Debra A. Puerner
Albany,OR
Summary
Dedicated nurse practitioner with extensive experience in delivering exceptional, compassionate care to patients with complex needs. Proficient in active listening and empathetic communication, facilitating meaningful discussions with patients and families to ensure care wishes are respected. A strong advocate for patient-centered care, committed to empowering individuals in creating personalized care plans that align with unique goals and needs. Continuously seeks diverse training opportunities, to enhance understanding of patient care options and develop innovative skills.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Hospice Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Samaritan Evergreen Hospice
05.2023 - Current
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, building trust and easing emotional burden of end-of-life care.
- Cared for patients in 12 bed inpatient unit and managed outpatient average census of 170
- Managed patients with complex care needs while ensuring the highest level of care for each patient under my supervision.
- Increased patient satisfaction by addressing emotional, spiritual, and physical needs holistically.
- Advocated for patients' wishes regarding end-of-life care, ensuring their preferences were respected and met.
- Initiated innovative treatment with Ketamine Assisted therapy to address end of life existential distress, anxiety and depression.
- Assisted in training new hospice nurses, and nurse practitioners sharing expertise in end-of-life care best practices.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of current research findings in palliative care nursing practice through ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Prescribed and managed pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to treat underlying causes and relieve symptoms.
Palliative Medicine Nurse Practitioner, APNP
Aspirus Wausau Hospital
04.2021 - 04.2023
- Primary palliative care provider for 258 bed hospital during COVID-19
- Advocated for patients to ensure they received necessary resources and support from healthcare providers and insurance companies alike.
- Facilitated difficult goals of care conversations with patients and families ensuring their preferences were respected and met
- Prescribed and managed pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to treat underlying causes and relieve symptoms.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, building trust and easing emotional burden of end-of-life care.
- Assisted in training new hospice nurses, and nurse practitioners sharing expertise in end-of-life care best practices.
- Mentored nursing staff to enhance their clinical knowledge, skills, and confidence in practice.
Adult Sleep Medicine Nurse Practitioner, APNP
Marshfield Clinic Health System
02.2019 - 03.2021
- Educated patients on disease prevention and management strategies, promoting healthier lifestyles.
- Assessed and diagnosed patients, determining appropriate treatment plans in a timely manner.
- Discussed care plans with patients and explained test results and proper use of medications.
- Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests to develop and implement treatment plans.
- Monitored and evaluated patient progress, adjusting care plans as needed to achieve desired results.
- Educated patients on treatment options, medical needs, and non-medical options for treatments and therapy.
Adult Sleep Medicine Nurse Practitioner, ARNP
Jefferson Healthcare
06.2016 - 01.2019
- Built practice by providing compassionate care and effectively listening to patient needs ensuring their treatment was effective
- Assessed and diagnosed patients, determining appropriate treatment plans in a timely manner.
- Discussed care plans with patients and explained test results and proper use of medications.
- Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests to develop and implement treatment plans.
- Monitored and evaluated patient progress, adjusting care plans as needed to achieve desired results.
- Educated patients on treatment options, medical needs, and non-medical options for treatments and therapy.
- Prescribed and managed pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to treat underlying causes and relieve symptoms.
Adult Palliative Nurse Practitioner, ARNP
CHI Franciscan
06.2015 - 01.2016
- Assessed patients to determine individual needs and develop care plans in coordination with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to optimize patient care and streamline processes.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple co-morbidities through diligent monitoring of disease progression and proactive intervention strategies.
- Coordinated with physicians, specialists, and other medical staff to develop treatment plans for chronic conditions and end of life care
- Reduced medication errors by meticulously reviewing patient medications
- Assisted in training new nurses sharing expertise in end-of-life care best practices.
- Prescribed and managed pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to treat underlying causes and relieve symptoms.
- Advocated for patients' wishes regarding end-of-life care, ensuring their preferences were respected and met.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, building trust and easing emotional burden of end-of-life care.
Adult Palliative Nurse Practitioner, ARNP
MultiCare Health System
12.2013 - 06.2015
- Evaluated patients being evaluated for LVAD program and their goals of care, presence of advanced directives.
- Assessed patients to determine individual needs and develop care plans in coordination with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple co-morbidities through diligent monitoring of disease progression and proactive intervention strategies.
- Coordinated with physicians, specialists, and other medical staff to develop treatment plans for chronic conditions and end of life care
- Prescribed and managed pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to treat underlying causes and relieve symptoms.
- Increased patient satisfaction by addressing emotional, spiritual, and physical needs holistically.
- Advocated for patients' wishes regarding end-of-life care, ensuring their preferences were respected and met.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, building trust and easing emotional burden of end-of-life care.
Patient Care Coordinator, RN
Franciscan Hospice House
03.2009 - 11.2013
- Coordination of care provided by the interdisciplinary team, for acutely ill hospice patients
- Preceptor to new employees and nursing students
- Cerner Super-user
- Delivered expert, complex pain and symptom management
Clinical Leader, RN/CNS
Hospice of Kitsap County Hospice Care Center
09.2008 - 03.2009
- Creation of process improvements for 15 bed inpatient unit
- Education and mentoring of staff
Palliative Care Consultant, CNS
The Denver Hospice
04.2008 - 08.2008
- Collaboration with area primary/attending physicians regarding pain and symptom management for community-based patients with life limiting illness
- Patient/family education regarding palliative/hospice care
Education Coordinator/Team Leader/Compliance Officer, CNS
Hospice of Saint John
08.2007 - 03.2008
- Created new hire orientation and educational offerings
- Managed interdisciplinary team members for inpatient unit
- QUAPI
Education
Master of Science - Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine
University of Western States
Portland, OR2017
Post-Master’s Certificate - Adult Nurse Practitioner
University of Washington
Seattle, WA2013
Master of Science - Nursing
University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center
Denver, CO2007
Post-Master’s Certificate - Clinical Nurse Specialist-Palliative Care
University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center
Denver, CO2007
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing
Madison, WI2004
Skills
- Empathetic patient support
- Clinical evaluation
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Comprehensive patient evaluations
- Advanced care planning
- Pain and symptom management
- Responsive to new challenges
- Patient education
- Engaged listening
- Problem-solving skills
- Emotional support and patient advocacy
Certification
- Nurse Practitioner license Oregon
- RN license Oregon
- DEA license
- ANCC- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)-2023
- Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN) 2014-2018
- Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN) 2008- 2012
- End-of-Life Nursing Education (ELNEC) Advanced Practice Registered Nurse 2014
- End-of-Life Nursing Education (ELNEC) CORE 2007
Awards
October 2009 Award: The Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses
Timeline
Hospice Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Samaritan Evergreen Hospice
05.2023 - Current
Palliative Medicine Nurse Practitioner, APNP
Aspirus Wausau Hospital
04.2021 - 04.2023
Adult Sleep Medicine Nurse Practitioner, APNP
Marshfield Clinic Health System
02.2019 - 03.2021
Adult Sleep Medicine Nurse Practitioner, ARNP
Jefferson Healthcare
06.2016 - 01.2019
Adult Palliative Nurse Practitioner, ARNP
CHI Franciscan
06.2015 - 01.2016
Adult Palliative Nurse Practitioner, ARNP
MultiCare Health System
12.2013 - 06.2015
Patient Care Coordinator, RN
Franciscan Hospice House
03.2009 - 11.2013
Clinical Leader, RN/CNS
Hospice of Kitsap County Hospice Care Center
09.2008 - 03.2009
Palliative Care Consultant, CNS
The Denver Hospice
04.2008 - 08.2008
Education Coordinator/Team Leader/Compliance Officer, CNS
Hospice of Saint John
08.2007 - 03.2008
Master of Science - Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine
University of Western States
Post-Master’s Certificate - Adult Nurse Practitioner
University of Washington
Master of Science - Nursing
University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center
Post-Master’s Certificate - Clinical Nurse Specialist-Palliative Care
University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing
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