DEBORAH THOMAS
Purcellville,VA
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse Leader with progressive career history in direct patient care, triage and care coordination in fast-paced environment. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Coordinator
Reston Hospital Center
03.2021 - 08.2023
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Collected blood, tissue, and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Oversaw delivery of care for patients on medical-surgical unit, providing direct care, delegating nursing assignments and supervising team comprised of nurses, LPNs, technicians, and unit clerks.
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
Registered Nurse, Pediatrics
Inova Loudoun Hospital
09.2000 - 08.2020
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Collected blood, tissue, and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
Army Nurse
United States Army
08.1996 - 08.2000
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Performed routine wound care and dressing changes on schedule.
- Remained calm during high-stress, critical situations, demonstrating sustained focus and problem-solving in real-time.
- Assessed patients to determine individual needs and develop care plans in coordination with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
- Identified and assisted with opportunities for performance improvement activities on unit and with other service areas.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Education
Army Nurse Officer Training
Officer Basic Course United States Army
San Antonio, TX11.1996
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Northeastern University
Boston, MA06.1996
Skills
- Medical Assessment
- Chart Updating
- Vaccine Administration
- Nursing Staff Leadership
- Wound Care
- Precepting
- Telemetry Monitoring
- Proper Catheter Insertion/Removal
- Team Coordination
- Emergency Procedures
Accomplishments
- Training - Trained team of staff nurses and nursing assistants in unit protocols and procedures to ensure consistent quality of care.
- Supervision - Headed onboarding process for new nursing staff.
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Coordinator
Reston Hospital Center
03.2021 - 08.2023
Registered Nurse, Pediatrics
Inova Loudoun Hospital
09.2000 - 08.2020
Army Nurse
United States Army
08.1996 - 08.2000
Army Nurse Officer Training
Officer Basic Course United States Army
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Northeastern University