Debra Smith
Douglasville,Georgia
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Nurse Manager
Wellstar Douglas Hospital
Douglasville, Georgia
02.2015 - Current
- Coordinated interdisciplinary team meetings to review patient progress and plan care strategies.
- Participated in strategic planning initiatives designed to improve overall operations.
- Resolved conflicts between staff members in an efficient manner.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
- Implemented strategies that improved operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Received and investigated complaints from families, patients and clinical staff, devising solutions to multifaceted challenges.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss concerns or issues related to nursing practices.
- Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact and evaluate patient care plans.
- Improved patient outcomes through peer groups and facilitating continuing education.
- Monitored quality assurance activities for compliance with standards of care.
- Participated in the recruitment, interviewing, selection, orientation of new employees.
- Managed the scheduling of personnel assignments based on patient acuity levels.
- Applied clinical judgment and comprehensive knowledge of facility policies to assist floor nurses with patient care decisions.
RN, Medical-Surgical
Wellstar Cobb Hospital
Austell, Georgia
03.2003 - 02.2008
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Provided ongoing education opportunities for staff regarding changes in policies and procedures.
- Observed nurse administration of oral, intramuscular, and IV medications to patients as prescribed, monitoring responses for adverse reactions.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Provided compassionate care for patients with chronic illnesses or terminal conditions.
- Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
- Responded quickly and effectively to life-saving situations using nursing standards and protocols for treatment.
- Collaborated with health groups to plan or implement programs designed to improve overall health of communities.
- Developed individualized patient-care plans based on physician instructions and nursing assessment of patient needs.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Observed vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, weight and height measurements; documented results accurately in medical record system.
RN, Emergency Department
Parkway Medical Center
Lithia Springs, Georgia
- Triaged and treated high-volume caseload in busy emergency room setting.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- Treated patients by administering various types of medications and therapies.
- Monitored patient conditions to identify concerning changes and mitigate symptoms.
- Implemented infection control measures to prevent the spread of contagious diseases within the emergency department.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times.
- Answered patient questions and provided take-home materials for further information.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Provided emotional support to family members during traumatic events in the ER setting.
- Responded quickly to life threatening situations by providing advanced cardiac life support measures when needed.
RN, Medical-Surgical
Lutheran General Hospital
Park Ridge, IL
- Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Administered medications and treatments as directed and as appropriate for patient's medical care in collaboration with multi-disciplinary team.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for in-patient care.
- Observed vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, weight and height measurements; documented results accurately in medical record system.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Exhibited professionalism and leadership to peers by participating in professional activities and continuing education.
- Counseled patients regarding health maintenance, lifestyle modifications, nutrition, and self-care skills related to their diagnosis.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ05-2017
Associate of Science - Nursing
Wytheville Community College
Wytheville, VA06-1991
Master of Science -
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZSkills
- Patient education and advocacy
- Department management
- Medication tracking
- Multitasking and organization
- Medical administration
- Crisis intervention
- Staff leadership
- Hiring and terminations
- Staff development
- Budget management
- Conflict management
- Corrective action implementation
Affiliations
- Participated Peach Tree Road Race,
- American Heart Walk
- Volunteered at Community Health Events
- Volunteered at Hospital Trunk or Treat and Fall Festival
- Work in Church nursery during services
- Take food to homeless shelters
Timeline
Nurse Manager
Wellstar Douglas Hospital
02.2015 - Current
RN, Medical-Surgical
Wellstar Cobb Hospital
03.2003 - 02.2008
RN, Emergency Department
Parkway Medical Center
RN, Medical-Surgical
Lutheran General Hospital
Bachelor of Science -
Grand Canyon University
Associate of Science - Nursing
Wytheville Community College
Master of Science -
Grand Canyon University
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