Dawn Ritchie
Selden
Summary
in collaborATING Successful in collaborating well with doctors and the rest of the health care team. Adaptable professional with a quick-learning ability and a talent for adjusting to new environments. Skilled in rapidly acquiring new knowledge and applying it effectively. Driven by a passion for continuous learning and successfully navigating change. Experienced rheumatology infusion nurse, as well as an experienced palliative care nurse.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
RN
Coram Specialty Infusion Services
Plainview
03.2012 - 07.2016
- Provided emotional support to patients dealing with chronic illness or end of life situations.
- Tracked disease progression and recovery and coordinated adjustments to keep patients on track with targets.
- Instructed patients and caregivers regarding proper administration techniques of IV medications or treatments using aseptic technique.
- Attended to patients to care for IVs, catheters and ports and deliver important treatments for acute and chronic concerns.
- Administered intravenous medications in accordance with physician orders and nursing standards.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Attended continuing education programs relevant to Home Infusion Nursing practice.
- Provided education and instruction to patients on the proper use of home infusion equipment.
- Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists, case managers, social workers, nutritionists, therapists and other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive patient care.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Obtained laboratory specimens for analysis as required by the physician or protocol.
- Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Assessed and monitored patient's response to medication, treatments, and therapies to ensure safety and efficacy of care.
- Administered medications autonomously and followed-up on previous treatments.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
- Maintained accurate documentation related to patient visits including evaluation notes and progress reports.
- Ensured adherence to infection control protocols within the home setting.
- Developed individualized plans of care based on assessment data that addressed identified needs of each patient and family unit.
- Educated patients about treatments, potential side effects and important care requirements.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
RN
Mount Sinai Health System
Nesconset
02.2013 - 01.2016
- Managed complex cases involving multiple diagnoses or treatments.
- Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Evaluated patient response to treatments and adjusted medication dosages accordingly.
- Administered intravenous medications and fluids to patients according to physician orders.
- Administered oral and IV medications, monitored patient reactions, infusion sites for any adverse reactions, such as IV infiltration, and monitored vital signs.
- Documented data such as types of solution used, amount administered, rate of administration, duration of treatment, and other relevant information into electronic medical record systems.
- Emotionally supported patients during treatments and gave information on support groups and therapy services.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Mixed medications for chemotherapy and immuno-suppressant infusions, carefully following physician specifications.
Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
Stonybrook University Hospital
Stony Brook
06.2008 - 03.2013
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Participated in interdisciplinary rounds on each assigned unit at least once per week.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Coordinated discharge planning to ensure continuity of care post-hospitalization.
- Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
- Developed individualized plans of care based on assessment data that addressed identified problems or needs.
- Provided emotional support to patients dealing with difficult diagnoses or lifestyle changes.
- Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact and evaluate patient care plans.
- Performed wound care, catheter insertion and removal, intravenous therapy, medication administration, and other treatments as ordered by physicians.
- Provided patient care plans in accordance with physician orders and established nursing protocols.
- Ensured accurate documentation of patient records according to hospital policy.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while providing timely responses to requests from other departments.
- Supervised CNAs and other staff delivering care in setting by coaching and supporting.
- Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
- Utilized evidence-based guidelines while providing quality nursing care services.
- Completed required forms and chart documentation of vital signs, medications and other information.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Educated families about nutrition, hygiene needs and home safety measures for successful discharge planning.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
- Promoted continuity of care by accurately communicating patient information during shift change report times.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members to ensure best possible outcomes for the patient's recovery.
- Instructed patients on pre-and post-operative care instructions, diet modifications, medications and self-care techniques.
- Participated in educational activities such as seminars or conferences related to professional development or new technology advancements.
- Initiated admissions, transitions and discharges by communicating with colleagues as well as patients and family members.
- Communicated effectively with all levels of personnel within the healthcare setting regarding patient care issues.
- Maintained a safe environment for staff members and patients through infection control practices or safety protocols.
CNA
Stony Brook University Hospital
Stony Brook
05.2006 - 06.2008
- Assisted residents in preparing for activities and social programs.
- Observed patients for any physical or emotional changes, reported findings to medical staff immediately.
- Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
- Reminded patients to take prescribed medications or nutritional supplements.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to ensure quality patient care was delivered at all times.
- Supplied, collected and emptied patient bedpans on frequent basis.
- Used mobility devices to transport patients.
- Transported residents within the facility as needed.
- Measured and recorded food and liquid intake and output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
- Facilitated activities of daily living, personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Assisted in preparing meals according to prescribed diets while monitoring food consumption levels.
- Answered patient call lights promptly and responded to requests appropriately.
- Shaved and draped patients to prepare for surgery, treatment or examination.
- Distributed drinking water and nourishment to residents.
- Exhibited compassionate care and communication regarding issues surrounding death and dying.
- Assisted patients in ambulation and transfers using proper body mechanics.
- Assisted nurses with wound care for pressure ulcers, bed sores and surgical site wounds.
- Helped residents walk with or without self-help devices.
- Collected specimens, monitored vitals and maximized patient comfort to maintain optimal environment.
- Assisted with lifting patients to move on or off beds, examination tables and surgical tables.
- Reported changes in patient conditions to registered nurse or physician.
- Looked for physical, emotional, and symptomatic changes in patient condition and obtained necessary care for medical concerns.
- Safeguarded patient privacy with strict adherence to HIPAA protocols.
- Collected specimens from patients for laboratory testing purposes.
- Rendered hands-on nursing care under direct RN supervision, adhering to medical center policies and procedures.
- Planned and served meals and snacks to patients according to prescribed diets.
- Performed vital sign assessments, such as taking blood pressure and temperature.
- Communicated with patients to determine feelings, need for assistance or social and emotional support.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Illinois City, IL03-2025
Associate of Science - Nursing
Suffolk Community College
Selden, NY06-2008
Skills
- Patient assessment
- Intravenous administration
- Electronic medical records
- Care coordination
- Medication management
- Crisis intervention
- Patient education
- Geriatric care
- Health promotion
- Quality improvement
- Team collaboration
- Clinical documentation
- Basic life support
- Discharge planning
- Compassion and empathy
- Patient and family advocacy
- Feeding pumps
- EMR systems
- Gastrostomy tube care
- Culturally sensitive
- Wound care
- Patient assessments
- IV and venipuncture certified
- Direct and indirect patient care
- ADL assistance
- Infant CPR certified
- HIPAA education
- EMR / EHR
- Care planning
- Policy compliance
- Neurology
- Hospice care
- Professional bedside manner
Certification
- RN license
- Associates degree nurse
- BSN
- BLS health care provider CPR certified
Accomplishments
I just received an award certificate from the Town of Brookhaven board members for graduating with my BSN in nursing, while prioritizing family needs, taking care of my adult daughter with CP and LGS epilepsy, who requires total care, has a feeding tube and is wheelchair bound. I also foster and adopt senior hospice dogs.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
RN
Mount Sinai Health System
02.2013 - 01.2016
RN
Coram Specialty Infusion Services
03.2012 - 07.2016
Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
Stonybrook University Hospital
06.2008 - 03.2013
CNA
Stony Brook University Hospital
05.2006 - 06.2008
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Associate of Science - Nursing
Suffolk Community College
Similar Profiles
Dillon DoanDillon Doan
Registered Nurse/Primary Nurse Case Manager at Coram Specialty Infusion Services/Home InfusionRegistered Nurse/Primary Nurse Case Manager at Coram Specialty Infusion Services/Home Infusion
Vanessa HeiseVanessa Heise
Medical Authorization Specialist at Coram Specialty Infusion ServicesMedical Authorization Specialist at Coram Specialty Infusion Services
Ashley IsenbergAshley Isenberg
Patient Care Coordinator at Coram Specialty Infusion ServicesPatient Care Coordinator at Coram Specialty Infusion Services
Amber ZelenkaAmber Zelenka
Music Teacher at Music And ArtsMusic Teacher at Music And Arts
Nickolaus DowseNickolaus Dowse
Interventional Radiologic Technologist at NYU SuffolkInterventional Radiologic Technologist at NYU Suffolk