Dawn Nichols
Port Republic,MD
Summary
With a proven track record at Calvert County Nursing Center, I excel in clinical operations management and fostering multidisciplinary team collaboration. My leadership significantly enhances patient care quality, demonstrated by initiating successful accreditation processes and staff professional development programs. Skilled in HIPAA compliance and critical thinking, I consistently achieve notable improvements in healthcare delivery.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Nursing
Calvert county nursing center
Prince Frederick, MD
06.2024 - Current
- Maintained accurate records of staff certifications, licensure, continuing education credits.
- Implemented and directed clinical services and operations to deliver competent, quality care.
- Analyzed trends in patient care activities such as medication errors or falls within the facility.
- Coordinated medical and health services in compliance with government regulations and policies set by board of trustees.
- Participated in interdisciplinary teams to discuss patient care issues or concerns and develop solutions as needed.
- Recruited, hired and trained new medical and facility staff.
- Evaluated staff performance and prepared accurate reports detailing findings.
- Monitored inpatient bed use, facilities and staff to provide optimal use of resources.
- Conducted performance evaluations for all nursing staff members and made recommendations for improvement when necessary.
- Maintained records management system to process personnel information and produce reports.
- Established solid relations with leadership and staff by attending board meetings and coordinating interdepartmental information exchanges.
- Advised physicians on best practices related to prescribing medications or treatments for patients under their care.
- Inspected medical equipment regularly to ensure it is functioning properly before use by patients or staff members.
- Developed and maintained staffing schedule in accordance with contract terms, budget mandates and accreditation standards for nursing coverage.
- Conducted recruitment and retention activities to develop highly skilled nursing team.
- Administered fiscal operations for accounting, budget planning, authorizing expenditures and coordinating reporting.
- Assessed competency of clinical staff to promote quality, continuity, and safety.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations regarding nurse-to-patient ratios and other safety guidelines.
- Monitored changes in laws and regulations related to healthcare delivery services to ensure compliance with all applicable standards.
- Organized educational programs for nurses such as seminars, lectures, workshops.
- Set and monitored achievement goals for nursing department consistent with established philosophy and standards of practice.
- Budgeted, managed, and scheduled nursing staff, fostering environment supportive to patients.
- Managed changes in integrated health care delivery systems and technological innovations while keeping focus on quality of care.
- Oversaw the daily operations of the nursing department including staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
- Oversaw explanation of personnel policies and job descriptions as part of nursing employee orientation process.
- Monitored development, implementation and updates of individualized care plans.
- Reviewed incident reports submitted by nurses related to any adverse events that occurred during their shift.
- Explained policies, procedures and services to patients.
- Directed, supervised and evaluated medical, clerical or maintenance personnel.
- Resolved conflicts among staff members in a professional manner while maintaining positive working relationships.
- Developed and implemented nursing policies and procedures to ensure quality patient care.
- Maintained communication and transparency with governing boards, department heads and medical staff.
- Provided clinical guidance and direction to nursing staff to ensure quality care was provided in a timely manner.
- Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private.
- Planned and implemented programs for health care or medical facilities supporting personnel administration and training.
- Implemented strategies for improving patient satisfaction scores in the nursing department on an ongoing basis.
- Assisted with recruitment efforts by interviewing potential employees and making hiring decisions when appropriate.
- Created reports summarizing patient outcomes based on data collected from various sources.
- Developed and implemented nursing policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure patient safety.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall patient care and response times.
Wound Care RN, IPC, DON
Chesapeake Shores Nursing
Lexington Park, MD
05.2021 - 06.2024
- Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for in-patient care.
- Documented all findings from physical assessments into the electronic health record.
- Communicated with professionals when starting or adjusting treatment.
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills when interacting with patients, families, physicians and other healthcare professionals.
- Conducted research on wound care outcomes to contribute to quality improvement initiatives.
- Assessed and evaluated patients' wound care needs.
- Cared for patients with various wounds caused by injuries, medical treatments and diseases.
- Recommended modifications in lifestyle habits that may help improve healing outcomes.
- Worked with healthcare teams to assess patients, manage wounds, and monitor healing.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Measured wound depth to support treatment methods and monitor healing.
- Ordered laboratory tests to assess infection levels in wounds or surrounding tissues.
- Performed regular assessments to monitor healing progress of wounds.
- Provided support and counseling to patients dealing with chronic wounds or pressure ulcers.
- Educated patients and families on proper wound care techniques and prevention strategies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate patient care and optimize outcomes.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Alerted physician of diagnostic study results and changes in patient condition.
Nursing Unit Manager
Charlotte Hall Veterans Home
Charlotte Hall, MD
12.2018 - 05.2021
- Liaised between patients and families by providing health information and addressing questions and concerns.
- Promoted positive relationships between patients and families and healthcare team members.
- Investigated incidents and accidents related to patient safety issues; identified root causes; reported findings; proposed corrective actions.
- Provided mentorship and guidance to new managers in order to facilitate their transition into their roles.
- Cultivated positive relationships with patients and families, addressed concerns or complaints, monitored patient satisfaction survey data and maintained confidentiality of patient information.
- Provided direct patient care on a regular basis as needed.
- Coordinated with other departments for admission and discharge planning activities.
- Adhered to established protocols for infection control measures within the unit.
- Maintained communication and transparency with governing boards, department heads and medical staff.
- Implemented strategies to promote evidence-based practice initiatives throughout the unit.
- Supervised staff members in the delivery of quality nursing care.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall patient care and response times.
- Assessed need for additional staff, equipment and services based on historical data and seasonal trends.
- Attended professional development conferences, workshops, seminars related to nursing management topics.
- Reviewed and completed admission and discharge assessments.
- Participated in interdisciplinary meetings to discuss patient outcomes and plan of care changes or updates.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, treatments, medications.
Assistant Director of Nursing
Genesis HealthCare
Waldorf, MD
05.2017 - 12.2018
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop best practices for patient care delivery.
- Assisted with recruitment and retention of nursing staff.
- Maintained awareness of government regulations, health insurance changes and financing options.
- Managed changes in integrated health care delivery systems and technological innovations while keeping focus on quality of care.
- Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private.
- Updated procedures necessary for compounding, mixing, packaging, and labeling medications.
- Assessed staffing needs based on patient census and acuity levels.
- Oversaw daily operations within the department including scheduling shifts and approving time off requests.
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state regulations.
- Developed and implemented strategies to promote patient safety and quality care outcomes.
- Evaluated new technologies and equipment used in the Nursing Department.
- Maintained communication and transparency with governing boards, department heads and medical staff.
- Provided guidance to department supervisors regarding clinical practice standards.
- Served as a mentor for new graduates entering into the field of nursing.
- Monitored inpatient bed use, facilities and staff to provide optimal use of resources.
- Attended meetings with key stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the Nursing Department.
- Maintained accurate records of staffing assignments and patient data according to established guidelines.
- Coordinated the planning, implementation, evaluation, and documentation of nursing care plans.
- Developed and maintained staffing schedule in accordance with contract terms, budget mandates and accreditation standards for nursing coverage.
- Planned and implemented programs for health care or medical facilities supporting personnel administration and training.
- Monitored development, implementation and updates of individualized care plans.
Nursing Unit Manager
Restore health &rehabilitation
White Plains, MD
12.2016 - 05.2017
- Liaised between patients and families by providing health information and addressing questions and concerns.
- Promoted positive relationships between patients and families and healthcare team members.
- Investigated incidents and accidents related to patient safety issues; identified root causes; reported findings; proposed corrective actions.
- Provided mentorship and guidance to new managers in order to facilitate their transition into their roles.
- Cultivated positive relationships with patients and families, addressed concerns or complaints, monitored patient satisfaction survey data and maintained confidentiality of patient information.
- Provided direct patient care on a regular basis as needed.
- Coordinated with other departments for admission and discharge planning activities.
- Adhered to established protocols for infection control measures within the unit.
- Maintained communication and transparency with governing boards, department heads and medical staff.
- Coordinated work activities and scheduling of medical, nursing and physical plant staff.
- Supervised staff members in the delivery of quality nursing care.
- Monitored nursing staff performance to ensure compliance with hospital policies and procedures.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall patient care and response times.
- Reviewed and completed admission and discharge assessments.
- Participated in interdisciplinary meetings to discuss patient outcomes and plan of care changes or updates.
- Explained policies, procedures and services to patients.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, treatments, medications.
- Monitored inpatient bed use, facilities and staff to provide optimal use of resources.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients.
- Assessed patient needs and developed individualized care plans to meet those needs.
Registered Nurse
Nightingale Nursing
Boca Raton, FL
06.2016 - 12.2016
- Counseled patients and caregivers, providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support.
- Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
- Maintained personal and team compliance with medication administration standards and patient care best practices.
- Educated patients and families on health care needs, conditions, and options.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
Registered Nurse
Dorsey run correctional facility
Jessup, MD
01.2016 - 06.2016
- Counseled patients and caregivers, providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support.
- Maintained personal and team compliance with medication administration standards and patient care best practices.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
Critical Care Unit Registered Nurse
University of MD Charles regional medical center
La Plata, MD
04.2014 - 02.2016
- Utilized a wide range of medical equipment, including ventilators and intravenous (IV) pumps, to support patient care.
- Provided direct patient care in a fast-paced critical care unit, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of treatments.
- Coordinated patient discharge planning, collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at improving patient safety and satisfaction scores.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify healthcare needs and potential complications.
- Supervised cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators and alarms and oxygen delivery devices.
Long-Term Care Registered Nurse
Calvert County nursing center
Prince Frederick, MD
01.2013 - 05.2013
- Monitored vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration rate.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of treatments provided and adjusted accordingly.
- Assessed the need for medical equipment such as wheelchairs or walkers in order to ensure safety of residents.
- Monitored resident health with regular assessments to check on conditions and care efficacy.
- Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
Telemetry Registered Nurse
Calvert memorial hospital
Prince Frederick, MD
04.2012 - 02.2013
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Managed intravenous therapy including IV starts, changes, discontinuation per physician orders.
- Educated patients on health conditions and promoted better nutrition and holistic stress relief methods.
- Administered medications as prescribed by physicians, following established protocols and guidelines.
- Performed ECG monitoring and interpretation of cardiac rhythms.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times.
Telementry Registered Nurse
Western Maryland Hospital Center
Cumberland, MD
02.2011 - 04.2012
- Supervised activities of licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants.
- Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
- Ensured that all necessary documentation was completed accurately and timely.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact and evaluate patient care plans.
- Administered medications as prescribed by physicians, following established protocols and guidelines.
- Initiated appropriate action during code blue situations.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Assessed and monitored patient conditions using telemetry equipment.
- Handled telemetry monitoring of patients cardiac rhythms.
- Responded quickly to any changes in patient's condition or vital signs.
- Managed intravenous therapy including IV starts, changes, discontinuation per physician orders.
- Maintained current knowledge of healthcare trends, standards of care, treatments, drugs and therapies used in the field of Telemetry nursing.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Allegany College of Maryland
Cumberland, MD12-2010
Some College (No Degree) - Pre Nursing
Garrett College
Accident, MDSkills
- Clinical staffing
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Accreditation management
- Clinical operations management
- Case management
- Professional development
- HIPAA regulations
- Effective multitasking
- Quality assurance
- First aid and CPR
- Critical thinking
Certification
- Maryland Board of Nursing
- License# R194727 EXP: July 2025
- BLS: EXP March 2,2026
- NIH Stroke
- IPC-CDC: EXP MAy 2025
Timeline
Director of Nursing
Calvert county nursing center
06.2024 - Current
Wound Care RN, IPC, DON
Chesapeake Shores Nursing
05.2021 - 06.2024
Nursing Unit Manager
Charlotte Hall Veterans Home
12.2018 - 05.2021
Assistant Director of Nursing
Genesis HealthCare
05.2017 - 12.2018
Nursing Unit Manager
Restore health &rehabilitation
12.2016 - 05.2017
Registered Nurse
Nightingale Nursing
06.2016 - 12.2016
Registered Nurse
Dorsey run correctional facility
01.2016 - 06.2016
Critical Care Unit Registered Nurse
University of MD Charles regional medical center
04.2014 - 02.2016
Long-Term Care Registered Nurse
Calvert County nursing center
01.2013 - 05.2013
Telemetry Registered Nurse
Calvert memorial hospital
04.2012 - 02.2013
Telementry Registered Nurse
Western Maryland Hospital Center
02.2011 - 04.2012
- Maryland Board of Nursing
- License# R194727 EXP: July 2025
- BLS: EXP March 2,2026
- NIH Stroke
- IPC-CDC: EXP MAy 2025
Associate of Science - Nursing
Allegany College of Maryland
Some College (No Degree) - Pre Nursing
Garrett College
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