Debra Reak
Summary
Seasoned nursing professional offering proven clinical knowledge, natural interpersonal strengths and technical abilities. Knowledgeable about EPIC charting, chemotherapy administration and interdisciplinary collaboration focused on optimizing patient care and support. Quality-focused and efficiency-driven leader.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Nurse
Baptist Cancer Center
08.2015 - 09.2024
- Lead / Head nurse in chemotherapy infusion department for 27 chairs. Responsible for overseeing patient care, staff management and day to day operations for cancer and infusion patients.
- Coordinated care with physicians, physician nurses, chemotherapy infusion nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians, and insurance / financial counselors to provide superior quality care through critical thinking and framework of the nursing process.
- Assisted physicians and physician nurses with placing chemotherapy orders in Epic.
- Scheduled patients for new start chemotherapy and other infusions.
- Coordinated care with 30-40 staff members by providing comprehensive nursing guidance and maintaining outstanding patient satisfaction and care standards. Those included physicians, nurses, pharmacists, navigators, lab techs, and insurance / financial counselors.
- Educated patients with new chemotherapy and possible side effects.
- Assisted with payroll.
- Assisted with interviewing new candidates for employment and participated with training when hired.
- Blended caring, compassion, knowledge and integrity to provide safe quality care that preserves patient autonomy, dignity and rights.
- Customer rounding for patient satisfaction surveys.
- Strengthened unit care standards and policies with focus on patient safety and dignity.
- Led multidisciplinary team meetings to review patient progress, adjust care plans as needed, and ensure optimal collaboration among healthcare providers.
- Optimized inventory management processes to prevent stockouts while maintaining cost effectiveness.
- Built strong relationships with patients and caregivers providing support and education regarding treatment options and health management strategies.
- Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise.
- Performed monthly audits in EPIC for compliance.
Advanced Nurse Clinician
Baptist Desoto Hospital
04.2011 - 08.2015
- Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments for Oncology / Med Surg floor for 42 beds.
- Conducted daily shift briefs to inform staff of changes in patient care assignments.
- Promoted a safe working environment by adhering to infection control policies and regularly reviewing safety protocols.
- Served as a liaison between nursing staff, physicians, and management, fostering open communication channels among all parties involved in patient care.
Charge Nurse / Myelosuppression Unit
Baptist Memorial Hospital
03.2005 - 04.2011
- Maintained accurate and detailed documentation of patient assessments, interventions, progress notes, and discharge planning activities in electronic medical records systems for 19 bed unit.
- Provided emotional support for oncology patients experiencing distress related to their diagnoses or treatments, utilizing active listening skills and empathetic communication techniques.
- Assessed patients during course of treatment to identify concerning reactions.
- Educated patients and their caregivers about cancer diagnoses, treatment options, symptom management strategies, and available support resources.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop individualized care plans for oncology patients, promoting optimal treatment outcomes.
- Assisted with care post stem cell transplant patients.
- Precepted new nurse hires.
Registered Nurse
Trinity Healthcare for Baptist Desoto Hospital
10.2004 - 03.2005
- Duties included patient assessment for 7 - 10 patients for a Med Surg Unit. Charge Nurse for 36 bed unit. Preceptor for new nurse hires.
Oncology Outpatient Registered Nurse
The Family Cancer Center
06.2004 - 10.2004
- Duties included compounding and administration of chemotherapy. Provided education for patients and caregivers. Phone nurse. Precept medications for insurances. Worked closely with 4 physicians.
Lead Oncology Nurse
Ochsner Clinic Foundation
09.2003 - 04.2004
- Duties included compounding and administration of chemotherapy. Provided education to patients and caregivers. Ordered all medications and supplies. Manged medical assistant and other personnel.
Oncology Nurse
East Jefferson General Hospital Health
01.2001 - 09.2003
- Duties included patient assessment of 4-6 oncology patients.
- Administered chemotherapy, pain medications and other medicines based on physician orders and patient requirements.
- Maintained detailed documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes using electronic health record systems.
- Preceptor for new nursing hires.
Oncology Nurse
Jackson Madison County General Hospital
05.1995 - 01.2000
- Duties included patient assessment of 2-7 oncology patients. Charge nurse for 42 bed unit.
- Administered chemotherapy, pain medications and other medicines based on physician orders and patient requirements.
- Preceptor for new nursing hires.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Jackson State Community College
Jackson, TN05-1995
Skills
- Over 29 years of Oncology experience including inpatient and outpatient care
- Clinical leadership
- Compassionate care
- Nursing expertise
- Ethical practice
- Instructor for chemotherapy classes for new hires
- Preceptor for new hires
- Clinical training
- Medical record auditing
- Staff education
- Multitasking and organization
- Patient education and advocacy
- Critical thinking
- Strong clinical judgment
- Clinical expertise
- Electronic charting expertise
Timeline
Head Nurse
Baptist Cancer Center
08.2015 - 09.2024
Advanced Nurse Clinician
Baptist Desoto Hospital
04.2011 - 08.2015
Charge Nurse / Myelosuppression Unit
Baptist Memorial Hospital
03.2005 - 04.2011
Registered Nurse
Trinity Healthcare for Baptist Desoto Hospital
10.2004 - 03.2005
Oncology Outpatient Registered Nurse
The Family Cancer Center
06.2004 - 10.2004
Lead Oncology Nurse
Ochsner Clinic Foundation
09.2003 - 04.2004
Oncology Nurse
East Jefferson General Hospital Health
01.2001 - 09.2003
Oncology Nurse
Jackson Madison County General Hospital
05.1995 - 01.2000
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Jackson State Community College
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