Deborah Cousar Cook
Hopkims,SC
Summary
Dedicated Registered Nurse with extensive experience in acute and critical care. Expertise in care coordination, EMR documentation, and infection control. Proven ability in medication administration, wound care, and vital sign monitoring. Strong communication and teamwork skills enhance patient education and handoffs. Committed to efficient, compassionate care within a multidisciplinary team.
Overview
1
1
Certification
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
Williams R. Byars
Columbia, SC
02.2026 - Current
- Administered medications and treatments per physician orders, ensuring patient adherence and safety.
- Administered medications and treatments per physician orders
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to the charge nurse
- Observed vital signs to assess patient health and stability. and shared changes with charge nurse.
- Assisted physicians with exams, procedures, and bedside care
- Educated patients and families on care plans and discharge steps
- Coordinated handoffs with interdisciplinary team members at Williams R. Byars
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Recorded patient progress notes in an electronic medical record system, facilitating effective communication and continuity of care.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
Registered Nurse
Creative Home Health Care LLC
Columbia, South Carolina
01.2009 - Current
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
- Recognized and addressed complications in patients while coordinating treatment with the critical care team members to enhance patient outcomes.
- Assessed clinical situations using critical thinking skills, ensuring timely and accurate interventions.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
- Educated patients and families on self-management, prevention, and wellness strategies to promote long-term health.
- Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
- Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate a safe, clean patient environment.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in nursing practices by attending continuing education classes or seminars.
Registered Nurse
Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center
Hopkins, South Carolina
05.2021 - 09.2026
- Administered medications and treatments per physician orders
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to the charge nurse
- Documented nursing notes in patient charts and records
- Assisted physicians with exams, procedures, and bedside care
- Provided wound care and maintained clean, safe patient rooms
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- 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.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of the critical care team.
- Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate a safe, clean patient environment.
- Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
- Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans.
- Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
- Counseled patients regarding medication side effects or lifestyle changes necessary for improved health outcomes.
- Created, implemented and evaluated patient care plans with medical team.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
- Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives within the department.
Registered Nurse
Prisma Health Richland Emergency Department
Columbia, South Carolina
08.2013 - 02.2026
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
- Administered medications and treatments according to physician orders.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to the charge nurse
- Documented nursing notes in patient charts and records
- Assisted physicians with exams, procedures, and bedside care
- Provided wound care and maintained clean, safe patient rooms
- Educated patients and families on care plans and discharge steps to enhance understanding and compliance
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- 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.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices and hospital policies to ensure high standards of care.
- Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
- Supported patients' rights and values while ensuring their needs were met during care, by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of the critical care team.
- Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate a safe, clean patient environment.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times to alleviate stress and promote well-being.
- Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
Education
Associate Degree in Nursing - Psychiatric Nursing
Midlands Technical College
West Columbia, SC05-1997
Skills
- Medication administration
- Vital sign monitoring
- EMR charting
- Wound care
- Care planning
- Patient assessment
- Infection control
- Medication reconciliation
- Discharge planning
- Interdisciplinary coordination
- Clinical judgment
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication
- Attention to detail
- Team collaboration
- EMR / EHR
- Licensed RN
- Care planning
- Patient support
- IV administration
- Patient advocacy
- Crisis intervention
- Mentoring new nurses
- Health screening
- Chart maintenance
- Patient discharge
- Patient care
- Acute care expertise
- Mental health care
- Home health care
- HIPAA education
- EMR systems
- Direct nursing care
Certification
- Register Nurse Associate Degree
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Williams R. Byars
02.2026 - Current
Registered Nurse
Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center
05.2021 - 09.2026
Registered Nurse
Prisma Health Richland Emergency Department
08.2013 - 02.2026
Registered Nurse
Creative Home Health Care LLC
01.2009 - Current
Associate Degree in Nursing - Psychiatric Nursing
Midlands Technical College