Darren Barker
Olive Hill,KY
Summary
Throughout my years as a registered nurse I have dedicated my self to increasing my knowledge base to become a well rounded and self sufficient care giver. I feel that I am now a compassionate and dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner with expertise in pre-op and post-op care of surgical patients. Proficient in patient and family education regarding the management of acute and chronic health conditions. Self-directed professional with superior problem-solving, communication and management skills. Successful in prioritizing tasks and organizing projects to improve the quality of patient care.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
APRN
Kings Daughter Medical Center
Ashland , KY
12.2019 - Current
- Analyzed, collected and recorded patient health data.
- Educated patients and family members about preventive health care and recovery.
- Facilitated communication between family members and caregivers regarding the status of their loved ones' health condition.
- Utilized strong assessment skills to determine necessary patient care.
- Delivered quality patient care from admission to discharge through direct supervision of nursing and ancillary staff.
- Developed and maintained departmental policies, procedures or patient care standards based on evidence-based practice guidelines or expert opinion.
- Educated nursing department on preop and post op surgical patients to bolster knowledge of health conditions.
- Coordinated services between multiple departments to keep procedures and testing on track.
- Observed and reported symptoms, reactions and progress of each patient.
- Directed or supervised nursing care staff in provision of patient therapy.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop and implement individualized plans of care, treatment methods, and discharge plans for young and adult patients.
- Planned, evaluated or modified treatment programs by observing and interviewing patients or analyzing patient records.
- Carried out comprehensive care focused on patient needs and meeting care goals.
- Performed comprehensive health assessments including physical exams, psychosocial assessments, advanced diagnostic testing interpretation.
- Conducted physical examinations to make tentative diagnoses and treat patients.
- Consulted other health care providers in patient discharge, patient care or clinical procedures.
- Evaluated effectiveness of care by comparing patient response with observable outcomes.
- Assessed healthcare needs of patients by conducting health evaluations.
- Offered clinical recommendations to physicians, other healthcare providers or healthcare organizations.
- Developed or assisted others in care and treatment plans.
- Assessed educational needs of staff members and provided training sessions accordingly.
- Maintained departmental policies, procedures or infection control standards.
- Developed and implemented evidence-based care plans.
- Provided direct patient care in a variety of acute and chronic medical conditions.
- Conducted rounds to assess the quality of patient care delivered by nurses and other healthcare providers.
- Consulted with other healthcare professionals regarding challenging cases requiring specialized interventions.
- Used sterile techniques to prepare exam rooms for patients and prep for minor surgeries.
- Maintained current knowledge base through continuing education programs related to APRN Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist roles and responsibilities.
- Initiated discharge planning based on admission assessments.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss complex cases involving multiple disciplines as needed.
- Evaluated quality and effectiveness of nursing practice or organizational systems.
- Developed and implemented treatment plans for patients based on clinical assessment, diagnosis, and individual needs.
- Reviewed case histories and lab results prior to determining an appropriate plan of care.
- Educated nursing department on preop and post-op surgical care to bolster knowledge of health conditions.
- Maintained patient records and verified patient privacy and clinical compliance to minimize data breaches.
- Individual health coaching for patients and families.
- Initiated referrals to specialty services when necessary to ensure optimal outcomes for patients.
- Educated patients and families on disease processes, medications, treatments, nutrition, hygiene, lifestyle modifications.
- Coordinated with healthcare team members to assess, plan and evaluate patient care plans.
- Used Epic to update electronic medical records with relevant patient information, laboratory test results and clinician orders.
- Responded quickly and effectively during emergency situations such as cardiac arrest or trauma incidents.
- Educated patients on disease management, fitness and healthy eating.
- Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
- Monitored patient progress throughout the course of treatment while providing support and guidance.
- Created detailed documentation of all patient encounters according to standards of practice and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborated with physicians and staff in other disciplines.
- Instructed nursing staff on appropriate procedures and techniques to ensure safe delivery of services.
- Understood and followed oral and written directions.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Maintained open communication with team members and stakeholders, resulting in successful project outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Exceeded customer satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Displayed strong telephone etiquette, effectively handling difficult calls.
Registered Nurse
St. Mary's Medical Center
Huntington , WV
06.2011 - 12.2019
- Assisted physician's in cardiac procedures.
- Administered medications, tracked dosages and documented patient conditions.
- Pre-procedure duties consist of checking clinically important aspects related to the patient entering into the cath lab.
- Obtain history and physical examination of patients wo are going to undergo cardiovascular thoracic surgery, or vascular surgery.
- Medical management of patients in cardiovascular thoracic surgery before and after their surgery.
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- Collaborated with physicians in developing patient-specific treatment plans.
- Assisted doctors during medical procedures.
- Responded quickly to life-threatening situations by providing appropriate interventions.
- Provided direct nursing care to patients, including administering medications, wound care, and IV therapy.
- Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients.
- Carried out physician orders regarding tests or medication administration accurately and safely.
- Monitored vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, respiration rate, pulse rate and weight.
- Responded quickly and effectively to life-saving situations using nursing standards and protocols for treatment.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Identified potential safety hazards in the environment or among patients' behaviors.
- Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
- Educated patients on health maintenance, disease prevention, and treatment options.
- Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate safe, clean patient environment.
- Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
- Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Provided patient and family health education focusing on self-management, prevention and wellness.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Collaborated with doctors to plan post-treatment home care and prevent return hospitalization.
- Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Administered local, inhalation or intravenous anesthetics to patients undergoing procedures.
- Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions and provided home care strategies.
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.
- Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
- Instructed patients on proper self-care techniques at home following discharge from the hospital.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
- Counseled patients and caregivers, providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support.
- Acted as patient advocate and implemented total patient care through team nursing process.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
- Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in nursing practices by attending continuing education classes or seminars.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Coordinated discharge planning activities including arranging follow up appointments or referrals for additional services.
- Counseled patients regarding medication side effects or lifestyle changes necessary for improved health outcomes.
- Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans.
- Assisted physicians during examinations or surgical procedures.
- Ensured compliance with standards of professional practice as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services.
- Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
- Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
- Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
- Maintained personal and team compliance with medication administration standards and patient care best practices.
- Displayed strong telephone etiquette, effectively handling difficult calls.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Understood and followed oral and written directions.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Exceeded customer satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Maintained open communication with team members and stakeholders, resulting in successful project outcomes.
Registered Nurse
St. Claire Medical Center
Morehead , KY
12.2010 - 06.2011
- Assessed and monitored patients' health condition, including vital signs, physical assessments, and laboratory test results.
- Communicated with nursing personnel to enforce procedures, policies and regulations.
- Communicated effectively with all levels of personnel within the healthcare setting regarding patient care issues.
- Completed required forms and chart documentation of vital signs, medications and other information.
- Performed wound care, catheter insertion and removal, intravenous therapy, medication administration, and other treatments as ordered by physicians.
- Responded to medical emergencies promptly and provided life-saving interventions when necessary.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
Education
Master of Science - Advanced Practice Nurse
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN02-2019
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing Science
Ashland Community And Technical College
Ashland, KY12-2010
Skills
- Basic cardiac life support
- Advanced cardiac life support
- Health Promotion
- Quality Improvement
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Diagnosis and Treatment
- Patient Testing
- Treatment Coordination
- Patient Examination
- IR and JP drain maintenance and removal
- Quality Assurance
- Intake and Discharge
- Care Coordination
- Effective Communication
- Flexibility
- Multi-tasking
- Prioritization
- Electrocardiography interpretation
- Laboratory results interpretation
- Ordering appropriate testing related to patient presentation
- Preforming and management of moderate sedation
- Advocacy
- Patient counseling
- Nasogastric tube placement
- Management of activities of daily living
- Synchronized Cardioversion
- Defibrillation
- Delegate tasks to medical staff members
- Assisting physicians in bedside and surgical procedures
- Clinical proficiency with Soarina, Care Vue and Epic charting systems
- Dictation of discharge summary
- Scheduling followup appointments
- Managing surgical and non-surgical wounds including advanced wound care
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
APRN
Kings Daughter Medical Center
12.2019 - Current
Registered Nurse
St. Mary's Medical Center
06.2011 - 12.2019
Registered Nurse
St. Claire Medical Center
12.2010 - 06.2011
Master of Science - Advanced Practice Nurse
Walden University
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing Science
Ashland Community And Technical College