maintaining electronic health records in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Increased efficiency in the operating room by anticipating surgeon's needs during procedures and promptly providing required instruments or supplies.
- Facilitated successful surgeries by setting up equipment properly, positioning patients correctly, and performing necessary counts of instruments and supplies before each procedure.
- Supported surgical teams under high-pressure situations while maintaining composed demeanor, contributing to optimal patient outcomes.
Geriatric Nurse (Covid-Temp Position)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
04.2021 - 06.2021
- Assess, plan, implement and evaluate care based on age-specific components
- Provide direct care to veterans in the CLC, including but not limited to: patient assessments, wound care, urinary catheter insertion and care, PEG tube feedings, medication administration, blood glucose monitoring, pain management
- Direct, supervise and assist in care given to facility residents
- Improved patient quality of life by creating personalized care plans and collaborating with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Reduced hospital readmissions for geriatric patients through diligent monitoring, timely interventions, and comprehensive discharge planning.
- Enhanced patient safety by conducting regular assessments and promptly addressing any signs of decline or potential complications.
- Promoted family involvement in the care process, providing education on geriatric conditions and assisting with caregiver support resources.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between care settings by coordinating with other healthcare professionals and communicating effectively with patients and families.
- Maintained a high standard of infection control practices, reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections among vulnerable geriatric patients.
- Utilized effective communication strategies to build trusting relationships with geriatric patients, fostering their autonomy and dignity during the care process.
- Optimized medication management for older adults by carefully reviewing prescriptions, assessing for potential side effects, and educating patients on proper usage.
- Prevented pressure ulcers through consistent monitoring, frequent repositioning, and appropriate use of pressure-relieving devices.
- Assisted patients with dressing, eating and bathing and encouraged patients to perform basic needs independently to promote self-esteem.
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Christiana Care Union Hospital
08.2020 - 04.2021
- Assume the role of Charge Nurse- daily assignments, daily unit/staff management
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing tailored nursing care plans for individuals with psychiatric disorders.
- Enhanced treatment efficacy by collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive mental health care.
- Promoted a therapeutic environment by establishing rapport, maintaining boundaries, and fostering open communication with patients and families.
- Ensured patient safety by closely monitoring behaviors, administering medications as prescribed, and intervening during incidents of aggression or self-harm.
- Contributed to improved team morale by demonstrating a positive attitude, supporting colleagues during challenging situations, and celebrating shared successes.
- Optimized clinical decision-making by conducting thorough psychosocial assessments upon admission and throughout patients' stays.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions for diverse populations addressing issues such as coping skills, anger management, substance abuse recovery, and relapse prevention.
- Built trust with patients from various cultural backgrounds through culturally competent care practices tailored to individual needs.
- Collaborated proactively with psychiatrists to adjust treatment plans based on observed changes in symptoms or behavior patterns among patients.
Clinical Nurse Manager
St. Francis Advanced Wound Care Center
03.2016 - 08.2020
- Supervision of wound center nursing staff, hyperbaric technician and front office coordinator
- Case manage a percentage of active wound center patients, which includes but is not limited to: providing direct patient care, assist physicians with in-office procedures, coordinating home care services, working with DME's to provide patients with supplies, communicating with patient physicians both within and outside of the hospital system, arranging outpatient procedures, wound care teaching to patients and family
- Hyperbaric Oxygen wound therapy
- Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and protocols.
- Streamlined workflow for increased efficiency by optimizing scheduling and delegating tasks to the appropriate staff members.
- Mentored new nursing staff, fostering professional growth and development through comprehensive training programs.
- Improved patient satisfaction scores with continuous assessment of patient needs and prompt resolution of concerns.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop integrated care plans, ensuring seamless delivery of services to patients.
- Increased employee retention rates by creating a supportive work environment that valued teamwork and open communication.
- Managed budgets and resources, consistently meeting financial goals while maintaining high-quality patient care standards.
- Conducted routine performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement among nursing staff members.
- Developed strong relationships with patients' families, addressing concerns and providing guidance on care plan implementation at home.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements by maintaining accurate documentation and adhering to established policies and procedures.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives to identify areas for potential enhancements in patient care delivery methods.
- Evaluated clinical performance data, identifying trends for targeted intervention strategies aimed at improving overall patient outcomes.
- Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing infection control measures and adhering to safety protocols.
- Championed patient advocacy, working collaboratively with healthcare providers to ensure that the unique needs of each individual were met.
- Collaborated with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to devise and manage individualized plans of care.
Wound Care Nurse
St. Francis Advanced Wound Care Center
05.2014 - 03.2016
- Reduced wound infection rates through strict adherence to aseptic protocols and proper wound dressing procedures.
- Enhanced patient healing by implementing advanced wound care techniques and evidence-based practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive treatment plans, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
- Evaluated patients' wounds and recommended appropriate treatments, expediting the healing process.
- Contributed to clinic efficiency by streamlining documentation processes and maintaining accurate patient records.
- Educated patients and caregivers on proper at-home wound care, promoting self-management and reducing complications.
- Conducted regular assessments of patients' wounds to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
- Assisted physicians in performing complex debridement procedures, ensuring optimal patient safety and comfort during the process.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of advancements in wound care research, incorporating new findings into practice for better results.
- Communicated effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds, fostering trust and understanding throughout their treatment journey.
- Provided emotional support to patients coping with chronic or complex wounds, facilitating resilience during rehabilitation efforts.
- Served as a subject matter expert in wound care nursing, providing guidance and consultation to fellow healthcare professionals.
- Participated in community outreach events, promoting awareness of proper wound care techniques and the importance of early intervention for optimal healing.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Delaware Technical & Community College
Dover05.2021
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Delaware Technical & Community College
Newark05.2009
Skills
- Case Management
- Effective communication
- Multitasking and Organization
- Ethical practice
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Documentation
- Patient Education and Advocacy
- Critical Thinking
- Strong Clinical Judgment
Certification
Delaware and Pennsylvania Registered Nurse License
American Heart Association BLS
Professional References
Available Upon Request
Timeline
Community Health Nurse
State Of Delaware Division Of Public Health
08.2023 - Current
RN Complex Case Manager
Highmark Delaware
08.2022 - 08.2023
Perioperative Registered Nurse
St. Francis Healthcare
06.2021 - 12.2022
Geriatric Nurse (Covid-Temp Position)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
04.2021 - 06.2021
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Christiana Care Union Hospital
08.2020 - 04.2021
Clinical Nurse Manager
St. Francis Advanced Wound Care Center
03.2016 - 08.2020
Wound Care Nurse
St. Francis Advanced Wound Care Center
05.2014 - 03.2016
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Delaware Technical & Community College
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Delaware Technical & Community College
Delaware and Pennsylvania Registered Nurse License
American Heart Association BLS
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