Darla M. Smith, RN

• Provided direct and full care for both adult and pediatric patients in the home setting with varying diagnoses and intellectual developmental disabilities.
• Cared for all age patients with high acuity level including tracheostomies, airway management and mechanical ventilation.
• Collaborated with family, physicians, therapists and others for comprehensive care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
• Trained new nurses in patient daily care, procedures and activity along with patient likes, dislikes and personal preferences.

Same skills and experience with adult and pediatric patients as described with Maxim Healthcare Services.

Same skills and experience with adult and pediatric patients as described with Maxim Healthcare Services.

Extensive Case Management Experience

• 21 years as a hospice case manager, coordinating complex care for terminally ill patients in home, long-term care, and group home settings.
• Led interdisciplinary team coordination to deliver holistic, patient-centered care that meets the comprehensive needs of terminally ill patients.

End-of-Life Care Expertise

• Extensive knowledge in palliative care, specializing in pain and symptom management for end-of-life patients with varying diagnoses and symptoms.
• Provided ongoing support and education to patients and families during crisis situations, always mindful of comfort and dignity.

Team Leadership and Staff Education

• 15 years of experience training and mentoring new RN hires and case managers, fostering continuous improvements in clinical processes, safety, and documentation.
• Regularly led weekly interdisciplinary team meetings to enhance collaboration, optimize patient care as well as foster camaraderie and team building.
• Managed daily staff scheduling and on-call rotations for 18 months, ensuring smooth operations and adequate coverage.

Utilization Review, Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Conducted comprehensive audits of medical records to ensure compliance with organizational standards, policies, and protocols.
• Monitored clinical outcomes to guarantee regulatory adherence for government programs and third-party payors, maintaining high standards of care and documentation.

Public Speaking & Advocacy

• Presented at physician and community organization meetings to raise awareness about hospice care, educating on its benefits and increased support to patient and families.

Worked with critically ill patients in the ICU, gaining confidence and assessment skills to aid in a successful nursing career.